Packing List and Travel Tips
Travel Tips: Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives. Over the course of four days, you will be traveling through a variety of terrain, including mountains, valleys, rainforest, and cobblestone routes, but you will not have access to the internet or a route. Because of this, we have compiled the Ultimate Inca Trail Packing List for your convenience.
It is very crucial to bring all of the required gear while going trekking in the high mountains, away from the city, where there is no power, no road access, and no shops. There are two distinct seasons here in the Andes of Cusco. The months of November through March make up the rainy season, whereas the months of April through October make up the dry season.
You should always be prepared for cold, wind, rain, and sunny days while trekking the Inca Trail. The weather in the Andes, particularly on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu, may be rather unpredictable. You’ll need to be ready for a wide range of weather, from brisk mornings with clear skies to chilly evenings with steady drizzle. The following is an exhaustive list of items that you should bring on the Inca Trail to ensure that you have all you want for a comfortable and pleasurable journey.
Travel Tips: Important paperwork required on the Inca Trail packing list
- Passport in its Original Form:
You are going to need to bring the actual passport that you used to book the trip. In the event that the passport is renewed after the booking was made, the passport number must be brought up to date. Send us a picture of both passports if you want us to accomplish this for you. It is mandatory that passports be valid for at least six months beyond the dates on which travel is scheduled.
- Validation of Student Status:
A discount of $40 USD will be provided to any and all tourists who are less than 17 years old. Students who are less than 25 years old at the time they access Machu Picchu are also eligible for the student discount, provided they present a valid student ID (which must include the name of the student’s university, a picture of the student, and a valid expiry date). IDs that have either no expiry date or a date that has already passed are not valid. Please submit a copy of your student ID to [email protected] so that we can determine whether or not you are qualified for the student discount.
- Required immunizations to enter Peru:
Before flying to Peru, you should check with your doctor about whether or not you need any extra vaccines. Before you go on your vacation, it is very important that you make an appointment with your doctor so that he or she can give you some advice. Visit our website at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru to find out what vaccines are recommended for your trip to Peru on the CDC website.
Packing List for Hikers on the Inca Trail need the appropriate clothing with travel essentials
As was previously said, both the weather on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu are difficult to forecast. It is possible for it to rain even during the driest months of the year, such as June or July. It would be to your advantage to constantly be ready for each of the different seasons.
On the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek, and any other treks that lead up to Machu Picchu, it is best to dress in layers that you can take off or put on depending on the temperature, whether you are climbing higher into the mountains or descending into the valley. When traveling across a variety of biological zones, you may experience a drastic shift in temperature at various times of the day.
- Shirts and underwear
have around five or six sets of underwear; you should always have an extra set since you may need to wear more than one item during the day if it becomes wet. Because you need to make place for more guests, only one or two unique items will do. It is recommended that you wear athletic underwear and carry a sports bra.
- Thermodynamic foundation layers (both the top and the bottom):
For the cool evenings and early mornings, you are going to require base layers, and they have to be lightweight.
- Shirts that wick away moisture:
For this hike, you should wear long-sleeved shirts; the material used for these shirts should be lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. Bring along two shirts with short sleeves and three with long sleeves; cotton is not suggested for this event.
- Shirts with long sleeves:
During a hike along the Inca Trail, it is essential to wear long-sleeved shirts since they provide protection from the sun, insects, and varying weather conditions.
- Jackets made of fleece or down:
Jackets made of fleece or down may be worn on the Inca Trail since they both offer warmth and insulation, which is necessary for the trail’s later nights and higher elevations, respectively.
- Coat that is both waterproof and windproof:
Due to the fact that the weather in the Andes is notoriously unpredictable, it is very necessary to wear a jacket that is both waterproof and windproof when hiking the Inca Trail.
- Pants for trekking that dry quickly:
Bring at least two or three pairs of hiking pants with you; convertible pants are ideal for days with clear skies. Leggings are another common item of clothing for women.
- Wearing a hat or cap to shield your head from the sun:
Bring a sunhat that also has a cover for your neck; neck gaiters will be of great assistance to you in protecting your neck and preventing sunburn. Bring a nice pair of sunglasses with you as well.
- Knitted beanies and warm gloves:
Bring along some gloves made of fleece as well as a beanie; gloves that are waterproof are ideal for wet days.
- Shoes and boots designed for hiking:
A pair of sturdy hiking boots with a rubber sole and ankle support should be at the top of your shopping list for this item. Ensure that you have done so before to beginning your journey on the Inca Trail.
- Sandals for hiking or shoes that are comfy to wear in the evening:
After a hard day of hiking on the Inca Trail, it is essential to give your feet a rest and let them breathe so that they can continue to function properly. Sandals designed for hiking or other comfy shoes are ideal footwear for nights spent unwinding at the campground.
