Newsletter Inkaterra February 2009

Inkaterra Authentic Nature Travel



	In 1975, Inkaterra opened a lodge for scientists who came to study Peru’s rainforest, long before eco-tourism was trendy. We are pleased to bring you our Green Edition, an update about Inkaterra’s research and conservation projects, our eco activities, as well as environmental reports from Peru’s foremost destinations, the Southeastern Amazon and the Andean cloud forest.




Inkaterra established the NGO Inka Terra Asociacion to efficiently self support their research, conservation, educational and social development programs. This non profit organization develops scientific, technological, social and cultural research in order to manage and protect the biodiversity of Peru’s Andes and Amazon Rainforest. Inkaterra & ITA’s Programs Rooted in Research Inkaterra, through ITA initiated its Conservation programs with Research, which involve sponsoring international scientists and local experts who conduct ecosystem studies, habitats, biodiversity, flora and fauna inventory, conservation status of species, potential species for use in bio trade and direct use and sociological studies of the natives, customs, culture and archaeology. MORE INFO

Book mark these To date, Inkaterra has produced publications on its research activities such as the coffee table book, “Orchids at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel,” “The Lives of Amphibians & Reptiles in the Amazon Forest” by William Duellman from Cornell University, “Flórula de la Reserva Ecológica Inkaterra” published by ITA and Missouri Botanical Garden and various Birds, Orchid & Butterflies Field Guides. Inkaterra also produced Bird Call CDs and Interactive DVD for educational purposes. MORE INFO Eco Practices Inkaterra conservation programs in all hotels are carried out by ITA, as well as ecological and economical best practices in all of its sustainable tourism operations through cost-saving measures, selection, quality and transport of supplies, solid waste management, proper orientation and training of all staff. All Inkaterra hotels eco-excursions are led by highly trained, knowledgeable and conscientious expert guides-interpreters. MORE INFO Naturally Carbon Neutral Inkaterra protects more than 17,000 hectares of original forest, which captures 3,315,000 tons of carbon. Dr. Oliver Philips and Dr. Timothy R. Baker, University of Leeds and Institute for Earth and Biosphere, professor-specialists, initiated this measurement in 1989 at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, the first in Peru. Also Inkaterra hotels use clean technology and eco-friendly practices. With these programs, Inkaterra has become a truly Carbon-Neutral organization, and every guest at Inkaterra hotels has a 100% Carbon Neutral stay. MORE INFO

Cultural heritage conservation In Cusco, the city’s first boutique hotel reflects the city’s mélange of cultures and traditions. A striking 16th century mansion has been meticulously restored, maintaining the original design and architecture from Inca to Spanish, so guests can appreciate the patina of time. Re-live the traditions at La Casona that provide the privileged exposure to Cusco’s hybrid history and its majestic past. MORE INFO


	Inkaterra’s responsible tourism philosophy evolved organically out of founder José Koechlin Von Stein’s devotion to the conservation and preservation of both Peru’s ecology and local communities. Predicting that the future of Peru’s ecosystems depended on the knowledge and management of the biodiversity, in 1979 he started the first private natural reserve in Peru, the Reserva Ecológica de Inkaterra/REI (Inkaterra Ecological Reserve), through the management of 10,000 hectares that the Peruvian government gave him for research and tourism. Since then the REI has been the innovative base behind studies and researches made by over a hundred foreign and Peruvian scientists carrying out ecological and ethological studies, as well as biodiversity inventories.




	His commitment to this cause has led Inkaterra to be considered a leader in sustainable tourism receiving support from the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation arm, the United Nations Global Environment Facility and recognition from a host of organizations including the National Geographic Society, Conservation International and Sustainable Travel International.

		At the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda Walk that is. Get an insight on the wildlife assessments, endangered eco systems, flora and fauna species. Visit the natural resource management projects, such as Rolin Island Fauna Rescue Center and the Butterfly House in Puerto Maldonado. Excursions are included during guest’s stay at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. MORE INFO

		The NGO Inkaterra Asociación, together with the SERNARP (National Services for Natural Protected Areas), initiated the Spectacled Bear Conservation by installing a Rescue Center at Inkaterra Machu Picchu. The program includes reception, quarantine, feeding, re-adaptation, semi-liberation, sanitary control and ecological monitoring to ensures the support and protection of the endangered Andean bear species. MORE INFO

		Last year, Inkaterra welcomed volunteers at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica to conduct community cooperative projects at Gamitana Farm, a comprehensive model farmhouse. This 2009, a 1- to 3-week Volunteer program is launched again at Hacienda Concepcion and at the lodge inviting students, researchers, gap year volunteers, scientists or simply enthusiasts who wish to contribute to the preservation and rescue of Peru’s biodiversity, geography, and customs. Contact our Head of Environment & Conservation: dennis.osorio@inkaterra.com




	Through the years Inkaterra hotels has been recognized for its sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. INKATERRA RESERVA AMAZONICA garnered the following merits. • Most Extraordinary Canopy Walkway, National Geographic Magazine, January 2009 • Best Jungle Lodge, LATA Awards 2008, U.K. November 2008 • Hot List Top 10 Travel Trends Harrods 2009, U.K. October 2008 • Green Spaces Awards Finalist, Best Places to Stay Worldwide, The Times Travel U.K. Sept. 2008 • Los Mas Verdes y Chic, Los 5 mejores en el mundo, Revista Travesías, Mexico. August 2008 • 5 Best Eco Resorts, Travel Weekly Luxury, U.K. August 2008 Likewise, multi-awarded INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU also earned credits as follows. • World’s best ECO Spa, Unu Spa, Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Conde Nast Magazine, Concierge.com, Sept. 2008 • Top Ten Environmentally-Friendly Accommodations Tripadvisor • Top 5 Most Eco Friendly Hotel Virtuoso Awards 2007 • Best Practices Award for Sustainable Travel. National Geographic TRAVELER. May-June 2002 • American Orchid Society (AOS) Magazine May 2001 “Inkaterra Machu Picchu: The largest orchid collection that is open to the public. In all probability, it is also the world’s largest orchid species collection set in a natural environment in a private facility.”

WWW.INKATERRA.COM