Arduous walk?
Answers: If you're looking for an arduous hike through breathtaking environment, try the "Huayhuash Trek" in the "Cordillera Blanca", Huaraz, Peru.
I did it this July and it be amazing.
MSDC above is spot on. The circuit around the Cordillera Huayhuash can indeed be considered arduous. Most people will run between 7-11 days to complete the 100-mile circuit, which reaches over 5000 meters. I've done the trek or variation of it 4 times now. This year I go cross-country and stayed off the trails, crossing glaciers when vital. To do the trek, travel from Lima to Huaraz via bus. I prefer Cruz del Sur, leaving from Javier Prado station.
In Huaraz, several trekking agencies can help you arrange for transportation to the Huayhuash (about 5 hours from town), porters, guide, mules, etcetera. My favorite agency is Solandino. (http://www.solandino.com).
Also from Huaraz, near are several very arduous and incredibly scenic option within the Cordillera Blanca, which is right outside of town. The most popular route is the Llanganunco to Santa Cruz trek, done over 3-5 days on average, and the Quebrada Alpamayo trek, done over 5-7 days.
There are trails chief to the popular ruins of Machu Picchu, near Cuzco also. Besides the renowned Inca Trail (3 days, 30 miles), which fills its security quota a year in mortgage, there is the Salcantay trek (which I found more scenic), and other option.
But for sheer mountain beauty and trekking option, you can't beat what's around Huaraz, and the Huayhuash may incredibly well be the best of the bunch.
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