Researchers from Inkaterra Asociación (ITA), the Department of Botany at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the National Institute of Biodiversity (INABIO) have identified yet another orchid species new to science, discovered in the orchid trails of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

According to the scientific journal PhytoKeys, Pleurothallis machupicchuensis named in honor of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu—is a small and rare epiphytic orchid that grows between 2,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level.

This new discovery took place during the 7th Scientific Conference on Andean Orchids, organized in November 2023 by Inkaterra Asociación. For years, this species was confused with another, but thanks to the dedication of Inkaterra Association biologist Daxs Coayla, along with researchers Alexander Damián, Marco Monteros, José Walston and Nicole Mitidieri, in addition to a painstaking analysis of herbaria and botanical libraries, it was confirmed as a new species to science.

“The discovery of Pleurothallis machupicchuensis highlights the importance of scientific research as a pillar for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Peru,” said José Koechlin, president of Inkaterra, pioneer of ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru since 1975. “With this new discovery, there are now 27 orchid species new to science discovered in the gardens of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, and described by fellow researchers of Inkaterra Asociación.”

Acknowledged as one of the World's Favorite Hotels and Resorts by Travel + Leisure magazine, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a pioneering example of regenerative tourism. Its grounds were originally used for grazing and tea cultivation. In 1976, Inkaterra began restoring the life cycle of the Machu Picchu cloud forest through the reforestation of native flora such as ferns, bromeliads, palm trees, and native trees such as queñual and pisonay.

The restoration of the Andean cloud forest allows Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel to be one of the world’s most biologically rich hotspots within urban limits. According to the American Orchid Society, this is home to the world's largest collection of native orchids in their natural habitat, with 372 recorded species. Furthermore, 311 bird species, recorded by eBird app (Cornell Lab of Ornithology), and 111 butterfly species have been found in the lush gardens of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The organic tea grown on the property won a gold medal at the 2023 Teas of the World Awards in Paris, as well as two silver medals in the 2024 competition.

In addition to the discovery of the new orchid species, Pleurothallis machupicchuensis, Inkaterra Asociación has contributed to positioning Machu Picchu as one of the leading global destinations for observing native orchids. In August 2023, the international exhibition "Orchids of Machu Picchu" was organized at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, one of Southeast Asia's most iconic attractions. In seven months, the exhibition drew a record 1.7 million visitors, making it the most visited exhibition ever on Peru's cultural and natural heritage.

As part of Inkaterra's 50th anniversary celebrations, the hotel brand has announced the publication of Machu Picchu: An Orchid Symphony by biologist Benjamín Collantes, in a deluxe edition with 425 orchid species native to this iconic destination, scheduled for publication in late 2025.

Located at the foot of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel was nominated for the "Most Instagrammable Hotel 2025" award by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine. The competition highlighted a selection of the 64 most visually stunning hotels in the world, inspiring travelers to take extraordinary photos to be posted on Instagram.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a charming Andean village nestled in the cloud forest, with 83 adobe houses hidden amid stone pathways, terraces, and waterfalls. Its gardens are home to the world's largest collection of native orchids (372 species) and 311 bird species according to eBird, including the iconic cock-of-the-rock and 18 species of hummingbirds. The restaurant welcomes guests to savor the pleasures of Andean cuisine, while the award-winning Unu Spa (“Water” in Quechua) offers a spiritual experience with its 100% natural botanical extracts, spring water pools, and candlelit Andean sauna.

It is worth mentioning that, in 2023, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba was also nominated for this Luxury Travel Advisor award. With spectacular views of the mountains and farmlands in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Cusco), Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba immerses its guests in open space and serenity. The architecture and interior design are inspired by the ancient traditions of Cusco. Mayu Spa ('River' in Quechua), built at the foot of the orchard and surrounded by a charming peppertree forest, offers a spiritual experience enriched by Andean traditions.

To book your stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, visit sales@inkaterra.com

Dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism as a means of preserving nature and local cultures, Green Pearls is a German agency that celebrates hotels and destinations that are leading the way in environmental commitment in the travel industry. Two recent articles on the Green Pearls blog highlight Inkaterra’s 50th anniversary, emphasizing the authenticity of its style and its vision as a pioneer of ecotourism in Peru.

The first article, “Shaped by Stories, Built with Nature” is a tribute to our beloved Denise Guislain, co-founder of Inkaterra, director of quality and design, and wife of founder José Koechlin von Stein. “She shaped the design of Inkaterra hotels with her eye, knowledge, and empathy. Her award-winning concepts combined historical and natural elements to create modern hotel architecture that is both aesthetically and ecologically compelling,” Green Pearls reflects. “Denise Guislain continues to espouse an architectural philosophy that reconciles tradition and modernity. Her designs are based on a deep appreciation of local building methods, traditional craftsmanship, and natural materials. Every detail, from the layout of the rooms to the choice of materials, is carefully coordinated to harmonize with the environment while providing travelers with the highest level of comfort. By using regional raw materials such as wood, stone, and clay, she has minimized the environmental footprint of the hotels while creating authentic retreats. Her goal: architecture that is not only sustainable but also tells stories - about the people, culture, and nature of Peru.”

The article "50 Years of Inkaterra: Holidays that Benefit Peru and its Nature" highlights the unique vision of the world's first Climate Positive hotel brand. “Peru is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world. However, mass tourism has left its mark. By traveling responsibly, with respect for nature and local communities, you have the opportunity to make a positive contribution as a tourist. Together with Inkaterra Hotels, which has been working for 50 years to preserve Peru’s natural and cultural treasures, we will show you how to experience the country in an authentic, immersive and sustainable way,” Green Pearls promises.

We celebrate our 50th anniversary by sharing with our readers the milestones that make Inkaterra the pioneering brand of ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru, through stories that have inspired and transformed the travel industry. Let’s start with the creation of our first lodge, Cusco Amazónico (now Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica).

In 1972, Joe Koechlin co-produced Werner Herzog's cult classic, Aguirre: The Wrath of God (1972). His foray into film production aimed to promote tourism in Peru by showcasing natural landscapes through cinema. A year later, he set out to find a prime location in the Peruvian Amazon to establish his first lodge. In the lower Madre de Dios, he found the ideal location, to allow travelers an authentic and immersive experience in one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet.

Accompanied by part of Aguirre's production team, including Jorge Enrique Seoane and Gustavo Cerf, Joe built the first cabanas of the Cusco Amazónico lodge, using only axes and machetes to minimize the impact on the environment. The architectural style and use of native materials were inspired by the Ese'Eja culture. However, Joe recalls that the services were far from the luxury standards for which Inkaterra is known today: to cater its first clients—a group from the Banque Nationale de Paris—army mattresses were borrowed and arrived an hour before the passengers' arrival. Each traveler had to bring their own pillow, and towels and blankets were distributed at check-in. The showers were outdoors, and a canoe served as a washbasin. It was all part of the adventure for those who dared to explore the Peruvian jungle back in the mid-seventies.