Rugged terrain and out-of-this-world views Fully serviced camping Daily from Cusco 5 days, 4 nights This challenging, mule-supported trek has a magnificent Inca city as its highlight - Choquequirao, a huge site perched on a spur in dense foliage. The ruins are still only partly excavated but you can easily fill a day exploring the walls and temples. Trekking starts at Cachora, high above the Apurimac Canyon in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, 5 hours by road from Cusco. The steep ascents and descents reward with views over a clutch of skeletal, snow-shrouded peaks and dark chasms. A variety of vegetation and wildlife accompanies the changes in the microclimate, with orchids and tropical birds at the warmer lower levels while condors soar over the treeless crags above the snow-line. Trek back to Cachora from where you are driven back to Cusco. Our comment "This is a superb trek through harsh terrain with breathtaking views. The long climbs and steep descents mean that it is only suitable for experienced, fit and acclimatised trekkers." How about an alternative trail? The Classic Inca Trail The Weavers Trail The Santa Teresa Trail The Mini Inca Trail Huchuy Qosqo - Urubamba canyon trek

Read more about: Inca trails around Cusco