Do I need prior trekking experience? For the Classic Trek 4D/3N and the Luxury Glamping you do not need prior experience. Only good physical fitness and a willingness to walk. For the longer routes (6–10 days) with mountain passes above 4,000 meters, we recommend having experience in multi-day hiking.
What is the hardest day of the trek? On the Classic Trek, Day 2 (ascent to Choquequirao) and Day 4 (ascent back to Cachora) are the most demanding. Each involves 1,500 meters of positive elevation gain in approximately 6–7 hours.
On the longer routes, the day of crossing the San Juan Pass (4,650 m) is the most demanding: 5 hours of ascent followed by 3–4 hours of descent.
How many hours per day do you walk? Depending on the tour:
The hours include stops for rest, photos, and lunch.
How much weight do I have to carry? You only carry a day pack with the essentials: water, sunscreen, jacket, camera, and snacks. Approximately 5–8 kg.
The mules carry the group equipment (tents, food) and up to 7 kg of your personal luggage.
Can I do the trek alone? Yes. Many of our travelers come solo and join groups. The small group size (maximum 12 people on the Classic Trek, maximum 6–8 on longer routes) makes it easy to connect with others.
If you prefer a completely private trek, we can also arrange that for an additional cost.
Is there an age limit? There is no strict limit, but we recommend:
More than age, what matters is physical condition and general health. We have had 68-year-old travelers completing 8-day routes without any problem.
Are there bathrooms along the way? At the main campsites there are latrines. During the hike, there are no bathrooms: nature is used with the appropriate precautions (moving away from the trail, burying waste, taking paper with you).
We provide rubbish bags and biodegradable toilet paper.
Is there cell phone signal? No. There is no coverage at any point on the trek to Choquequirao or on the routes to Vilcabamba. You will be disconnected throughout the entire expedition.
Our guides carry satellite communication for emergencies.
Can I charge my electronic devices? At some campsites there are solar panels where you can charge devices for an additional cost ($5–10). This is not guaranteed.
We recommend bringing a good-capacity power bank and using it sparingly.
Will I see condors? Very likely. The Apurímac canyon is natural habitat for the Andean condor. The best opportunities are on sunny mornings, especially near the San Juan Pass and at the Choquequirao viewpoints.
Can I do the trek without a guide (on my own)? Yes, it is legal. No special permit or mandatory guide is required for Choquequirao (unlike the classic Inca Trail).
However, we recommend going with an agency for:
What is the difference between the 6, 7, and 8-day tours to Machu Picchu?
Tour | Main difference |
6D/5N | More intense pace, no rest day |
7D/6N | Includes a transition day in Santa Teresa |
8D/7N | More relaxed pace, night in Aguas Calientes before Machu Picchu |
If you have the time, the 7 or 8-day option allows you to enjoy more and arrive less tired at Machu Picchu.
What happens if I cannot continue during the trek? Our guides will assess the situation. Depending on where you are:
We carry satellite communication and have emergency protocols. This is why travel insurance is mandatory.
Does the trek take place in the rain? Yes, unless conditions are dangerous. Rain is part of the mountain experience. That is why waterproof gear is essential.
If there is a risk of landslides or extreme conditions, the guide may modify the itinerary or halt the march for safety.
How many people are in each group?
Small groups mean a better experience and less environmental impact.
How far in advance should I book? Recommendations:
In July and August (peak season), book further in advance.
How much is the deposit to book? 50% of the total price at the time of booking. The remaining 50% is paid 7 days before the start of the trek.
What payment methods do you accept?
Are prices in dollars or soles? All prices are in US dollars (USD). If you prefer to pay in Peruvian soles, we accept payment at the exchange rate of the day.
Are there discounts for groups? Yes:
Is there a discount for Peruvians or residents? Yes, we offer a 10% discount for Peruvian citizens and residents with valid documentation (DNI or foreign residency card).
Is there a student discount? We offer a 5% discount for students with a valid university card (ISIC or university ID).
Can I pay in installments? Yes. After the initial 50% deposit, you can pay the remainder in installments up to 7 days before the trek. Contact us to arrange this.
What does the price include? Each tour details what is included, but in general:
What is generally NOT included:
Do you issue invoices? Yes. We issue a receipt or invoice as needed. Please provide your tax details at the time of booking.
