Description: The Hotel Inkaterra is a short walk away from the bus terminal and train station and surprisingly we found our way to it with not too much problem. We knew that we had to head for the market on route for the station and then head out left of the train track.
Although we were reasonably sure we did ask for confirmation of our route from one of the stall holders. We were spot on and within 5 minutes of getting off the bus we were entering the hotel’s reception. Our luggage, which we'd left with hotel staff when we disembarked from the train, arrived quickly and the whole booking in process was efficient with no nonsense. We were barraged with information about afternoon Tea, Dinner, Spa treatments and hotel tours, but most of it entered one ear and exited the other. We were in to information overload.
Our room was up steep slopes and short wooden staircases and was very much like a lodge with two comfortable arm chairs overlooking part of the hotel gardens. The room was very spacious with a large en-suite with plenty of soft towels and interesting shower lotions, including a citronella splash. Clearly the abundance of unpleasant insects after our blood necessitated such precautionary activity. To reinforce this subliminal message a electric mosquito device was in the wardrobe.
We were ready to freshen up after our day at Machu Picchu and crisp white cotton dressing gowns were available to for relaxation after this refreshing shower. We took full advantage and were soon relaxation in our very attractive and comfortable room. My wife’s only complaint was that there wasn’t a hairdryer available. I must admit that we thought this was a surprising omission and were gratified to find one tucked away under the bathroom sink!
The gardens are said to be magnificent with 162 species of bird, 108 species of butterfly and over 370 different types of orchid. However, before we stroll the gardens we take advantage of the complimentary afternoon tea. Very British, although we partake of the Coca Tea and enjoy biscuits and chocolate cake. I was a wee bit peckish and tucked into a second portion. At one stage I lept from my seat to check out a humming bird actually perched on the feeder rather than frantically flapping its wing. A good photo opportunity that I wasn’t prepared to miss!
Having returned to my tea we all decide to check out the grounds and head down towards the tea gardens and the orchid garden. Unfortunately the latter was closed but there were still plenty of orchids to admire as we strolled around the grounds. Every so often we needed to stand quietly as birds flitted thorough the trees to rest on yards in front of us. Of course the hummingbirds flitted so quickly that is was impossible to get a photo, but often they were so close to us that we felt they had a contemptuous disregard for us.
Our booking or the hotel included dinner and breakfast but also a complimentary drink of Piscu, the national drink. We went through the hotel’s lounge and plonked ourselves in the bar to enjoy our freebie, and afterwards were tempted to a Piscu sour with passion fruit. It’s not a cheap drink by Peruvian standard (£4.00) but well worth the experience and we didn’t regret the purchase.
Moving into the restaurant we were given full attention by the waiter (not surprisingly because there was only two other couples in the large restaurant) The three course meal gave plenty of choices and the food was delightfully cooked and washed down well with a Chilean wine (the wine waiter talked us out of the Peruvian) and afterwards we struggled our way up the steep steps (good training for Michu Picchu) to our bedroom. And what a pleasant surprise as the domestic staff had called into our room turning the heater on and placing a hot water bottle in our beds. What a nice touch.
When we left for our second visit to Machu Picchu we were able to leave our luggage at the hotel with a promise from them that it would be waiting at the staion up to half an hour before the train's departure. And it was!!
I reckon that this hotel is a bit special and although it’s a 20 minute up to Machu Picchu its setting and food quality makes it a "highly recommended" in my view.
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