The people who make every expedition possible

Introduction

Behind every expedition, there is a dedicated team working tirelessly so your only concern is enjoying the journey. From the guide who brings the history of every ruin to life, to the muleteer who cares for the pack animals, every individual is essential to the experience.

Our Guides

Our guides are the heart of the experience. They don’t just lead you from point A to point B; they share stories, teach you about the local flora and fauna, support you during the challenging moments, and celebrate with you when you reach the summit.

Requirements to be a guide at Choquequirao Expeditions:

• Official Tour Guide License (DIRCETUR Cusco).
• Wilderness First Aid Certification (WFR).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience on Choquequirao routes.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (some also speak French, Portuguese, or German).
• Deep knowledge of Inca history and archaeology.
• Physical fitness to lead groups at high altitudes.
• Native to or resident of the Cusco region.

What sets us apart: Our guides don’t read from a script. They have hiked these trails hundreds of times. They know the best spots to spot Andean condors, the exact campsites for the best sunsets, and they maintain personal relationships with the families in the communities along the way.

Expedition Chefs

Food on a multi-day trek is fundamental—not just for nutrition, but for morale. After 8 hours of hiking, a hot, delicious meal changes everything.

Our Chefs:

• Prepare three complete meals a day.
• Adapt menus for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets, and allergies.
• Work in demanding conditions (altitude, cold, and rain).
• Carry their own specialized cooking equipment.
• Arrive at camp ahead of the group to ensure everything is ready upon your arrival.

Sample Daily Menu:

• Breakfast: Hot oatmeal with fruit, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bread with jam, coffee, tea, coca tea, and fresh juice.
• Lunch: Starter soup, main course like Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice) or trout, fresh salad, and fruit for dessert.
• Dinner: Hot soup, main course (Lomo Saltado, pasta, or trout), dessert, and herbal tea.

Muleteers and Horsemen

Muleteers are the silent heroes of the trek. While you hike with a light daypack, they lead the mules that carry the tents, food, kitchen equipment, and your personal luggage.

Our Commitment to our Muleteers:

• Maximum weight per mule: 60 kg (the industry standard; many operators exceed this).
• Maximum personal load per muleteer: 20 kg.
• Full equipment provided: Including tents, sleeping bags, and warm clothing.
• Same meals as passengers: They eat the same high-quality food.
• Fair wages: Higher than the regional industry average.
• Accident insurance: Included for all staff.

Our muleteers come from communities along the trail, such as Cachora, Yanama, and Huancacalle. They know every corner of these mountains because it is their home. Working with them isn’t just logistics; it’s about supporting the local economy.

Office Team

Based in Cusco, our team ensures everything runs smoothly:

• Operations: Coordinates logistics, confirms bookings, prepares equipment, and resolves any unforeseen issues.
• Customer Service: Responds to inquiries, advises on tour selection, and coordinates additional services.
• Reservations: Processes payments, issues confirmations, and manages changes or cancellations.

We respond to messages in less than 24 hours—usually much faster.

Our Team Philosophy

• We Hire Locally: 100% of our field staff (guides, chefs, muleteers) are from the Cusco region. Most are from communities directly connected to our routes, like Cachora, Mollepata, and Huancacalle.
• Fair Pay: Our salaries are above the industry average. We believe a well-paid team is a motivated team, which translates into better service for you.
• Constant Training: We organize workshops in first aid, customer service, English, and historical knowledge. We invest in our team because they are our greatest asset.
• We Listen: After every trek, we ask travelers for feedback on every team member. Guides with the best evaluations receive bonuses, and any issues are addressed directly.

Join the Team

Are you a guide, chef, or muleteer with experience on the Choquequirao and Vilcabamba routes? Do you share our values of sustainability and service? We are always looking for passionate people to share the history of Peru.

Send your CV to: info@choquequirao-treks.com