Let’s get something straight off the bat: the Choquequirao Trek is not here to play nice.
This is not a “cute scenic walk.” This is not an “I’ll just wing it” kind of adventure. And it’s definitely not Machu Picchu’s well-behaved little cousin.
The route to Choquequirao is raw, remote, extremely beautiful, and unapologetically demanding. Yep, it’s the kind of trek that quietly judges you while you re-lace your boots for the fifth time.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a professional athlete, a mountain goat, or someone who casually runs ultramarathons “for fun.” What you do need is the right physical preparation, the right mental mindset, and a solid understanding of what the Andes are about to throw at you.
Let’s get you ready, body, brain, trekking soul, and all.
Table of Contents
Why The Choquequirao Trek Is So Tough (And So Legendary)
Before you jump headfirst into training plans, gym sessions, or motivational playlists, it helps to understand why this trek has such a fearsome reputation.
Choquequirao isn’t hard because of one single factor. It’s hard because it piles up the challenges like it’s trying to prove a point.
Here’s what you’ll be dealing with:
- Huge elevation changes, including relentless descents followed by even more relentless climbs
- Long trekking days that test endurance, not speed
- Minimal civilization and serious remoteness
- High altitude, where oxygen becomes less of a guarantee
- Heat, sun, humidity, and sweat, often all at once
And then, after all of that, you get the big payoff. You’re faced with one of the largest Inca sites ever discovered, still partially held onto by jungle, and often visited by fewer people in an entire day than Machu Picchu sees before breakfast.
This contrast is exactly what makes Choquequirao unforgettable. But it’s also why preparation isn’t optional. It’s essential to enjoy the experience instead of merely surviving it. You’ll thank us in the long run.
Physical Preparation: Training Your Body For The Andes’ Most Aggressive Leg Day
The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment or extreme fitness credentials.
The bad news? Your legs are about to enter a long-term relationship with discomfort. We’re not joking.
Choquequirao is about endurance, strength, and durability. It’s not about speed or flashy athleticism.
Below are our top physical prep tips.
Cardio: Your Base Camp For Success
This trek demands long days and steady movement. That means building a cardiovascular system that doesn’t panic the moment your heart rate climbs, because it’ll climb a lot.
The best cardio exercises for Choquequirao preparation include:
- Hiking (surprise!)
- Stair climbing
- Incline treadmill walking
- Cycling or swimming to build endurance without joint overload
We recommend aiming for 45-90 minutes, 3-5 times per week. If you can comfortably hold a conversation the entire time, add incline, resistance, or duration. The Andes do not reward “just enough.”
Strength Training: Because Gravity Is Not On Your Side
Many people train for uphill climbs and forget about the punishment of going downhill.
Downhill trekking destroys quads, challenges knees, and tests patience like nothing else. Jello legs are a real thing, and the Choquequirao Trek doesn’t hold back.
Focus on:
- Squats (bodyweight, goblet, barbell – all are welcome)
- Lunges (forward, reverse, walking, emotionally humbling)
- Step-ups with weight
- Deadlifts
- Core work
Training 2-3 times per week is ideal. Consistency beats dramatic, once-a-week hero workouts every time.
Backpack Training: Make It Feel Normal Before It’s Mandatory
Carrying weight uphill is no easy feat. Don’t let Choquequirao be the first time your body experiences it, especially as it’s going to happen quite a few times over a few days.
- Start with 10-15 lbs
- Slowly build up to 20-25 lbs
- Wear it on hikes, stairs, and long walks
You get extra credit for practicing downhill with weight. Your knees will write you a thank-you note later.
Hiking Is The Homework You Can’t Skip
There’s no substitute for hiking. None.
If possible:
- Hike on uneven terrain
- Seek elevation gain whenever you can
- Go longer than feels comfortable
- Train on consecutive days
Your body needs to learn how to function while tired because Choquequirao isn’t a one-day event. You need to learn to push through even when your calves are telling you to take a break.
Mental Preparation: The Real Trek Happens in Your Head
Sure, strong legs will get you up the trail, but a strong mind will get you through the hard days.
Choquequirao is mentally demanding because it’s:
- Remote
- Quiet
- Repetitive
- Long in a way that forces thoughts to get loud
Mental preparation isn’t optional out here.
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Choquequirao thrives on discomfort. Heat. Sweat. Fatigue. The creeping question of “Why did I sign up for this?”
Mental training starts at home by:
- Training on days you don’t feel motivated
- Finishing workouts even when they start to get boring
- Practicing to keep going after “I’m tired” shows up
Because on the trail, “I’m tired” arrives early and often doesn’t want to leave.
Break The Trek Into Small, Manageable Wins
Thinking about the entire trek can feel overwhelming. No one will judge you for this. Thinking about the next 20 minutes feels doable.
When the trail gets tough:
- Focus on reaching the next bend
- Then the next break
- Then the next viewpoint
Momentum is built from small victories stacked together.
Expect The Emotional Rollercoaster
There will be moments of:
- “This is incredible”
- “I am never doing this again”
- “Why is this climb still happening?”
- “Actually… I kind of love this”
All of these emotions are normal. None of them are permanent.
Knowing that in advance helps you ride the hard moments instead of fighting them.
Altitude Preparation: Respect The Thin Air
If there’s something you’ll quickly realize about being in the Andes, it’s that altitude doesn’t care how fit you are. It cares how patient you are.
Smart altitude preparation includes:
- Proper acclimatization days (2-3 in Cusco is ideal)
- Staying extremely hydrated (avoid alcohol when you can)
- Eating enough carbohydrates (Peruvian potatoes are your friend)
- Sleeping whenever possible (naps for the win)
Training at sea level won’t replicate altitude, but strong fitness helps your body adapt faster and recover better once oxygen becomes scarce.
Being Well Equipped = Mental Confidence
Few things destroy morale faster than blisters, chafing, or gear that refuses to cooperate.
Before the trek:
- Break in boots properly
- Test socks, layers, and backpacks
- Learn how your equipment behaves when wet, hot, or sweaty
Confidence in your gear removes an entire category of unnecessary stress, which we think is pretty important, as Choquequirao already provides plenty of challenges on its own.
Fear, Doubt, And “Am I Good Enough?” Thoughts
The short answer to that question is yes.
The long answer? Yes, with preparation.
Almost everyone who completes the Choquequirao Trek once questioned whether they could actually do it. The difference between those who thrive and those who struggle isn’t talent. It’s preparation, pacing, and mindset.
Feeling fear doesn’t mean you’re unready. It means you understand what you’re stepping into.
Final Reminder: This Is Not A Race
Do NOT set out with the intention of completing the trek faster than anyone ever has. It’s just not going to happen.
Choquequirao rewards:
- Patience
- Steady pacing
- Curiosity
- Respect for the mountains
It punishes:
- Ego
- Rushing
- Comparison
- Ignoring warning signs
Approach it humbly, train intentionally, and let the Andes set the pace.
The Payoff: Why Every Step Is Worth It
When you finally find yourself standing among the terraces of Choquequirao, surrounded by cloud forest and silence, something clicks.
All that effort makes sense. The preparation feels justified. And the trail behind you becomes a story you’ll tell forever.
This isn’t just a trek. It’s a rite of passage.
And with the right physical training and mental preparation? It’s one you are absolutely capable of completing. Whoever you are.
Leave A Reply