There are lots of great trekking routes all over Peru. On Leap Local you can search for a local guide to take you trekking in the area you want to go to. We have specific information for some of the most popular routes on the How to go Local in Peru page.

Most guides on most routes can arrange arrieros (mule drivers) if you ask in advance and animals to carry your gear so you need only carry a day-pack with some food, drinks, hat, sun cream and rain jacket, which can make for a much more pleasant trek unless you actually enjoy carrying a 15 to 20 kilo pack at altitude.

Take sufficient rain and cold weather gear. Some guides can rent a tent, sleeping bag and mat for you if you dont have your own with you.

Whether you bring your own food depends on the agreement you have with the guide. Some guides will cook themselves or bring a cook for an additional charge, and sometimes they suggest shopping together. Or you may prefer to cook your own food. In any case you should ensure that there is enough food for the guide, cook and mule-driver(s) to eat well, remembering that they may have larger appetites than you. Usually the hikers provide this food but if in doubt check with your guide in advance. If you take pack animals they will carry the food. On some routes it is possible to buy food but others are more remote. You should also check whether you need to provide tent space for the guides and arrieros.

Beware that you have to be careful about altitude sickness when trekking in the Andes and that not all guides are careful enough. Check out http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm for more advice.

Finally follow the Leave no Trace guidelines... stay to the trails, take all your waste out with you and take a trowel to dig holes to defecate, leave flora and fauna alone and dont make too much noise, http://www.lnt.org/ 

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