Destination Peru - The Inkaterra Experience
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica;  Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo;  Inkaterra La Casona, Cuzco
​(Tour Report Jul 2012)
For a truly amazing holiday, we combined our visit to ​Machu Picchu ​with a visit to Peru's vibrant Amazon basin, with a pause at the Incas' "gateway" to the Sacred Valley ​at Cusco​, all done in great luxury and style with Peru's leading eco-tourism provider, ​Inkaterra!
​​In alliance with Relais & Châteaux and ​National Geographic ​amongst others, Inkaterra operates seven exclusive locations in Peru that range from the high Andes to the Pacific coast, and deep into the Amazon​.  Drawing on history and the local environment, Inkaterra ​hotels are staffed by quality teams that are passionate about providing only the very best of service and standards to their guests.  Offering hugely  different worlds for an unforgettable introduction to Peru​, let us describe how the Inkaterra Experience hosted us in style!

​Inkaterra Machu Picchu Peublo Hotel 
Most visitors to Machu Picchu fly into Cusco from Lima​, so tend to spend the first few days in this city, with its extraordinary number of historical sights.  They also use Cusco as a base to conduct day trips out to other sites of interest in the Sacred Valley, such as to the famous Sunday Market at Pisac​, or to the fascinating "Inca agro-laboratory" at Moray and nearby "Inca salt pans" of Maras​.   Because of the altitude (3,400m), it is in fact better to pass straight through Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo ​(2,000m)​ located at the foot of the Citadel, or to Ollantaytambo ​(2,790m) where some acclimatise for the ​Classic Inca Trail ​(highest point 4,200m).  In any case, any visit to Machu Picchu is enhanced 1000-fold by staying in Inkaterra's ​superb Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel!  A member of the ​National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World​, it offers superb comfort, service and cuisine, with its 83 cosy chalets, well equipped spa, and their own nature trails.  For a FULL REVIEW of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, click HERE!

Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco 
Our next Inkaterra Experience was in their fabulous Inkaterra La Casona ​in Cusco.  Over 400 years old, and one of the first colonial houses built by the early  Conquistadors, Pedro de Valdivia is said to have been accommodated here, as was Simon Bolivar in a later time.  Now beautifully restored and the centrepiece of the ​Inkaterra product, both the grace of this elegant building and the impeccable hosting by its staff are reasons enough to visit Cusco!  In alliance with Relais & Châteaux, the cuisine at Inkaterra La Casona ​is only rivalled by the attention that is given to guests by the "front of house" staff.  And all set against the backdrop of high elegance.  To fully appreciate the wonders of ​Cusco and the other sites in the Sacred Valley, AND to enjoy the very special Inkaterra La Casona experience, take some time out here before moving on!  For a FULL REVIEW of the Inkaterra La Casona experience, click HERE!

​Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Madre de Dios River
​For those who want to enjoy the Amazon in comfort, it takes a lot to beat the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica experience, on Peru's remote Madre de Dios River!  Usually accessed by air via Puerto Maldonado, then on by boat to the luxury eco-lodge, one quickly realises that we are now  deep into the Amazon here!  Yet despite this remoteness, the Inkaterra team take perfect care of their guests. The lodgings are well built and luxurious, and many adventures await their guests led by highly experienced and knowledgeable guides.  Excursions (by boat and/or hiking) allow for visits to Sandoval Lake in the Tambopata National Reserve, other hikes through the rainforest by day and at night, and an exciting canopy trail some 30m above the forest floor.  With luck, you will see all kinds of animals – mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, butterflies, insects, even spiders!  For a FULL REVIEW of the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica experience, click HERE!