Initiatives on biodiversity conservation are managed by NGO Inkaterra Asociación. These include the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a bridge system at 100ft above the ground designed to study wildlife in the rainforest canopy; the Spectacled Bear Rescue Center at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, in benefit of the only bear species native to South America; the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) found in its natural habitat; and the World Birding Rally, an international competition unique for its non-stop modality, which aims to confirm Peru as a top destination for bird watching.

The first Peruvian enterprise to be declared carbon neutral (1989), Inkaterra mitigates the effects of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest whilst contributed with carbon sequestration through the preservation of Peru’s first ecological concession, with more than 10,000 hectares of virgin rainforest. As determined by Professor Tim Baker (University of Leeds), one hectare conserved within Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica o Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion captures 200 tons of carbon.

More than 4,000 locals have been trained since Inkaterra was founded. Career opportunities on hospitality, field guidance and agroforestry projects on cacao and Brazil nut, are bonded to Inkaterra’s sustainable approach. Workshops and conferences are constantly organized for local communities to raise awareness on environmental care.

Inkaterra annually caters to more than 200,000 travellers. It has been recipient of the 2015 PURE Award on the ‘Contribution to Experiential Travel’ category; the Relais & Châteaux Environment Trophy (2013); WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in the Conservation Category (2012); Travel+Leisure Global Vision Award (2011); and National Geographic Traveler’s Best Practices Award for Sustainable Travel (2002). In 2012 Inkaterra became the first world hotel enterprise to be recognized with the International Certificate in Sustainable Tourism by the CU Green Choice Sustainable Tourism Standard.