Researchers from Inkaterra Asociación (ITA), the Department of Botany at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the National Institute of Biodiversity (INABIO) have identified yet another orchid species new to science, discovered in the orchid trails of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
According to the scientific journal PhytoKeys, Pleurothallis machupicchuensis named in honor of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu—is a small and rare epiphytic orchid that grows between 2,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level.
This new discovery took place during the 7th Scientific Conference on Andean Orchids, organized in November 2023 by Inkaterra Asociación. For years, this species was confused with another, but thanks to the dedication of Inkaterra Association biologist Daxs Coayla, along with researchers Alexander Damián, Marco Monteros, José Walston and Nicole Mitidieri, in addition to a painstaking analysis of herbaria and botanical libraries, it was confirmed as a new species to science.
“The discovery of Pleurothallis machupicchuensis highlights the importance of scientific research as a pillar for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Peru,” said José (Joe) Koechlin, president of Inkaterra, pioneer of ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru since 1975. “With this new discovery, there are now 27 orchid species new to science discovered in the gardens of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, and described by fellow researchers of Inkaterra Asociación.”
Acknowledged as one of the World’s Favorite Hotels and Resorts by Travel + Leisure magazine, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a pioneering example of regenerative tourism. Its grounds were originally used for grazing and tea cultivation. In 1976, Inkaterra began restoring the life cycle of the Machu Picchu cloud forest through the reforestation of native flora such as ferns, bromeliads, palm trees, and native trees such as queñual and pisonay.
The restoration of the Andean cloud forest allows Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel to be one of the world’s most biologically rich hotspots within urban limits. According to the American Orchid Society, this is home to the world’s largest collection of native orchids in their natural habitat, with 372 recorded species. Furthermore, 311 bird species, recorded by eBird app (Cornell Lab of Ornithology), and 111 butterfly species have been found in the lush gardens of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The organic tea grown on the property won a gold medal at the 2023 Teas of the World Awards in Paris, as well as two silver medals in the 2024 competition.
In addition to the discovery of the new orchid species, Pleurothallis machupicchuensis, Inkaterra Asociación has contributed to positioning Machu Picchu as one of the leading global destinations for observing native orchids. In August 2023, the international exhibition “Orchids of Machu Picchu” was organized at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic attractions. In seven months, the exhibition drew a record 1.7 million visitors, making it the most visited exhibition ever on Peru’s cultural and natural heritage. As part of Inkaterra’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the hotel brand has announced the publication of Machu Picchu: An Orchid Symphony by biologist Benjamín Collantes, in a deluxe edition with 425 orchid species native to this iconic destination, scheduled for publication in late 2025.