- Socks made of wool or a material that wicks away moisture (4-5 pairs):
You should bring some heavy hiking socks to wear with the boots and then some lighter socks to change into when you get to the campground. We advise wearing a combination of 4 pairs of socks made of thick wool and 3 pairs of lighter socks.
- Gaiters are also an option.
Gaiters are not required to hike the Inca Trail, but they are recommended since they provide extra protection from dirt, water, dust, and tiny pebbles that might potentially get into your hiking boots.
Travel Tips for Camping gear for your hike along the Inca Trail in 2025:
- A backpack with a capacity of 30–40 liters and a rain cover:
On the Inca Trail, a backpack with 30–40 liters of capacity is an excellent option since it offers sufficient room for critical goods while still being lightweight and simple to carry.
- Sacks used for sleeping:
For this hike, you should bring a down sleeping bag in the shape of a mummy; it should be light and have a temperature rating of around -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). You have the option to rent from us; the warm-down sleeping bags that we give come with liners. On each of our hiking trips, we will supply you with comfortable pillows.
- Trekking poles, preferably with rubberized tips:
Bring a pair of lightweight trekking poles that are adjustable with you on the hike; if you don’t already have a pair, we rent Black Diamond trekking poles.
- Water bottles or a hydration bladder with a capacity of two liters:
Bring either a water filter that can fit in your backpack or a reusable water bottle that can hold at least 2 liters of water; anything that are larger than 21 litter may be too heavy to carry down the Inca Trail.
- Mat With Inflatable Center:
During your hike along the Inca Trail, we will give you with a camping mat to use. On the other hand, you are welcome to bring your own inflatable mat, or you may rent one from us, which will provide you more seclusion and comfort.
- Flashlight or headlamp, preferably with spare batteries:
You may carry a torch with you, but headlamps are preferable since they leave your hands free. Headlamps are required for this hike.
- Electronics in general:
Bring a camera, your iPhone, or perhaps a GoPro so you can record the most memorable events. Keep in mind that you will be camping in the wilderness away from any sources of energy.
- Chargers and power banks that are portable:
Bring along a reliable power bank as well as spare batteries.
- Money for travel:
Bring some additional money with you, preferably in smaller bills and soles, in case you want to purchase anything along the way, including souvenirs and tips.
Personal items of many kinds for Travel Tips on your Holiday Packing List
- Sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher:
You should bring a high-quality sunscreen with you since you will be trekking in open terrain at a rather high elevation. Lip balms and water-resistant sunscreen should also be brought along.
- Repellents for insects:
Bring insect repellent with a high concentration of deet if you are going to Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail in an area that is warm and humid.
- A travel towel that may be reused and dries quickly:
To ensure that your hands are completely dry, we supply hand towels. Bring a tiny towel with you that dries quickly in case you need to dry your face after taking a shower.
- Bathing suit (not required):
If you want to spend more than one day at Aguas Calientes, you should carry a swimsuit with you.
- Wet wipes are a kind of tissue.
Bring hand gels, wet wipes, tissues, and toilet paper with you on the hike so that you can maintain good hand hygiene.
- Brush for your teeth:
Please bring all of your necessities with you, and make sure they are compact and lightweight (toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, deodorant, face moisturizer, and a tiny bar of soap).
Packet of First Aid Supplies for the Inca Trail packing list
- Medications:
Diamox, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, and Ciprofloxacin are some of the necessary drugs that you should bring along with you on the walk in case you have any common health problems. You should give some thought to bringing a standard first aid kit that contains pain remedies (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen), antihistamines (for allergies), electrolyte rehydration salts (for dehydration), and any other personal drugs that you may need.
- Blister Plasters, Also Known As:
Blister plasters, sometimes referred to as blister pads or hydrocolloid dressings, are an important piece of gear for hikers who want to both prevent and cure blisters while on extended excursions. They act as a shock absorber, minimize the amount of friction, and promote healing.
- Antiseptic cream — see also:
An antiseptic cream is a need for any excursion since applying it to small wounds, such as blisters, scratches, and scrapes, may help avoid infection.
- Products targeted for women:
Women must have feminine hygiene goods that are comfortable, dependable, and simple to handle on the Inca Trail. These include reusable cloth pads, tampons, personal wipes, and pain relief medication.
snacks during the day:
- Nutrition bars (one or two each day, respectively).
- Bag of Trail Mix
- Non-juicy Fruits
- Candy or Chocolates
- Jerky made with beef
- Electrolyte pills or powder to take
- Sugary Sweets
- Tablets for water purification or a water filter (this item is optional)
- Coffee or tea packets, instant if desired (optional).
