There is undoubtedly more than just a masochistic pleasure in hiking to a Peruvian archaeological site. Their awe-inspiring, natural settings can be savoured fully at walking pace; and the emotions unleashed by physical exertion seem to heighten an appreciation for the pre-Colombian, pre-wheeled-vehicle way of life.

In the case of Kuelap, to reach the ruins on foot, you will have had to ascend 1,200 m (3,940  ft) on a beautiful, but largely unshaded trail.