Can I book for another person? Yes. We only need the traveler’s full details (name as it appears on the passport, date of birth, nationality, dietary or medical restrictions).
Do I need a sleeping bag? Yes. You can bring your own (recommended: comfort temperature -5°C to -10°C for routes with high passes, 0°C for the Classic Trek) or rent ours for $25–30 USD.
What type of boots do I need? Trekking boots that:
Never break in new boots on the trek. Use them at least 3–4 times on long hikes beforehand.
Do you provide trekking poles? Yes, included at no charge on all our tours. If you prefer to use your own, you are welcome to.
What type of backpack do I need? A day pack of 20–30 liters with:
You do not need a large backpack. The mules carry your luggage.
Can I rent equipment in Cusco? Yes. There are shops in Cusco that rent:
We offer sleeping bag rental. For other equipment, we recommend shops on Calle Plateros.
What clothes should I bring? Quick-dry technical clothing, in layers:
Avoid cotton: it takes a long time to dry and keeps you wet and cold.
For routes to Vilcabamba, include light clothing for the tropical climate.
Do I need my own tent? No. We provide double-occupancy shared tents, sleeping pads, and a dining tent on all tours.
If you prefer a single tent, there is an additional cost of $50 USD.
What if I forget something important? Cusco has outdoor equipment shops, pharmacies, and markets where you can find almost everything you need. Arrive at least one day before the trek to have time to buy anything that is missing.
Is the trek safe? Yes, with the appropriate precautions. The trail to Choquequirao has been used for decades and is well established. Our guides know every section, are certified in first aid, and carry emergency equipment.
The main risks are:
Do I need travel insurance? Yes, it is mandatory. The insurance must cover:
We can recommend options if you do not have insurance.
What happens in case of a medical emergency? Our guides:
Depending on the location, evacuation can be by mule, vehicle, or helicopter. Travel insurance covers these costs.
Is there danger from animals? The risk is very low. You might encounter:
On routes to Vilcabamba there are more mosquitoes. Bring repellent with DEET.
Is altitude sickness dangerous? Mild symptoms (headache, fatigue) are very common and harmless. Severe symptoms are rare but require immediate attention.
That is why:
What happens if there is bad weather? We continue unless conditions are dangerous. Rain is part of the mountain experience. But if there is a risk of landslides, severe electrical storms, or extreme conditions, the guide may:
Safety is always the priority.
Are there robberies or security problems on the trail? No. The trail to Choquequirao passes through peaceful rural communities. The locals are accustomed to trekkers and are friendly. We have never had any security incidents.
As with any trip, look after your belongings and do not leave valuables unattended.
Do the guides speak English? Yes. All our guides are bilingual (Spanish/English). Some also speak French, Portuguese, or German. If you need a specific language, let us know when booking.
What certifications do the guides have? Our guides hold:
What is the cancellation policy?
Notice period | Refund |
More than 30 days before | 100% (minus $50 USD administrative fee) |
15–30 days before | 50% |
7–14 days before | 25% |
Less than 7 days | No refund |
Can I change the date of my trek? Yes, with more than 7 days’ notice you can reschedule at no charge, subject to availability.
With less than 7 days’ notice, a $50 USD rescheduling fee applies.
What happens if you cancel the trek? If we cancel for operational reasons (extreme weather, safety, insufficient minimum participants), we offer:
We will notify you of any cancellation with as much advance notice as possible.
What happens if I cancel due to illness? The standard cancellation policy applies. That is why we recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage for illness. Many policies reimburse the cost of the tour if you cancel for documented medical reasons.
What happens if I miss my flight and don’t arrive on time? Unfortunately, if you do not arrive at the trek’s start time, we cannot issue a refund. The group departs as scheduled.
If there is a possibility of catching up with the group (depending on how much delay you have and where the group is), we will coordinate for you to join. However, this is not guaranteed.
That is why we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before.
Do you recommend cancellation insurance? Yes, especially if:
The cost of insurance is less than the risk of losing the cost of the trek.
Is there a refund if I abandon the trek halfway through? There is no refund for voluntary abandonment. If you abandon for medical reasons, travel insurance may cover the unused portion (depending on your policy).
What happens if the group does not reach the minimum number of participants? Our tours require a minimum of 2 people. If the minimum is not reached:
ADDRESS: Cusco – PE
PHONE: +51 999 999 999
EMAIL: info@choquequirao-treks.com
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