Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Choquequirao: Trek to the Cradle of Gold DISCOVER AN INCA MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY WITHOUT EQUAL

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.

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

Enjoy a challenging Andean trek into a lost Inca world with our expert archaeologist Trip Leader. PHOTO: JASON ROTHE

JOHN WARBURTON-LEE AARON HUEY

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR LATIN AMERICA TRIPS, VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/LATIN-AMERICA 119