Ian Thomas Treger, a 29-year-old teacher from Virginia, has been missing since approximately May 20, after he was expected to complete a multi-day hike to the Choquequirao Archeological Park in Peru. His family raised concerns when they lost contact with him, initially attributing the silence to potential poor cell service in the Andes Mountains.
Treger, described as an experienced outdoorsman and a former Boy Scout, had traveled to Peru after finishing his teaching year at Ecuador’s Galápagos Language Academy. He reportedly intended to experience Jubilee Month, a celebration in Cusco. His travels in the region were documented on his Instagram, with his last known post placing him in Ecuador on April 16.
His mother, Michelle Ludwig, reported him missing to local authorities on May 26. However, an official alert was not issued by Peru's national police until June 11, coinciding with her arrival in Peru to aid in the search. Ludwig expressed frustration over the delay in issuing an alert, stating she felt authorities were not actively searching for her son.
The search efforts have involved Peru's High Mountain Rescue Police and the Missing Persons Division. Ludwig has also engaged private guides to assist in locating Treger. She described the process of obtaining information as challenging.
Authorities have described Treger as a white male, 5'10" tall, with blond hair and blue eyes. He also has tattoos on his right calf featuring two pairs of whale sharks. His family has urged anyone with information to contact Peruvian authorities or Ludwig directly.
To support the search efforts, Ludwig has launched a GoFundMe campaign, which had raised over $26,000 as of Tuesday evening. Donations are also being accepted at the Collierstown Presbyterian Church in Virginia.