Choquequirao Hike TREK 5d/4n

Recommended Packing List: Choquequirao to Machu Picchu (7 Days)

This trek has earned itself recognition as one of the most challenging but amazing journeys in Peru. The trek entails experiencing contrasting geographical landscapes, traversing deep canyons of the two of the deepest canyons in the world (Apurimac and Rio Blanco) and then scaling glacial passes up to 4000 meters above the sea level. For such an adventure, physical stamina and mental toughness are needed. Therefore, light travel with excellent technical equipment is the most important thing for success. Preparation will help you endure sudden changes in microclimates from humid cloud forest to frozen air in the high peaks.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

Documents & Personal Essentials

• Passport: Required for checkpoints at Choquequirao, entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu and train.
• Cash (Peruvian Soles): Smaller bills for snacks and refreshments,
• Insurance: Digital and hard copies of your travel insurance which should cover trekking on high altitudes and remote rescues.
• Student card: If you have one and it was used to make the reservation.

Clothing & Footwear (Layering System)

• Good Hiking Boots: They should be waterproof, broken-in, provide good ankle support, and have high traction soles (Vibram preferred) for difficult descents.
• Trekking Pants (2-3 pair): Lightweight, synthetic and quick-drying. No cotton or denim which hold water and chafe.
• Breathable Under-layers (4-5 pieces): Wicking shirts made of either synthetic or merino wool to stay dry when climbing intensely.
• Down/Thermal Jacket: Absolutely needed for camping in high altitude camps such as Maizal and Yanama where it gets much cooler in the evening.
• Waterproof Jacket or Good Poncho: Absolutely necessary due to rain in the humid cloud forest sections and rain around Machu Picchu.
• Thermal Layer Clothing (Long Johns): For sleeping in and crossing the very cold Abra San Juan Pass (Day 5).
• Warm Knit Hat and Gloves: Needed in the mornings and in the high altitude passes.
• Wide Brim Hat: Absolutely needed due to the relentless sun on Apurimac Canyon trek.
• Camp Shoes or Sandals: Lightweight sandals that will allow your feet to breathe at the end of the day.

Trekking Equipment & Accessories

• Trekking poles: Highly recommended/mandatory. They are absolutely necessary for stability and for protection of your knees on the 1,400-meter descent down to the river.
• Day pack: (30-35L). It must have rain cover to transport your water, food, additional layers of clothing, and personal documentation.
• Hydration system: (CamelBak) or reusable water bottles. Hydration is key to avoid altitude sickness and dehydration in the canyons.
• Headlamp: with spare batteries. Necessary to move around in campsites where there is no electricity and to depart early morning hours.
• Sleeping bag: down/synthetic at least -10?C (14?F).
• Power bank: High capacity power bank, because there is no electrical connection during several days.
• Dry bags: to keep your clothing and electronics completely dry in your backpacks due to the rain and humidity.

Health and Personal Care

• Insect repellent: Essential. The minuscule sandflies ("Pumahuacachi" at Rio Blanco and Choquequirao) can be quite stubborn; therefore, get something with a high DEET content.
• Sun cream and lip balm: Necessary. Use a high SPF in order to safeguard yourself from the UV radiation in the high-altitude areas.
• Personal hygiene: Toilet paper, moist toilettes (extremely useful to have a "dry wash"), biodegradable soap, and hand sanitizer.
• First aid kit: Essential. Include moleskin/blister plasters (essential for this trek), rehydration salts, altitude sickness tablets (acetazolamide/Soroche), and your personal medication.
• Earplugs: To get a good night's sleep at camp sites.

Southern Peru Explorers Note: Please remember that we provide the heavy camping equipment (tents, kitchen gear) and the pack horses to carry your main luggage (up to a 7kg limit per person). You only need to focus on your daypack and on enjoying the most epic adventure in the Andes

Confirmation of Your Booking?

Making your booking for your trip with us is fast, convenient, and 100% secure. We kindly ask you to fill out all the necessary data which is mentioned below. We also recommend to fill out the following information exactly as it appears on your passport because according to the Peruvian laws, it is essential to issue the entrance tickets, train tickets, and transportation service.

Passenger Information
Full Name:
Passport Number:
Nationality:
Copy of passport:
Date of Birth:

Trip Details

We kindly ask you to provide your accommodation information in Cusco. It is important for us to know your hotel in order to arrange the pickup point and drop-off point.

Food Requirements

We care about your comfort during the journey. If you have any requirements or limitations on the food which you can eat (vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free food, for example), please tell us about it.

Safe Payment Procedure

We guarantee a secure and user-friendly payment procedure. In order to confirm your booking, please visit the link below to fill out the payment form using your credit or debit card:
[PAYMENT LINK]
Upon successful completion of the payment, we will start securing all necessary services for your tour such as Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, bus transportations and all the services included in your chosen tour package.
Please note that Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets are limited and are available depending on their availability. Thus, we highly recommend you to complete the payment process as soon as possible in order to ensure your place in the tour.

Booking Confirmation

In case of successful completion of your reservation, you will be sent a final confirmation email with all the details about your booking.