What to Bring to Choquequirao Trek

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Hiking to Choquequirao: The Undiscovered Inca Site

Heads up travelers, Choquequirao is this incredible Inca spot, and get this – they think only like half of it has even been uncovered yet! It’s pretty wild right? They’re still digging around and working on making it easier to get there. There’s even talk and work being done on a newer route through Santa Teresa, which locals are pushing for to give hikers another way in. That’s awesome news starting from 2023 onwards.

What makes Choquequirao, sitting way up at $3033$ meters (that’s about $9951$ feet), really stand out from other ruins isn’t just the buildings. The hike itself is a real journey. You go through all sorts of different landscapes, like bam bam bam, completely different views and plants as you climb up and down. Plus you might see some cool wildlife along the path. It makes the whole thing feel pretty unique you know? Honestly, if you’re looking for a big adventure after maybe seeing Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is definitely a top contender. So, what are you waiting for? Now’s a great time to check out Cusco’s other massive Inca treasure.

What to Pack for the Choquequirao Trek

Alright, getting to Choquequirao is no walk in the park, partly ’cause of the altitude we mentioned ($3033$ m / $9951$ ft). You gotta be prepared so you don’t run into trouble on the trail. If you’re planning on tackling this hike by yourself (props to you!), here’s a list of stuff you should definitely think about bringing:

• Backpack: You’ll need a solid backpack, probably one that can comfortably hold around 8 kilos (about 17 pounds). The trek usually takes 4 days, so you’ll be hauling your clothes, food, maybe a tent, water, and snacks.
• Clothes: Think layers. You need lightweight stuff for hiking, maybe something waterproof just in case. But definitely pack warm clothes for the nights – it gets cold up there. Gloves, a scarf, and a warm hat (like a wool chullo) are super good ideas too.
• Trekking Shoes: Good hiking boots are a must-have, seriously. The trail to Choquequirao goes way down on the first day and then steeply up on the second, and the ground is often loose or rocky. You need shoes with really good grip.
• Snacks: Stuff your pack with easy-to-eat snacks. Think nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars – things that give you a quick boost. And carry plenty of water or a way to purify it. Gotta stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up for the whole hike.
• Wide-Brim Hat: The sun up in the Andes can be fierce, even if it doesn’t feel hot. A hat with a wide brim is great for keeping the sun off your face and neck.
• Sunscreen: Don’t forget this! Like we said, the Andean sun is strong. Put on sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days, or you could get a nasty burn.
• Sunglasses: Good sunglasses (look for UV protection) will make hiking much more comfortable and protect your eyes.
• Trekking Poles: These are a huge help. They give you extra stability on the tricky bits and take some strain off your knees, especially on the downhills. If you don’t have any, sometimes you can find a sturdy stick to use.
• Medications: If you take any medicine regularly, obviously pack it. Also, a little heads-up: this hike requires a lot of physical effort. If you have any heart problems or similar health concerns, it’s best to chat with your doctor before you commit to going. Better safe than sorry.
• Camera: You’ll want to take pictures, trust me. The views are insane, and you’ll want to remember those moments and show folks back home.
• Extra Batteries/Power Bank: There aren’t any plugs on the trail. Bring extra batteries for your camera or phone, and a portable power bank is a really good idea. Some people even bring small solar chargers.
• Tent & Sleeping Gear: Especially for the first night or two, depending on your route, there aren’t really places to stay. You’ll need a tent, a sleeping pad (makes sleeping on the ground way better), and a good warm sleeping bag.
• Cooking Stuff (if going solo): If you’re not with a tour that handles food, you’ll need stuff to make your own meals. A small camping stove, fuel, a pot, utensils, etc. Especially important to have energy for that tough second day climb.
• Pack Horse/Mule (Optional but Recommended): You can usually hire a horse or mule and an arriero (mule handler) in the villages near the start (like Cachora or Capuliyoc). They carry your heavy stuff like the tent and food. It costs extra, but man, it makes the walking way easier, letting you just focus on hiking. Lots of travelers go for this.
• Headlamp or Flashlight: Totally essential for finding your way around the campsite after dark, or if you start hiking before the sun comes up.

Important Things to Know

• How Tough Is It? Okay, real talk: the Choquequirao trek is difficult. It involves steep ups and downs and significant altitude changes. It’s super important to spend at least a couple of days in Cusco first (which is around $3400$ meters or $11152$ feet high) to let your body get used to the altitude before you start hiking. Don’t underestimate this! Altitude sickness is real and can ruin your trip.
• Best Time to Go? Generally, the dry season (think April to November) is the most popular time. You’re more likely to get clear skies. But hey, mountain weather does its own thing, right? And with climate change, things are less predictable. So even in the dry season, be prepared for potential clouds or maybe even a bit of rain.
• Camping Rules: Just so you know, you cannot set up your tent right inside the main Choquequirao archaeological site itself. They want to protect the ruins.

Choquequirao Entrance Fees

Getting into the site costs money. The price depends on who you are. Here’s a quick breakdown:

(Note: Prices might change, PEN is Peruvian Soles, USD is US Dollars. Always good to double-check locally if possible)

Can You Camp at Choquequirao?

Like we mentioned, you can’t pitch your tent right in the middle of the ruins. But don’t worry, camping is allowed in designated spots nearby, just outside the main complex. So yeah, you can definitely camp close to the site.

Quick Tips for Independent Trekkers

1. Getting Started: If you’re doing this hike on your own (not with a tour agency), you need to get an early start from Cusco. Like, really early. You’ll need to catch a bus heading towards Abancay and tell the driver you want to get off for the Choquequirao trek, usually near the village of Cachora or the actual trailhead viewpoint called Capuliyoc. Make sure you figure out the bus schedule beforehand.
2. Bring Cash (Soles): This is super important. Once you leave Cusco or maybe Abancay, don’t expect to find ATMs or places that take credit cards. You need to carry enough Peruvian Soles (cash) for everything – bus fares, entrance fees, snacks, maybe hiring a mule, buying food in small villages. Cash is definitely king out there.
3. Food Near the Start: In the little town of Cachora, or sometimes right at the Capuliyoc trailhead, you can usually find some simple restaurants or stalls where you can grab breakfast before you start or lunch when you finish. Expect basic meals, probably costing around 10-15 soles. There might be a couple of choices, just see what looks okay to you.