Is there puma risk?
The chance of attack by puma (similar to the North American cougar) is miniscule.
The chance to see a puma is miniscule, despite the fact that Cuzco is laid out in the shape of a puma.
We have heard of no encounters on Choquequirao but in March 1998 a fisherman was attacked and killed when he disturbed a puma eating its prey on the shore of Lago Sarmiento in Patagonia.
If you are approached by a puma, be aggressive making noise & waving your arms. If attacked, fight back as if your life depends on it. It does.
Storing food safely
At night you should cache food out of reach of dogs & other animals, including horses & cows. We keep ours in the tent, sealed in air tight kayak bags.
Domestic animals have been known to damage tents trying to get at food, especially salty food.
