Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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Enjoy a spectacular Andean trek—without
camping! Following ancient Inca trails in the
Cordillera Vilcabamba, the precipitous mountain
range that cradles Machu Picchu, you’ll hike
through an exquisite setting of gleaming
glacial lakes, cloud forests full of orchids and
waterfalls, and the dazzling peaks and glaciers
of Salcantay (20,574') and Huamantay (19,239').
At the end of each exhilarating day, you’ll be
welcomed at mountain lodges in dramatic
settings, each one featuring private rooms,
hot showers, delightful cuisine—and even
saunas! Your ultimate reward is an exploration
of ethereal Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of
the Inca world.
Days 1-3 Cusco / Salcantay Lodge After
exploring the Incas’ imperial city of Cusco,
we head through the Soraypampa Valley
to Salcantay Lodge (11,800'), ringed by the
snowy peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. An
acclimatization hike to a turquoise glacial lake
at 14,000 feet offers stunning views of Salcantay
and Huamantay. Feeling adventurous? Go for a
refreshing dip!
Day 4-6 Salcantay Pass / Santa Teresa
Valley Enjoy a stunning backdrop of glaciers and
icefalls as you cross Salcantay Pass (15,200'), a
dramatic notch between the glacial moraines of
Huamantay and Salcantay. Keeping an eye out
for Andean condors, descend to Wayra Lodge
(12,800'), where you can soak in the Jacuzzi
beneath a starlit sky. We pass through delicate
cloud forest vegetation on our way to Colpa
Lodge (9,414'), and we’ll be treated to a special
pachamanca here, a traditional festive Peruvian
meal. Hikes in an orchid-draped forest and
among the waterfalls and bromeliads of the
Santa Teresa Valley bring you to Lucma Lodge
(7,000'), a delightful retreat set in its own
avocado orchard.
Days 7-9 Machu Picchu / Cusco Crossing
Pallayacta Pass (8,974'), we arrive at the
recently restored Inca ruins at Llactapata, set
high on a ridge facing Machu Picchu. After
enjoying this rarely seen view of the sanctuary,
we descend to the banks of the Urubamba
River and head by train to the bustling town
of Aguas Calientes. Our riverside hotel offers
spacious cottages in a tropical garden setting.
We explore the evocative ruins of Machu
Picchu with a specialist guide, then return to
Cusco and depart on Day 9.
Gorgeous hikes by day, comfortable lodges
at night—now this is the way to trek!
PHOTO: BETH ROBIDOUX
BETH ROBIDOUX
BETH ROBIDOUX
HIGHLIGHTS
• Trek in a high Andean realm, but stay in
mountain lodges with private rooms and
hot showers—no camping!
• View ice-clad Salcantay, Huamantay, and
the diverse ecosystems of the Cordillera
Vilcabamba
• Explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
with a specialist guide
DETAILS
• 9-day trip begins and ends in Cusco
• 3 nights hotels, 5 nights mountain lodges
• All meals included except 1 lunch and
2 dinners
DATES
Multiple weekly departures, March through
December. Call us or visit our website for
specific trip dates.
TRIP COST
High Season (Apr 1-Oct 31 and Dec 15-31)
$4595 per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $1795
Low Season (Mar 1-31 and Nov 1-Dec 14)
$4195 per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $1545
Additional overnight at Aguas Calientes
(call for details): $465
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
5-day trek on moderate to steep trails,
6-8 hours a day, altitudes between
7,000-15,200 feet