7 CHOQUEQUIRAO PERUVIAN PILGRIMAGE Widely considered one of the new seven wonders of the world, the ruins of Macchu Pichu have ranked high on many an intrepid adventurer’s bucket list for decades now, but the South American nation’s other treasures, both natural and manmade, remain somewhat under the radar. This includes Choquequirao (pictured), the remarkable remains of an ancient Incan citadel. Set on a beautiful hilltop reached only via a two- or three-day hike from Cusco, the journey is not for the faint of heart, but those who do brave the trek are rewarded with breathtaking Andean views from 3,050 metres above sea level and fascinating historical insights. Perhaps the most interesting sight to behold is a relatively recent discovery: a steep stone terrace featuring a depiction of around two dozen llamas formed by white rocks. PHOTO ISTOCK 26
8 ANTARCTICA TRUE SOUTH PHOTO THOMAS MIDULLA As icy and foreboding as it is fascinating and ethereal, the great white wonderland doesn’t require travellers today to be quite as intrepid as those visiting even a decade ago. Perhaps the most exciting development to Antarctic travel is the launch of the Silver Endeavour, a striking vessel that allows passengers to avoid the four-day journey across the Drake Passage by embarking from King George Island on 10- or 20-day voyages along the Antarctic Peninsula. Also new is Seabourn Venture, a 132-suite ship carrying two purpose-built submarines that adds another perspective on this mysterious corner of the Earth (sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit, is slated to debut later this year). For an entirely different experience, Echo is the latest luxe camp from White Desert where guests overnight in UFO-like Sky Pods and spend their days fat-biking over the rugged icy terrain or visiting a nearby emperor penguin colony. 27
