Inkaterra’s Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel orchid garden contains a world record number of endemic orchids, including the world’s largest species, Phragmipedium caudatum.
Peru is one of the few countries classified as megadiverse, and one of its treasures is the variety and quantity of orchids. Considering that the country has around 3,000 species, or 10% of a total of 30,000 species found around the world, there is a good reason why Peru boasts this claim.
With great dedication and effort, the Inkaterra Asociacion (ITA) has built an admirable orchid sanctuary at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Here, visitors are able to see 372 native species of orchids (consisting of 80 genera), 15 of which are newly discovered . This orchid trail was recreated in association with the center for the conservation and investigation of Machu Picchu.
Visiting when the orchids are in bloom is fantastic. Blooming season coincides with rainy season in Cusco, beginning in October or November and continuing until March. You will discover the most intense colors and shapes that intertwine with the rainforest foliage. Approach the orchid trail calmly, so as to absorb the beauty in its purest form.
If you have questions about traveling to Peru and booking tours in advance, you can contact the Traveling & Living in Peru team at yourfriends@livinginperu.com.
Source: Ultimate Journeys Peru
Cover photo: Sally Taylor/Flickr