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FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR LATIN AMERICA TRIPS, VISIT 119
Enjoy a challenging Andean trek into a lost Inca world with our expert archaeologist Trip Leader. PHOTO: JASON ROTHE
JOHN WARBURTON-LEE
AARON HUEY
Perched on a knife-edged promontory at
10,000 feet and ringed by the snow-capped
Vilcabamba Mountains, Choquequirao is a
true “lost city of the Incas.” This mountain-
top citadel, larger than Machu Picchu, has
an absolutely stunning location, no road
access, relatively few visitors, and a haunting
ambiance unmatched at other sites. Our
archaeologist Trip Leader has done research
and excavation at this breathtaking
site, and he’ll share his insights into the
Inca world as we trek through cloud forest,
over high passes, across Inca trails, and
into the deep-cut canyons of the wild
Cordillera Vilcabamba. Our last camp offers
us unique Machu Picchu views, and we cap
off our adventure with an overnight at the
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the
celebrated ruins.
Days 1-2 Cusco / Saqsayhuaman / Tambo
Machay We discover the ancient capital of the
Inca Empire on foot, with our first hike bringing
us from mighty Saqsayhuaman, a majestic stone
fortress, down to Cusco through a fascinating
array of Inca sites.
Days 3-6 Cachora / Choquequirao Our trails
lead us into the deep canyon of the Apurimac
River, with the snow-capped peak of Salkantay
(20,574') rising high above us. From our campsite
at 10,000 feet just below Choquequirao, we
explore this extraordinary complex, with its
zigzagging terraces and ceremonial buildings
laid out in alignment with the movement of
the sun. In the stillness and remoteness here,
surrounded by snow-capped mountains, we will
sense the power of the Inca Empire.
Days 7-11 Pincha Unuyoc / Qoriwayrachina /
Minas Victoria / Lucmabamba Climbing up
above Choquequirao, we descend to the Inca
site of Pincha Unuyoc, which may have housed
Choquequirao’s royal servants, and to the lost
outpost of Qoriwayrachina, a site our Trip
Leader has studied extensively and that was
discovered by another WT Trip Leader! An
Inca-paved road leads us over Minas Victoria
Pass (14,500'), where we might see soaring
condors. Descending to the picturesque village
of Yanama, we end our trek in Lucmabamba
(6,378'), with its lush subtropical landscape.
Days 12-14 Machu Picchu / Cusco We have
a fantastic day of exploration at Machu Picchu,
including a hike up Huayna Picchu, with its
bird’s-eye-view of the ruins. Return to Cusco on
Day 12 and depart on Day 14.
DISCOVER AN INCA MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY WITHOUT EQUAL
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike a challenging trail to a major Incan
city that sees few visitors
• Explore remote Inca sites, including
newly discovered Qoriwayrachina
• Visit remote Andean settlements, enjoy
the lush cloud forest environment
• Experience the Inca citadel of Machu
Picchu with a specialist guide
• Hike up Huayna Picchu, the peak behind
the ruins (the best views!)
DETAILS
• 14-day trip begins and ends in Cusco
• 4 nights hotels, 9 nights camping
• All meals included except 2 dinners
DATES
Jul 23-Aug 5, 2018
Aug 10-23
TRIP COST
$4495 (10-15 members)
$4895 (6-9 members)
Single supplement: $530
TRIP LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
9-day trek on moderate to strenuous
trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between
9,500-14,500 feet