From Salta city, we travel to Campo Quijano, a town famous as the base for workers constructing the Train to the Clouds railway line to the Chilean coast. We can stop to see an antique engine and the mausoleum of the train line's chief engineer, Richard Maury, from Philadephia, USA.

From here we will climb into the stunning multi-coloured Quebrada de Toro to Ingeniero Maury, where our hike begins.

It's 90 minutes drive each way: the walk takes between 7 and 8 hours.

We start by scaling a steep gradient: a climb of nearly 1km in altitude over the first 3.75km, On this challenging hike, we reach a peak of 3,265m above sea level before a gentle descent to Inca ruins dating from the 15th century.

Your efforts are rewarded by stunning views all along the way.

Our guide is experienced in hiking all terrain, and speaks English and Spanish.

Picnic lunch provided.