7 Common Mistakes That Ruin Your Trek (And How to Avoid Them)

Introduction

After years of leading expeditions to Choquequirao, we’ve seen it all. We’ve seen travelers in the best shape of their lives enjoy every single step, and we’ve seen others suffer from day one due to mistakes that were entirely preventable.

The difference is rarely physical fitness. It’s preparation. These are the 7 most common mistakes we see and how to ensure you don’t make them.

Error 1: Breaking in New Boots During the Trek

The Problem: New trekking boots are rigid. They haven’t molded to your feet, the material hasn’t softened, and the seams rub where they shouldn’t. Result: Blisters. Sometimes from day one, and sometimes so severe that walking becomes torture. We’ve seen people abandon the trek on Day 2 because they couldn’t take another step. They had the best boots on the market—but they were brand new.

How to avoid it: Buy your boots at least 6–8 weeks before the trek. Use them for all your training sessions. Walk in them at least 5–6 times on distances of over 10 km. If you arrive in Cusco and realize you forgot your boots, don’t buy new ones—buy a high-quality used pair or consider renting.

Error 2: Skipping Acclimatization in Cusco

The Problem: Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft). If you arrive from sea level, your body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Result: Altitude sickness (soroche). Symptoms range from headaches and fatigue to nausea and vomiting. Starting a trek while exhausted or ill makes the physical effort much harder and can ruin the entire experience.

How to avoid it: Arrive in Cusco at least 48 hours (ideally 72) before the trek starts.

• First 24 hours: Walk slowly, eat light meals, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol.
• Consult a doctor about Acetazolamide (Diamox) if you have a history of altitude sickness.

Error 3: Carrying Too Much Weight

The Problem: Every extra kilo in your pack is multiplied by every step you take. Over 60 km and 6,000 meters of cumulative elevation change, the difference between a 6 kg and a 10 kg pack is massive. Result: Premature exhaustion, shoulder/back pain, and a slower pace that affects the whole group.

How to avoid it: Our mules carry your main luggage (up to 7 kg). You only carry a daypack with essentials.

• Must-haves: Water (2–3L), sun protection, a light rain jacket, a warm layer, snacks, and a camera.
• Leave behind: Laptops, heavy books, and “just in case” items that weigh more than 100 grams.
• Goal Weight: 5–7 kg (11–15 lbs) maximum.

Error 4: Ignoring Altitude Symptoms

The Problem: Altitude sickness is not a sign of weakness; it’s a physiological response. The mistake is “pushing through” a persistent headache or nausea. Result: Mild symptoms can escalate into a medical emergency, such as high-altitude pulmonary or cerebral edema.

How to avoid it: Learn the signs.

• Mild: Headache, fatigue, loss of appetite. Action: Tell your guide, hydrate, and slow down.
• Moderate/Severe: Persistent vomiting, difficulty walking in a straight line, or shortness of breath at rest. Action: Immediate descent and medical attention.
• The Rule: Never hide symptoms from your guide. Their job is to keep you safe.

Error 5: Not Training for the Descents

The Problem: Everyone worries about the 1,500-meter climbs. But descending 1,500 meters is actually harder on the body—not on the heart, but on the knees, quads, and ankles. Result: Inflamed joints and “jelly legs.” By Day 3, many travelers find the descent a literal torture.

How to avoid it: Train specifically for downhill movement.

• Eccentric Squats: Lower yourself very slowly (count to 5) to train the muscles for “braking.”
• Stair Descents: Practice walking down stairs with an 8 kg pack without using the handrails.
• Trekking Poles: Use them! They reduce knee impact by up to 25%. (Included in our tours).

Error 6: Underestimating the High-Altitude Sun

The Problem: At 3,000 meters, UV radiation is roughly 30% more intense than at sea level. The air is thinner and filters fewer rays. Result: Severe sunburns, split lips, and heatstroke. You can even get burned inside your ears or under your nose from the sun reflecting off the rocks.

How to avoid it:

• SPF 50+ Sunscreen: Apply before leaving and reapply every 2 hours, even if it’s cloudy.
• Lip Balm with SPF: Keep it in your pocket and use it constantly.
• Hat & Sunglasses: Use a wide-brimmed hat that covers your neck and ears, and UV-verified sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Error 7: Underestimating the Nighttime Cold

The Problem: The Apurímac Canyon is hot during the day (25°C / 77°F), but at 3,000 meters, temperatures drop sharply at night to 5°C (41°F) or even below freezing in high passes. Result: Poor sleep, shivering all night, and waking up exhausted.

How to avoid it:

• Right Sleeping Bag: You need a “comfort” rating of 0°C (32°F) for the classic route and -10°C (14°F) for routes with high passes.
• Dry Sleeping Clothes: Never sleep in the clothes you hiked in. Keep a set of thermal base layers and thick socks strictly for sleeping.
• Beanie: You lose a lot of heat through your head. Wear a wool hat to bed.

Summary Table

Bonus Error: Forgetting to Enjoy the Journey

Don’t be so focused on the destination that you forget to look up. Choquequirao isn’t going anywhere. Breathe the mountain air, listen to the silence of the canyon, and savor the meals. The trek isn’t just the way to the ruins—the trek is the experience.

Ready for a hassle-free adventure? Our team handles the logistics so you can focus on the trail.