Embarking on the Choquequirao Trek is much more than an adventure toward the so-called “Lost City of the Incas,” as some refer to it. It’s also a physical challenge that connects travelers with spectacular landscapes, rich Inca history, and of course, Andean gastronomy. But how important is proper nourishment on such expeditions? The answer is simple: it’s extremely important!
Food on the Choquequirao trek not only aims to nourish hikers but also to provide a cultural experience through traditional dishes prepared by professionals with fresh, local ingredients. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what you can expect in terms of meals, logistical details, and a few curiosities that will surprise you.
Why is nutrition crucial on a trekking adventure?
Any multi-day hike or tour requires well-planned and balanced meals that are nutritious enough to face the challenging conditions of a trek in the Andes, especially one as demanding as the Choquequirao Trek. This route requires good physical and mental preparation; however, a key aspect often overlooked is the diet maintained throughout the journey.
On the Choquequirao Trek, you’ll tackle steep ascents, sharp descents, and walk between 5 and 7 hours a day. Consequently, your body needs:
- Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to maintain strength, a steady pace, and prevent physical exhaustion during the trek. Incorporating ample food on the Choquequirao trek ensures you stay fueled.
- Soups, fruits, and local infusions help maintain proper hydration, a crucial factor when trekking at high altitude and over rugged terrain.
- After long days of hiking, it’s important to replenish nutrients with the right foods to ensure good muscle recovery so you’re ready to tackle the next day’s challenges.
Fun Fact: The ancient Incas relied on dehydrated foods like chuño (dried potato) and charqui (dried meat), which were easy to carry and highly nutritious. That’s why these ingredients are still used in food on the Choquequirao trek for certain dishes.

Food on the Choquequirao trek plays several vital roles for all travelers.
What to eat on the Choquequirao Trek?
You might think that since this is an adventure in remote, mountainous areas, the food would be simple or rustic, but nothing could be further from the truth. The cooks accompanying these expeditions are highly skilled professionals with extensive experience. They offer varied and delicious menus capable of satisfying even the most discerning palates.
Keep in mind that the culinary offerings may vary depending on the agency hired or the service requested. Similarly, depending on the season, the ingredients used in preparing food on the Choquequirao trek may change.

A landscape this unique deserves the best food on the Choquequirao trek to enhance the experience.
[NOTE: The dishes mentioned below are only representative examples and may vary depending on the travel agency, the time of year, and personal dietary restrictions. We recommend confirming the specific menu with the tour operators before your expedition to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.]
Breakfasts: The Perfect Start to Your Day
As the first meal of the day on the Choquequirao Trek, breakfast dishes are rich in carbohydrates and proteins, essential to provide the energy needed for the first few hours of hiking. Some typical examples include:
- Oatmeal with honey and fruit: High in fiber and slow-release carbs, perfect for sustained energy.
- Egg tortillas with spinach and fresh cheese: A protein source that helps keep your muscles strong.
- Artisanal Andean bread: Served with homemade jams, butter, or local cheese.
- Andean coffee, coca tea, or muña tea: Infusions that not only warm you up but also help combat altitude sickness.

Consume proteins and carbohydrates to stay energized and embark on this adventure.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’ve never tried coca tea, this is your chance. Besides being a traditional beverage, it has energizing and digestive properties that can be quite useful during the trek.
Lunches: Fuel for the Second Half of the Day
Lunches are the main food on the Choquequirao trek since they’re designed to help you regain strength after the morning hike and prepare you for the afternoon portion. These meals often include:
- Starters: Usually quinoa-based soups or vegetable creams that are comforting, nutritious, and easy to digest.
- Main Courses: Meat or chicken stews served with rice, native potatoes or sweet potatoes, and fresh salads.
- Beverages: Natural refreshments made from seasonal local fruits or the iconic chicha morada.

Food on the Choquequirao trek helps you recover energy and continue the adventure.
Interesting Facts: Quinoa, known as the “golden grain” of the Andes, has a high protein and essential amino acid content, making it an ideal ingredient for food on the Choquequirao trek or other demanding hiking routes.
Dinners: A Comforting Experience
After an exhausting day—overcoming all the route’s challenges, viewing incredible landscapes, and enjoying diverse experiences—dinnertime is an opportunity to relax in a warm atmosphere. You share the day’s stories with your travel companions while savoring dishes such as:
- Hot soups: Light soups like squash soup or chicken broth with Andean herbs are ideal at this time.
- Main courses: Comforting dishes like meat stews, pasta with homemade sauces, or vegetable casseroles.
- Desserts: Local fruits, sweet compotes, or cups of Peruvian hot chocolate.
Dinners always include a hot infusion, like anise or muña tea. These Andean plants aid digestion and prepare your body for the best possible rest—essential for meeting the challenges ahead.

Nothing beats ending a day full of adventures with a nutritious and light variety of delicious dishes.
Snacks: Energy on the Move
While the three main meals of the day are most important and relevant during your Choquequirao Trek expedition, snacks help curb hunger between them. Tour organizers or agencies often provide:
- Fresh fruits (bananas, apples, oranges).
- Energy bars made from local ingredients such as quinoa or kiwicha.
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, Brazil nuts).
- Andean chocolates rich in pure cacao.

It’s highly recommended to carry dry snacks due to the humid climate along the route.
Recommendation: Since not all agencies include snacks as part of the food on the Choquequirao trek, we suggest bringing your own, especially if you have specific preferences. Also, nowadays you can find small shops along the route where you can buy snacks in case you forgot yours.
The Magic Behind Preparing Food on the Choquequirao Trek
Have you ever wondered how cooks manage to prepare such delicious meals in the heart of nature? The logistics behind the food on the Choquequirao trek is a feat in itself. Here’s why:
- All agencies operating the Choquequirao Trek supply the necessary equipment, such as portable gas stoves and basic cooking utensils.
- Many of the products used in preparing food on the Choquequirao trek and other trekking routes are sourced from nearby communities, ensuring fresh ingredients.
- Much of the flavor and culinary variety found in food on the Choquequirao trek comes from using local methods passed down through generations.
Fun Fact: The most experienced cooks often collect wild herbs during the hike, like huacatay, to give a special touch to the food on the Choquequirao trek.
Special Diets and Culinary Adaptations
Food on the Choquequirao trek is designed to be inclusive and meet different dietary needs. This means that all agencies or operators can offer culinary diversity for various tastes and requirements. This includes:
- Vegetarian and vegan options: Dishes made with quinoa, fresh vegetables, and plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas.
- Alternatives for intolerances: Gluten-free, lactose-free, or other allergen-free menus can be prepared.
- Personalization: Organizers often adapt menus if you inform them of your dietary needs when booking.
Note: If you have mild or severe food allergies, it’s important to inform the company when you start acquiring the travel package. This allows chefs and guides to plan a suitable menu for you, ensuring you enjoy food on the Choquequirao trek without worries.
Tips to Make the Most of Food on the Choquequirao Trek
To have a better experience during your hike and enjoy food on the Choquequirao trek to the fullest, consider the following tips:
- Bring a reusable bottle or container to consume infusions and water, which you can refill at various camps along the way. Staying hydrated is vital.
- Don’t underestimate how much energy you need. Enjoy complete portions and eat enough, especially during breakfasts and lunches.
- Take this opportunity to explore new Peruvian and Andean flavors, taking advantage of the culinary diversity offered by food on the Choquequirao trek.
- Avoid leaving waste on the trail; use reusable containers for your snacks or carry your trash in your backpack until you find appropriate disposal points.
Gastronomic Curiosities of the Route
- In communities near Choquequirao or along the route, you may find homemade sweets like alfajores or marzipans made with local ingredients, such as bee honey and kiwicha flour. These desserts are not only delicious but also a way to support local producers and their economy.
- On your journey, you can also acquire regional fruits like tumbo (similar to passion fruit) or lucuma, often used to make desserts or natural juices. These fruits are not only tasty but also provide energetic properties ideal for trekking.
- In some communities along the trek (especially on the first day), traditional clay ovens are used to bake bread (Chuta bread). These breads have a unique texture and are usually served fresh for breakfast, accompanied by butter, cheese, or homemade jam.

Due to its proximity to the jungle, you will greatly enjoy consuming fresh, natural fruits during your trek.
Frequently Asked Questions about Food on the Choquequirao Trek:
Does the weather affect food preparation?
Yes, the weather can influence meal preparation, especially during the colder months from May to August. Chefs prioritize hot, energy-rich dishes like soups, stews, and herbal teas.
What types of local regional food are served during the trek?
Dishes feature local ingredients such as quinoa, potatoes, corn, and trout, adapted to trekking needs.
Where do the ingredients for the trek’s meals come from?
Many ingredients are sourced from local markets in Cusco or nearby towns like Cachora, supporting the local economy and ensuring freshness.
Is the food adapted to the area’s altitude?
Yes, menus are designed to be light, energetic, and easy to digest, considering the effects of altitude.
What are the basic ingredients used in the trek’s meals?
Common staples include quinoa, potatoes, chuño, wheat, lentils, corn, and Andean herbs like muña and coca leaves due to their nutritional value and regional availability.
Is traditional or modern cooking used to prepare the meals?
Typically, a blend of traditional and modern methods is employed. Traditional techniques are used for soups and stews, while modern portable equipment ensures safety and efficiency.
What typical beverages are available during the trek?
Coca tea, herbal infusions of local plants like muña or chachacoma, and sometimes chicha morada or emoliente are offered.
Conclusion on Food on the Choquequirao Trek
Food on the Choquequirao trek is far more than a logistical detail; it’s a culinary experience that connects travelers with Andean traditions, flavors, and cultural richness. From the energy-packed breakfasts that prepare you for the day’s journey to the comforting dinners that celebrate each day’s achievements, every dish reflects the care and dedication that make this adventure special. Moreover, the local ingredients, traditional techniques, and attention to special diets ensure each meal is inclusive, delicious, and memorable.
If you’re planning your adventure to Choquequirao, get ready to delight your senses with food on the Choquequirao trek that will surprise you at every bite. You’ll nourish not only your body but also your soul through the unique flavors of this Inca route. Book your trek now and discover how food can be an essential part of your experience in the Andes!