2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Choquequirao: Trek to the Cradle of Gold DISCOVER A REMOTE INCA MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY

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

towering 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 Apurímac 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 majesty 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 hike further to the lost outpost of Qoriwayrachina, a site our Trip Leader has studied extensively (and that was first 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 pretty village of Yanama, we end our trek in Lucmabamba (6,378'), set in a 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 13 and depart on Day 14.

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

“Thank you, WT, for providing us with a spectacular trek—it was magical, and with Kevin’s leadership, a truly unique adventure.” Ann W., Portola Valley CA

ART WOLFE

Inca world as we trek through lush cloud forest, over high mountain passes, across Inca trails, and into the deep-cut canyons of the wild Cordillera Vilcabamba. Our last camp gives 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 a warm-up hike that brings us from mighty Saqsayhuaman, a

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 Machu Picchu (with the best views!) DETAILS • 14-day trip begins and ends in Cusco • 4 nights hotels, 9 nights camping • All meals included except 2 dinners

Our challenging Andean trek brings you into a lost Inca world, and our Trip Leader is an expert archaeologist. PHOTO: CHESTER VOYAGE

DATES Jul 5-18, 2019 Jul 22-Aug 4

TRIP COST $4895 (10-15 members) $5295 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $595

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

121 FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL LATINAMERICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM