The Ultimate Packing List For The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

THINGS TO KNOW  About Packing for The Inca Trail

First, the weather in the Peruvian mountains is unpredictable at any time of the year, and although your chances to enjoy sunny and dry conditions during the trek are higher from April to October, you should always be prepared for all possibilities. Chilly nights, warm days, cloudy and foggy times, and rain - these are in short challenges you will need to deal with, and because hiking the Inca Trail is for many once in a lifetime experience, you should pack light and smart to make your adventure unforgettable for a good reason. Remember that there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate gear. 

Valencia Travel is a responsible Travel company, which means you will have a porter as well. That means you need to pack your stuff into a daypack you will carry along the trail, while a porter will carry the rest of the things you don't need during the day in a duffle bag from camp to camp. And yes, there is a weight limit of 6 kilograms per person so that we do not overload the porters. 

Inca Trail Packing List

• PASSPORT 
  Before we start with clothes, toiletries, and electronics packing essentials, there is one thing you cannot by any means leave behind. Even before the trek starts, make sure that your passport is securely stored in your daypack - the Inca Trail is the most controlled trek in Peru, and carrying your passport is absolutely necessary to have with you. 
• Walking Sticks- Regardless of how young or old you are, and no matter if you've never used them before, hiking sticks are almost essential for the Inca Trail because the terrain with hundreds of stone steps is pretty challenging. 
• Good walking boots - Boots suitable for uneven ground and steep, sometimes slippery steps, and for rain or warm weather. Make sure you break these in before you start the Inca Trail. 
• Walking socks -  1 pair for each day of the Inca Trail trek. 
• Long sleeve trekking tops – one per day. Made of a material that pulls sweat away from your body so it can evaporate more easily – therefore, your clothes feel less damp and heavy as you trek along the Inca Trail.
• Two pairs of hiking trousers.  
• Two pairs Leggings/ Yoga Pants.
• Underwear (you decide!).
• Warm fleece with a hood for cold evenings and exposed mountain passes on The Inca Trail; you could substitute the hood for a woolly hat.  
• Rain poncho or Waterproof and windbreaking jacket in case it rains (also useful for chilly evenings at the Inca Trail campsite).   
• Sun hat & sunglasses. 
• Shorts or leggings and a T-shirt for Inca Trail campsites, which could double as something to sleep in (basically something that will be dry and comfy, should you get wet on the Inca Trail). 

 

Comfortable Inca Trail Boots!

 

Essential kit for the Inca trail to Machu Picchu  

• Cash. For tipping your guide, the cook, and the porters on The Inca Trail. (your Peru tour operator can advise what the going rate is), plus there are a couple of places to buy extra snacks on days 1 and 2 and also in Machu Picchu itself. Carry small denominations and in local currency. 
• Comfortable day pack – with a waterproof cover. The lighter the better! This is to carry the essential items for each day’s trekking. 
• Refillable Water bottle – ideally one you can fit in your backpack pocket, for ease of carrying. 
• First aid kit, including plasters for blisters, which is your most likely ailment on the trail.
• Mosquito spray. 
• Sunscreen & SPF chapstick. 
• Torch, ideally a headlamp -For evenings at the Inca Trail campsites, as there will be barely any other light. If you need to leave your tent. 
• Snacks - You will be given snacks each day, but it is always nice to reward yourself after a hard day’s trekking along Te Inca Trail, with your favorite chocolate bar or snack. 
• Camera/camera phone. 
• You won’t get a signal on sections of the Inca Trail, but you’ll want to take photos! 
• Toilet roll.
• Antibacterial wipes.
• Toothbrush & toothpaste. 
• Flannel, soap, deodorant & waterproof bag. 
• Due to the absence of showers on The Inca Trail, you will be making do with a bucket of water for personal hygiene, so a flannel will come in handy. 
• Any prescription medications. 

 

Non-essential yet useful items  For The Inca Trail Trek

• Packing bags / dry bags. (Ziplocs) - These are so handy! These are waterproof, sealable bags you can use to separate items within your daypack.  
• Shampoo & shower gel. 
• Travel/Sports towel. 
• Sleeping bag liner.
• Camping pillow. 
• Battery Charger and connector for your phone. 
• Altitude sickness remedies - Coca Leaves offer a natural energy boost along The Inca Trail and are nice to share with the hard-working porters! You will be offered coca tea by the ports at meal stops.