His tribe believes in animal guides that direct each person along their path of life. Chakotay's guide is a female animal, and it is not a bear. He uses a medicine bundle that includes a blackbird's wing, a stone from the river, and a machine that replaces psychoactive herbs to contact his animal guide. He teaches others to contact their guide, including Lieutenant Torres and Captain Janeway. Chakotay is a mentor to B'Elanna Torres and has great amounts of faith in her. They were in the Maquis together.
Chakotay loves his favorite mushroom soup and has asked Neelix to make corn salad. His hobbies include playing hoverball, making sand pictures, and etching on rocks. He also can make things like log cabins, headboards, and even a bathtub for the Captain. Chakotay also gives good neck rubs.