Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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Our fascinating journey explores the traditions and cultures of Peru, as well as incomparable Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. PHOTO: RICHARD MASCHMEYER
Peru has always fired the traveler’s
imagination, and we’ve crafted a magnificent
journey exploring its exquisite landscapes,
the treasures of the Inca Empire, and the
fascinating cultures of the Andes. We’ll
discover the colonial splendor of Arequipa
and volcano-lined Colca Canyon, with its
traditional Indian villages, and at breathtaking
Lake Titicaca (12,500'), the mystical lake
of Inca legend, our stay on a private island
brings us into the world of the intriguing
lake-dwelling Uru villagers. We’ll follow the
route of the Incas through the Sacred Valley
to sublime Machu Picchu, where our stay at
the Sanctuary Lodge, in a spectacular setting
right at the ruins, offers unmatched access
to one of the most legendary sites in the
world. Our journey ends in Cusco, the cradle
of Inca civilization.
Days 1-3 Arequipa / Colca Canyon We begin
with an exploration of Arequipa, a World
Heritage Site with a beautifully preserved colonial
center of white stone architecture. In astonishing
Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world,
we visit traditional Indian villages and watch
Andean condors circling up from the canyon
depths. Our lodge, perched at 10,000 feet on the
edge of the roaring Colca River, has rustic charm
and wonderful mountain views.
Days 4-6 Puno / Lake Titicaca Vast Lake
Titicaca has an otherworldly, top-of-the-world
feel, and we’ll explore it on hikes and boat rides,
and meet the lake-dwelling Uru, who live on
floating reed islands and travel in totora reed
crafts. Our elegant hotel, set on a private island
in the lake, offers stupendous lake views from
every room.
Days 7-8 Sacred Valley of the Incas
Crossing the altiplano, a high and wild expanse
backed by snow-capped peaks, we reach the
Urubamba Valley, sacred to the Incas. We visit
the villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, each
with a majestic Inca fortress perched above and
filled with intriguing stonework and engineering.
Days 9-12 Machu Picchu / Cusco We head by
train to Machu Picchu, the archaeological wonder
of the Americas, where we discover this
awe-inspiring site with an expert guide and enjoy
an overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge,
right next to the ruins (you can’t get any closer
than this!). Cusco’s cobbled streets are inviting, and
we’ll explore the Old Quarter, where ancient Inca
walls were the foundation for colonial buildings,
and hike amid imposing Inca monuments including
Saqsayhuaman. Depart on Day 12.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Stunning Inca ruins, traditional and
contemporary Quechua cultures
• The colonial heritage of Arequipa, the
condors of Colca Canyon, and Lake
Titicaca, sacred as the birthplace of
the Incas
• The stronghold of Machu Picchu and
Cusco, the Inca capital
• Superb hotels, including Machu Picchu
Sanctuary Lodge, Cusco’s 5-star Hotel
Monasterio, and Suasi Island, the only
hotel on a private island in Lake Titicaca
DETAILS
• 12-day trip begins in Arequipa and ends
in Cusco
• 11 nights hotels and inns
• All meals included except 1 lunch and
2 dinners
DATES
Nov 2-13, 2016
Mar 29-Apr 9, 2017
May 27-Jun 7
Jul 26-Aug 6
Nov 1-12
TRIP COST
$6995 (10-12 members)
$7395 (7-9 members)
$7795 (4-6 members)
Single supplement: $1980
Reserva Amazonica extension: from $550
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Cultural exploration and walking tours at
altitudes up to 12,500 feet
BRIAN MCGILLOWAY BARTOSZ HADYNIAK
RICHARD MASCHMEYER
SERGI REBOREDO