7 routes to consider in the CUSCO REGION

THE CLASSIC, CROWD FREE...

5-DAY INCA TRAIL

Length: 5 days

Difficulty: Moderate

For many, the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a Peru must-do. Most complete the route in four days, which means a pre-dawn start to reach the trailhead, queuing with almost 500 others (the maximum daily allowance) to get permits checked, and then jostling with them on the trail and at the same busy campsites. But allow yourself five days and this over-peopled path becomes a potentially quieter prospect as you’re out of sync with the masses.

On the first day you can set off later, after the crowds have raced ahead.You sleep at the lesser-frequented camps most four-dayers have charged past.You hit the trail’s breath-stealing high-point – 4,215m Dead Woman’s Pass – on day three rather than day two, when