The 4-day hike is the new premium adventure across Cusco heights! This amazing Inca hilltop citadel is located northwest of Cusco City, beyond Machu Picchu! Here we answer the Choquequirao Trek FAQ, so you will have an unforgettable expedition!
1. How would you categorize this trek?
It is a 4-day hike across the Andean highlands and jungle border, on day 2 the total walking time is about 11 hours. So it can be categorized as a challenging, difficult trek. We recommend having previous training where you live (long walks on the countryside with backpack, hiking boots, etc) and being on a good fitness level.
2. How can I deal with altitude symptoms?
The best solution is arriving at Cusco City with a few days of antecedence so your body will trigger adaptation, compensation processes. Drink plenty of water, coca leaves tea and don’t do much physical effort. Also, take to the hike a good amount of water and coca tea. Finally, bring some altitude sickness pills just for precaution, although most people will not actually need them.
3. What is the best time of the year to do it?
We recommend you do the Choquequirao Trek on dry season, that is, from April until October, because the path and distances are demanding. Now if you want to really activate your inner soldier to defeat Andean heavy showers, mud, cold winds and mountains, rain season goes from November to March! Choose your best season for the Choquequirao 4-Day trek.
4. What should I know about the weather?
On dry season (April-October) it tends to be cold, windy, lowest temperatures occurring between June-August, no rain at all. You should bring warm clothing. On rainy season (November-March) it gets warmer but the showers are hard -although brief- and there can be hail too. Overall, Cusco heights must be approached as a winterly region. On the jungle border, the climate is subtropical.
5. What should I pack for this trek?
This is an essential, very important Choquequirao Trek FAQ. Next we list the most important items:
- Woolen hood, sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses, scarf, gloves
- Polyester t-shirts (they keep you dry, comfortable)
- Warm jackets (preferably windproof)
- Nylon pants
- Mountaineering socks
- Hiking boots
- Sunblock and mosquito repellent (both mandatory)
- Of course do not forget your camera and smartphone.
- Small plastic bags for garbage
- Also: we will be on the wilderness for long periods of time, so you must bring bottled water (also purifying water pills so you can drink from the river), canned food, energy bars, snacks. Don’t be short of supplies.
- BUT DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR BACKPACK! The trek is long and weight may become an issue.
For a 100% detailed guide, check our Choquequirao Trek packing list.
6. How is the geography?
Uneven, rocky, unpaved paths along the Andean chain and the subtropical jungle border. You will be hiking below a wide blue sky of passing cotton clouds, exuberant green mountains, rivers, the valley and the canyon, lush, exotic flora. It is a healthy, clean, energizing and relaxing environment. The Choquequirao trek is an ultimate, ideal exercise for both body and mind.
7. Will the route and Choquequirao site be much crowded?
Not at all. Since this is a new package and of difficult level, it is attracting mainly seasoned hikers, so the paths and the site itself are still not receiving much general public. It is hiking on green light all the time. Know more about the Choquequirao Trek, Machu Picchu’s twin citadel.
8. Will I need a hiking pole?
A very useful Choquequirao Trek FAQ. And it is totally recomendable! The walking stick will give you complete balance and save a lot of physical energy. We rent them at a convenient price.
9. Do I need to book the Choquequirao Trek months in advance?
Not at all, yet. Unlike the Inca Trails, it is available on a daily basis, throughout the year. By the way, another wonderful destination we have available any time is the Lake Titicaca region. You may like to check our Lake Titicaca FAQ – 1 Day.
10. How are the campsites?
They are set by our experienced porters on key places, surrounded by majestic nature. We will provide the whole camping gear, also all main meals for the first 3 days prepared by our expert cooks. Finally, we have portable bathrooms and horses available for extra luggage (not included). Check the full itinerary of the wonderful Choquequirao hike.
Of course, if you’re coming down to Cusco, Machu Picchu citadel is almost sure in the travel plan. We have a great set of classic tours, for example, the Machu Picchu 1-Day by train. Finally, after having hiked during 4 days, you may want to give the feet a rest. This is possible in our quite relaxing Sacred Valley Tour – 1 Day, which is done mainly on bus.
So with this Choquequirao Trek FAQ about the new, top adventure, you are ready for the latest hiking challenge on Cusco highlands and the jungle border! Contact our travel personnel for any further inquiry and booking this unique excursion!
