The Beautiful Gardens at Sumaq, Machu Picchu

Behind the beautiful gardens and impeccable public areas within Sumaq, is Isidro, a proud member of the Sumaq family, who through effort and perseverance works far from his home.

ISIDRO AQUINO, A STORY OF EFFORT AND WILL

19 December, 2017

“When we least expect it, life puts us in front of a challenge and tests our courage and our willingness to change,” wrote Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, describing almost perfectly what happened to Isidro Aquino.

Isidro traveled to Cusco to visit his brother Gregorio, but as soon as he arrived, he began work on the construction of a hotel in Aguas Calientes. It was Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. He was only planning on working three months, but he ended up staying for 14 years. This was challenging because he was working thousands of miles away from home: he showed courage in letting his nostalgia go and a great effort in seeking change in his life for the better.

The Value of Work and Family

Since a young age, Isidro Aquino knew what the value of work meant: his name is pleasantly remembered in many textile and printing factories in Lima for his responsibility and consistent hard work. He also worked independently in the installation, maintenance and upholstery of carpets and furniture. At the same time, he played soccer where he made friends and met Virginia, his future wife. After two years of courtship, they got married and had their children Williams, Maritza, Jhon, Julia, Alex and Anthony who live in the populous district of San Juan de Miraflores in Lima. Isidro visits his family once a year, during his vacation break. He takes them out to eat or goes on a walks with them, enjoying and treasuring every moment he has with them.

He also has time to travel to the land where he was born: Apurimac. He has properties there that his parents left him, and it is his duty to take care of them with the support of the local communities.

Embellished Public Areas

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel has beautiful gardens and impeccable public areas thanks to the tireless work of Isidro Aquino. For a year now he has dedicated his time to the care of the flowers and plants of the hotel. He also keeps the marble and wood pristine and supports his friend Víctor Vergara in preparing pachamanca. Isidro is involved in everything—here’s an anecdote that he recounts for us:

“We were working on trying to contain the river to prevent the waters from overflowing, when suddenly a guest from France approached. When he saw an opening in the wall, he asked me what number stone I was going to close the hole with. This made me think. He was an engineer who worked underwater and knew the trade. I told him that the stones did not have numbers and that I was just going to put a stone that fits in it. He was pleasantly surprised to see that we used good stones and beams made out of trunks, just as the Incas did”.

Isidro Aquino thanks God, life and the owners of the hotel for giving him the opportunity to continue working. He is grateful for his friends and his bosses, such as Rosa Muñoz, who trust him, his responsibility, and his constant effort.

Click here to read about his fascinating story: https://goo.gl/LGi9VG.