You probably shouldn't try it at home. No one knows how fares for your kitchen – or whether you will stay awake.
I mean the ancient Andean behavior Chicha de JoraOr corn beer. The process takes several weeks. The ingredients list is short: yellow corn, flour, herbs, water and a little chicha starts to ferment.
I collected recipes on a news tour in Peru this spring in the country Inkaterra Hotel.
When our dance cards included Chicha production, we were guests of the organization’s five-star estate Urubamba.
Luxury goods as background
Chicha Manufacturing is one of several activities included in the Inkaterra Properties room price. The group's five properties offer adventure/nature/eco-focused experiences in the context of luxury accommodation (near luxury in the Amazon Basin), spa services and some really good food. Our group stayed in two five-star properties, both Virtuoso members.
The hall of Hacienda Urubamba. Image source: Nadine Godwin
•Hacienda Urubamba. This 10-year-old 40-unit hotel (between Machu Picchu and Kuku) is 9,776 feet above sea level and offers guests a stunning view of the mountains and the sacred valley. There are several Inca locations nearby, picturesque villages, colorful markets and handicrafts of interest.
The hotel's architecture mimics the colonial estate. Design elements – wall-mounted hooks, Inca masks, handmade woodwork – inspired by history and local art. The resulting exterior is enriched by floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant and hall areas, once again reminding visitors of the beauty of the area.
The 100-acre site of Hacienda Urubamba includes organic plantations that use traditional hand tools and cattle cultivation. It produces New World foods – corn, potatoes and quinoa – and ultimately serves guests.
The 28 units are 484 square feet, standalone Casitas, electric vehicles that can be operated by foot or operated by staff. In addition to the terrace with stunning views, Casitas also offers a fireplace, a seating/dining area, a spacious bathroom and a flat-screen TV.
Larger than Casitas, within the 495 to 958 square feet suite range. For spacious luxury, the hotel combines suites and superior rooms to create its owner dormitory, one suite is 1,076 square feet and can accommodate four and the other is 2,045 square feet and six.
Even the smallest room (258 to 344 sq. ft.) has a seating/dining area and a terrace. All units receive housekeeping three times a day and are quaint and turn-on with a thermos.
A seating area at Pueblo Hotel Machu Picchu. Image source: Nadine Godwin
•MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO Hotel. Opened in 1991, the property is located at 6,627 feet of sea level, in the surprisingly charming little tourist town of Machu Picchu Pueblo.
The hotel's layout mimics a village that occupies a 12.3 acres of private reserve in the cloud forest below Machu Picchu Mountain.
Inkaterra “Country” counts 83 painted Casitas as well as restaurants, spas and lounges, tea gardens and the world's largest collection of orchid plants (372 species). Tea making is one of the activities included in the room price, and the property's tea is available at the Inkaterra Hotel.
All room types include local crafts, dining area, eco-friendly toiletries, a turntable with a thermos and a fireplace in most cases.
On the top are two Inkaterra villas (3,154 square feet) with 24-hour private butler service. The Inkaterra villas, as well as the two suites Inkaterra (1,894 square feet) and five suites (1,259 square feet) have heated taverns and private gardens.
The chef emphasizes local ingredients, including the property's organic vegetables. There are two on-site restaurants, but under a private dining plan, guests may book private meals in their room, a selected lobby or a wine cellar.
Conveniently, the hotel is next to the train station. In addition, guests can walk to the bus at the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. For those who don’t hike, the train is the only way to get into town. The train has weight limits, so Inkaterra holds guests' larger bags for convenience after leaving town.
A suite at the 16th-century estate of Inkaterra, La Casona, the Relais & Chateau property in Cusco. Image source: Nadine Godwin
Inkaterra's praise
The 50-year-old Inkaterra became the world's first UN-recognized brand for climate-positive hotels in 2021.
Nearly two-thirds of Inkaterra's business originated from properties in the United States, ranging from Hacienda Concepcion, a four-star estate in the Amazon Basin to the protected 16th-century estate in La Casona, Cuzco's Relais & Chatheau property.
Featuring 11 suites, La Casona is a step in time with its classic patio, exquisite woodwork and period furniture. It is also a door leading to modern comfort, with a spa, beautiful dining space, heated floors and a cleverly equipped bathroom. Bonus: Just a few steps from Cusco's main square.
Inkaterra will add a sixth property in Cabo Blanco on the northern coast in early 2026. The inventory also includes two properties operated under a separate brand Byinkaterra.
In addition to the buffet breakfast, the meal is order. We sampled local specialties – alpaca, Guinea pig and quinoa – but ceviche won our hearts. But it’s not just ours: UNESCO in 2023 regards Peruvian ceviche as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
The average price based on dual occupancy at Hacienda Urubamba ($600 per night with breakfast) and Machu Picchu Pueblo ($500 per night, $500 for breakfast and dinner) also includes special events, tea time, special promotions at cocktail hours, welcome drinks (Purple Chicha in Urabamba) and 10% tips.
Inkaterra Organized Machu Picchu access is $150. Other additional rituals include rituals supervised by shamans, which must be booked in front, and spa services.
Agents can book through local DMC or directly sales@inkaterra.com.
