Bio, one of our 15 horses enjoys a snack during a rest stop on day one of the trek.

Climbing through the bromeliads and cacti as we leave the cloud forest. Camp one at Quehuincha, 10,990ft (3350m), is in the valley below us. At this altitude we often saw parrots and hummingbirds.

Our guide, Luz-Maria, demostrates to Pat the elegant art of chewing coca leaves. Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea is supposed to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude.

Just after camp 2 we cross our first big pass, Cruzqusa, at 15071ft (4595m). Salcantay, 20,574ft (6271m) is just visible above the ridge to our right.

Heading for camp 3. Salcantay dominates the skyline.

Dropping down to camp 3.