WT18 catalog single pgs

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FRANS LEMMENS
Enjoy a spectacular Andean trek—no camping!
On the fantastic trails of the Cordillera
Vilcabamba, the mountain landscape that
cradles Machu Picchu, we’ll hike past gleaming
alpine lakes, into delicate
cloud forests draped in orchids
and bromeliads, and below the
dazzling snow-capped peaks
of Salkantay (20,574') and
Huamantay (19,239'). At the
end of each hiking day, we
are welcomed at a trailside
mountain lodge in a dramatic
setting, with each lodge
featuring private rooms, hot
showers, delightful cuisine—
and even saunas. The grand
finale is our exploration of ethereal Machu
Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca world.
Days 1-3 Cusco / Salkantay Lodge After
exploring Cusco, the Incas’ imperial city, we
head out into the mountains for a hike through
the gorgeous Soraypampa Valley to our first
trailside accommodation, Salkantay Lodge
(11,800'), ringed by the peaks of the Cordillera
Vilcanota. We enjoy an acclimatization hike from
this beautiful lodge, scrambling up
to a turquoise lake at 14,000 feet for vistas of
Salkantay and Huamantay.
Days 4-6 Salkantay Pass / Santa Teresa
Valley Stunning glaciers and icefalls are the
backdrop as we hike over Salkantay Pass
(15,200'), a dramatic notch between the glacial
moraines of Huamantay and Salkantay. Keeping
an eye out for Andean condors, we descend to
Wayra Lodge (12,800'), where we can soak in a
hot tub beneath a starlit sky. We hike through
cloud forests on our way to Colpa Lodge (9,414'),
and here we’ll enjoy a pachamanca, a
traditional Peruvian barbecue. Trails through
the lush Santa Teresa Valley bring us to lovely
Lucma Lodge (7,000'), surrounded by its own
avocado orchard.
Days 7-9 Machu Picchu / Cusco Crossing
Pallayacta Pass (8,974'), we arrive at the restored
Inca ruin site 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, end our trek, and
take the train to the bustling town of Aguas
Calientes and our lovely riverside hotel. On
Day 8, we rise early to explore legendary Machu
Picchu with a specialist guide, then take the
afternoon train to Cusco and depart on Day 9.
Invigorating mountain hikes by day, comfortable lodges at night—this is the way to trek! PHOTO: JOHN WARBURTON-LEE
LODGE-BASED TREK AND THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS
“I’ve traveled with
WT several times,
and each time I’m
more impressed.
Such an amazing
combination
of mountains,
culture, and
hiking. It couldn’t
be any better.”
Mary R., Corrales NM
HIGHLIGHTS
• Trek in a high Andean realm, but stay in
mountain lodges with private rooms and
hot showers—no camping!
• View ice-clad Salkantay, 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: $1750
Low Season (Mar 1-31 and Nov 1-Dec 14)
$4295 per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $1545
Additional overnight at Aguas Calientes
(call for details): $475
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