WHAT TO TAKE TO THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO TAKE TO THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK? If you decide to take a new trip and you are a lover of great adventures and high levels of trekking, Inkayni Peru Tours recommends taking the Choquequirao trek. The tour lasts 5 days and promises an unforgettable experience.

Taking into consideration the 60 kilometers of trekking to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park, it is important to consider some aspects such as the weather, the best season, and of course, knowing what to bring on the Choquequirao Trek. That is why below we are going to share a detailed list of things you should bring if you go with an agency and what things you should bring if you go on your own.

Remember that the best travel option is always to do it with an authorized agency, because in this way, you will have everything planned and your only concern will be to enjoy your new adventure to the fullest. Let’s go!

THE BEST LIST TO KNOW WHAT TO TAKE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

Choquequirao is located at 3,500 meters above sea level and the altitude makes it even more interesting; understanding this, carrying too many things will make you tire more easily and the idea is that you enjoy the trip and not feel tired or lacking energy. So, the first thing you should do is:

1.- SELECT AN APPROPRIATE BACKPACK

The backpack that will accompany you on the 5-day trip CUSCO – CHOQUEQUIRAO should be of regular size. Make sure it is of good material or at least in good condition, so you don’t have problems in the middle of the trek. Your backpack can carry a maximum of 5 kilos, if it is less, even better! You can carry clothes, towels, hats, and other personal accessories. Don’t overdo it by carrying too many things; remember to be practical with the things you will put in your backpack. 50% of the pace of your walking will depend on the weight of your backpack. Your backpack and your shoes will be your best allies to do the Choquequirao 5-day Trek.

2.- MAKE A LIST OF THINGS TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

“You’re almost ready for your trip, don’t get too excited about the things you’ll put in your backpack!

• Before packing your things, make a list of the possible things you will put in your backpack. One to discard things and the other not to forget anything. Discard unnecessary things, they will only slow down your walk.
• You can bring 2 or 3 shirts for changes, preferably cotton, long-sleeved, and covering the neck; this to avoid getting burned by the sun’s rays.
• A jacket to protect yourself from the cold or warm clothes if necessary.
• Don’t forget to be practical, carrying fewer things is better.
• If possible, wear woolen socks because synthetic ones will make you sweat and you will have to change your socks more often than normal.
• Bring at least 3 pairs of socks.
• Underwear.
• Personal use accessories such as comb, brush, toothpaste, creams, and others. (ONLY NECESSARY).
• First aid medications (it’s better if you bring your own).
• ESSENTIAL to bring sunscreen.
• Bring a wide-brimmed hat.

3.- USE SUITABLE SHOES FOR TREKKING

Your shoes will be your best ally during the Choquequirao trek. Therefore, you must be good at choosing them.

• If possible, use trekking shoes; if you don’t have them, you can use some house slippers that are in good condition and adapted to your feet.
• In this way, your walking rhythm will be good.
• Never use canvas or urban shoes for trekking.
• If you buy new shoes, make sure they are one size bigger than your feet, because it is possible for your feet to swell during the walk.

4.- DO NOT USE JEANS FOR TREKKINGS

DO NOT USE JEANS FOR HIKES if you want to enjoy your trip and be comfortable.

• Wear sweatpants or loose-fitting pants; the idea is not to limit your movements.
• The pants or sweatpants you wear should be easy to dry.
• There are small handicraft and textile shops in the center of Cusco, where you could buy a super comfortable pant or sweatpants at good prices.
• You can also enter the San Pedro market’s handicrafts section.
• You can bring an additional pair of pants to the ones you are already wearing.

5.- PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

Before embarking on your trip, make sure that your personal documents with which you made reservations in Cusco are complete. IT IS PROHIBITED TO FORGET YOUR DOCUMENTS because you run the risk of losing your reservations.

6.- CASH MONEY

Once you arrive in Peru, we recommend that you exchange your currency for soles, the exchange rate used in Peru.During the walk, carry cash and small bills. You may need to buy some last-minute items during the walk, and there is no other means of payment in the towns other than cash.

7.- CAMERA AND TAKE PICTURES!

A trip without photos or videos of memories is not a trip! Less so in this era where we can use social media to share memories and experiences of beautiful and magical places all over the world. So, DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA or spare batteries.

WHAT DOES CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 5 DAYS WITH INKAYNI INCLUDE?

Would you like to take the Choquequirao Trek tour with us? Here we share the things included in our tourist package, and in this way, you will know what to bring to Choquequirao Trek on your own.

• Professional tourist guide.
• Tourist guide assistant for groups of 9+.
• Cook.
• Mules to carry the kitchen equipment, camping gear, and 7kg of your personal items.
• Pickup and transportation from the hotel to the start of the tour.
• Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the tour, where you will need to bring your own).
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 snacks (happy hour), and 4 dinners.
• Also, if you have a dietary request, such as vegetarian food, let us know.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• Comfortable and spacious 4-person tent, which will be used only by 2 people.
• Inflatable mattresses/mats to sleep on.
• Oxygen bottles.
• First aid kit.
• Entrance tickets to Choquequirao.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

SHOULD I USE A TREKKING POLE?

Yes, it is necessary to have a trekking pole. In case you don’t have one, we can rent it to you at a special price. However, you can also buy one at specialized stores in the city center that sell trekking poles. Remember that the pole must have a rubber tip, not a metal tip.

Note: Trekking pole should be included in the “WHAT TO BRING TO CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK” list.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO DO THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

Due to the level of hiking required, it is recommended for people over 15 years old. If they are under age, they can do the trek under the responsibility of their parent or legal guardian.

WHAT PACKAGES DOES INKAYNI OFFER FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO?

We offer the 05-Day Trek to Choquequirao – Private Service tour. For more details regarding the tour, we invite you to visit this link.

WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

The best time to visit Choquequirao is during the dry season, between April and October. Rainfall is minimal, and you can enjoy your trip.

DO TRAVEL AGENCIES PROVIDE INFORMATION BEFORE THE TRIP?

Yes, travel agencies provide an informative talk before the trek. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 days in advance to acclimate to the altitude and also receive your informative talk with your guide, get to know the group that will accompany you if you have selected the group service, and be prepared for the Choquequirao route.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

Mild symptoms: These are the first symptoms that appear when there is a change in altitude. These symptoms can be treated naturally by drinking coca tea, which is the most recommended way to counteract the first symptoms.

Another option is to take medication to counteract the symptoms, but only after consulting a doctor. You can choose either of these options if you experience the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Vertigo sensation
• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea – vomiting Diarrhea or constipation
• Increased heart rate Difficulty breathing