The Choquequirao trek is one of the most demanding in southern Peru. There are many hours of hiking, steep ascents and descents, sudden weather changes, and limited services along the route. Packing properly is key to enjoying the experience and not overloading your backpack.
Below you’ll find a suggested checklist for a 4 to 5-day trek, both for travelers going with a tour operator and those hiking on their own.
Documents and Money
- Passport or ID card (if you are Peruvian)
- Travel insurance, printed or digital
- Cash in soles (for purchases along the way and emergencies)
- Debit or credit cards
- Copies of important documents stored in your email or in the cloud
Backpacks and Bags
- Large 40–60 liter backpack for clothing and main gear (if you are trekking independently)
- Duffel bag or travel bag (if your tour operator offers porters or pack animals)
- 20–30 liter daypack to carry water, snacks, jacket, camera, etc.
- Rain cover for your backpack
Clothing for the Trek
In Choquequirao it’s important to dress in layers, because it can be very hot during the day and cold at night.
- 2 or 3 quick-dry trekking shirts (short- or long-sleeved)
- 1 or 2 trekking pants, ideally convertible to shorts
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Fleece as a mid-layer for warmth
- Warm jacket (down or synthetic) for the evenings
- 1 set of thermal base layers (top and bottom) for sleeping
- 3 or 4 pairs of trekking socks and 1 or 2 pairs of warmer socks
- 3 or 4 sets of underwear
- Shorts or lightweight leggings to wear around camp
- Comfortable, warm sleepwear
Footwear
- Mid-cut trekking boots with good grip and preferably waterproof
- Make sure the boots are already broken in (not brand new)
- Sandals or lightweight sneakers to rest in at camp
Sun and Cold Protection
- Cap or wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Buff or scarf for your neck and to protect from dust
- Wool hat or similar for the night
- Lightweight gloves (and warmer gloves if you get cold easily)
Camping Gear
Always check what your tour operator includes so you don’t carry more than necessary.
Basic gear for most travelers:
- Sleeping bag with a comfort temperature close to -5 °C
- Foam or inflatable sleeping pad
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Packing cubes or stuff sacks to organize clothing
If you are trekking independently, also take:
- Lightweight, rain-resistant tent
- Portable stove with gas
- Small pot and basic cooking gear
- Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
- Trekking poles (very useful for the long ascents and descents)
Water, Snacks, and Food
- Water bottle or hydration bladder with a minimum capacity of 1 to 2 liters
- Water purification system: purification tablets or a portable filter
- High-energy snacks: nuts, granola bars, chocolate, cookies, etc.
If meals are not included:
- Easy-to-prepare meals (freeze-dried foods, instant soups, pasta, oatmeal)
- Coffee, tea, or herbal infusions
Personal Hygiene Items
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap and a small bottle of shampoo
- Toilet paper in a ziplock bag
- Wet wipes for quick cleaning
- Microfiber towel (dries quickly and is lightweight)
- High SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer gel
Personal First-Aid Kit
Even if you travel with a tour operator, it is recommended to bring your own basic first-aid kit.
- Personal medication (with prescription if necessary)
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicine
- Tablets for stomach discomfort
- Band-aids, blister pads, and adhesive tape
- Small elastic bandages
- Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte packets
- Cream or gel for muscle pain and bruises
Technology and Useful Extras
- Cell phone and charger
- Power bank, since outlets are not always available
- Camera or action camera with extra batteries
- Dry bags or ziplock bags to protect electronics and documents
- Small notebook and pen
- Trekking poles if they are not included in the service you booked
- Trash bag to carry out all your waste
Quick Checklist for Choquequirao
You can place this section at the end of your post or turn it into a PDF or image for your passengers.
Choquequirao Checklist (4–5 days)
- Documents: passport or ID card, insurance, cash
- Large backpack + daypack + rain cover
- Layered clothing: quick-dry shirts, trekking pants, waterproof jacket, fleece, warm jacket, thermal base layers, trekking socks
- Footwear: broken-in trekking boots, sandals or lightweight sneakers
- Protection: cap or hat, sunglasses, buff, wool hat, gloves
- Camping: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, tent and stove (if you are trekking independently)
- Food: water bottle, water purifier, high-energy snacks, easy-to-prepare meals (if not included)
- Hygiene: toilet paper, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, microfiber towel, sunscreen, repellent, hand sanitizer
- First-aid kit: personal medication, pain relievers, band-aids, oral rehydration salts, bandages
- Extras: power bank, camera, trekking poles, dry bags, trash bag
