Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge LODGE-BASED TREK AND THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS

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.

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

Gorgeous hikes by day, comfortable lodges at night—now this is the way to trek! PHOTO: BETH ROBIDOUX

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