Inkaterra develops and implements, through the NGO Inkaterra Association, various projects to help preserve the local environment and manage economic development in a sustainable manner.

These projects take place at the bank of Madre de Dios River in the rainforest – where Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica lodge is located – and at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, in the Machu Picchu cloud forest.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

As a main project in the sheltered area, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica has the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, an interesting system of suspension bridges that are almost 30 meters high and about 400 meters long. This project started with the support of Global Environment Facility and the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, with the objective of supporting and promoting environmental conservation and social responsibility in the local communities.

The communities of Juan Pablo II, Micaela Bastidas and Juan Velasco are among the beneficiaries of the Inkaterra projects, and have received capacity-building training in agroforestery, vegetable garden and family nurseries. The work with these communities in the area has been a constant battle due to the weather conditions, the threat caused by illegal tree felling and the informal mining industry that have been used as an economic alternative.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

At Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, the nature of Inkaterra Association projects is different, since the community is near to an area with highly disorganized economic growth. Environmental education activities are developed targeting local kids, who in the future will be responsible for the sustainability of Peru’s tourism destinations.

Inkaterra’s community projects at the hotel own an orchid garden, with over 300 species, eight of which are new to science. These species are an interesting and important part of the initiatives to rescue and preserve the spectacled bear, a highly threatened species.

As the spectacled bear plays the important role as a pollinator and seed spreader, the species’ disappearance would seriously impact the life inside the South American ecosystems. To date, a baby bear in the growing stage and two male adult specimens have been sheltered for environmental education and research purposes.

How to Get Involved

There is a donation program where travelers and hotel guests have the opportunity to make a donation during their visit, and cooperate with the development of these projects. In addition, Inkaterra organizes volunteer groups to help with Inkaterra projects, and accepts applications from those interested in visiting these rain forest areas for research purposes.

About Inkaterra

Ecological Research and Conservation Funded by Tourism – Inkaterra has pioneered and promoted sustainable tourism in Peru for over 30 years, providing authentic nature experiences in Perú; while rescuing, presenting and showcasing Peru’s culture and nature for the world.