Remote, spectacular, and still not entirely cleared, the ruins of Choquequirau are often described as a mini–Machu Picchu. This breathtaking site at the junction of three rivers – and the fairly challenging four-day hike required to get there and back  has been firmly positioned as ‘the next big thing’ for the last few years. It seems inevitable that controls and permits will be introduced in time, but for now it’s still easy to organize this walk on your own. A guided version costs US$380 on average. Mayuc Cusco www.mayuc.com joins this trek up with the Inca trail, for a total of nine days of spectacular scenery and an ever-more-impressive parade of Inca ruins culminating in Machu Picchu.