Leaving early you drive through Cusco's South Valley past Urcos, before climbing up past beautiful Lake Pomacanchis and taking a dirt road to the small village of Sangarara and climbing further to the road head at just over 4,000m. Here you meet your muleteers and load up your trekking gear to start the hike to Waqrapukara, following an ancient Inca trail and passing small lakes with big views back to the Ausanagate mountains and even the mountains above the Sacred Valley. A mainly flat trail brings you to your camp for the night, high above the Apurimac Canyon, next to Waqrapukara itself. The name means "Horned Fortress", though it is thought to have been a ceremonial centre. Whilst camp is being set up, you can explore this impressive site. While part of the site is Inca, its origins go back to the Chanca culture, famous for their bloodiness in battle. Captured enemies were sometimes hung up and skinned alive, and their skulls made into drinking vessels. After a hearty dinner, you camp under the stars. There is virtually no light pollution here, making it ideal for seeing the Andean Milky Way. Drive time 3 hrs Hiking distance 11km Hiking time 4 hrs Included: transport , English-speaking guide , cook , camping equipment (except sleeping bag) , mule support , emergency horse , camping fees , lunch , dinner

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

This morning you hike, a mainly flat and downhill trail, to the small village of Huayqui. Your path passes beneath huge rock walls, and has a real canyonlands feel to it and there are big views out across the mountains. You arrive at Huayqui to meet your vehicle in time for lunch. Then you can relax for the drive back to Cusco. Drive time 3 hrs Hiking distance 7km Hiking time 3 hrs Included: cook , camping equipment (except sleeping bag) , emergency horse , mule support , English-speaking guide , breakfast , lunch

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks