The family of a Virginia man missing in Peru has made an urgent appeal after he disappeared during a hiking trip in the Cusco region of the Andes.
Ian Treger, 29, traveled to Peru on May 11 for what was meant to be a 10-day visit, according to family friend Donna Welch, and he has not returned to the United States.
“He arrived there on the 11th of May and was set to take the trail on the 13th of May. We lost total contact of Ian around May 13th at 11am,” Welch told the outlet.
Welch said Treger has spent the past several years teaching English across Latin America and is known for his love of travel and hiking. Although he often spends time abroad, he normally stays in touch with relatives, which has made the sudden silence especially alarming.
According to Peruvian authorities, Treger was last reported in the Wanchaq district of Cusco city before he disappeared on May 13. He had told his family he was heading toward the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex, though investigators have said they have not been able to confirm exactly which route he took.
“There’s no leads. Nothing is showing on the camera except him leaving his Airbnb,” Welch added.
Treger’s mother, Michelle Ludwig, is now in Peru and is said to be coordinating with local police, the US Embassy, and the military as efforts continue to trace his movements.
A GoFundMe organized by Ludwig has also been launched to help cover private search and rescue costs. In the fundraiser, she described the 29-year-old as someone remembered for his personality and passion for life.
“Everyone who knows or has met Ian enjoys his sense of humor, appreciates his love of life, is fascinated by his many tales of travel, and will never forget his beautiful smile & bright blue eyes,” it states.
“Please help me fund costly private search & rescue efforts. The area is extremely large with hazards around every corner.”
Peruvian National Police have carried out several search operations and are now concentrating on the broader Cusco region, including trails connected to Choquequirao and the area around Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
Officials are also dealing with the added difficulty of Treger’s phone no longer being active, limiting their ability to track his location.
“We don’t have reliable information on where the tourist has gone, and that complicates things for us,” a spokesperson told Andina.
“Suddenly it’s turned off, which makes geolocation even more difficult.”
Treger is described as being 5-foot-10 with a medium build and two fish tattoos on his right calf.
The U.S. Embassy in Peru has said it reported Treger’s disappearance to Peruvian police and has remained engaged in the case. A State Department spokesperson also said the embassy has been closely involved since the case was reported and referred questions about the search to Peruvian law enforcement.
Family and friends say they are holding out hope that new information will lead search teams to Treger as the investigation continues.