Inca Trail Packing List

Whether you need an Inca Trail packing list for June, July, or November, the below packing guide can help you pack for your 4 day Inca Trail trek. First item in your Machu Picchu trip planning should be getting Inca Trail Reservations / Inca Trail Permits, after that, it's all about the packing list.

Inca Trail Packing List: Clothing

You'll want to pack for rain, cold, high elevation and all the Inca Trail steps. So what to bring to Machu Picchu, on your journey of a lifetime?
Wind/waterproof jacket: Mens Womens | Mens Outlet Womens Outlet
Poncho | Outlet poncho - A poncho is great for keeping your pants dry and your backpack dry.
Fleece/warmer jacket Mens Womens | Mens Outlet Womens Outlet
2 pairs long trousers (lightweight) with zip-off for shorts Mens Womens | Mens Outlet Womens Outlet
Short-sleeved shirt Mens Womens | Men's Outlet Women's Outlet
Long-sleeved shirt(s) Mens Womens | Men's Outlet Women's Outlet
Moisture-wicking Thermal Underwear:
Mens Top Mens Bottom | Mens Outlet Top | Mens Outlet Bottom
Womens Top Womens Bottom | Womens Outlet Top | Womens Outlet Bottom
Underwear: Mens Womens | Mens Outlet | Womens Outlet
Hat/Beanie | Outlet Beanie
Flip-flops: If you want to have a shower on the third night. Cost is 5 Soles.
Swimsuit for Aguas Calientes - cost is 10 soles entrance fee
Mens swimwear Womens swimwear | Mens Outlet | Womens Outlet

** Note: Highest altitude while hiking is 13,770 ft (dead woman's pass altitude) and 11,480 ft at the campsite. Dead woman's pass weather will be cold, windy, and possible rain and/or hail. You'll want warm layers on day 2 of the hike. It can get cold in the evenings, so dress warm while sleeping.

Machu Picchu Backpack Size

Daypack with water bottle or camelback | Outlet daypacks
* The maxiumum backpack size that can be carried into Machu Picchu is 20 litres. Backpacks larger than 20 litres can be checked in storage while at Machu Picchu. For hiking the Inca trail, the idea is not to carry too much in your daypack. You should be carrying water, clothing layers (poncho and wind/waterproof jacket), snacks, and toilet paper in your daypack. Temperatures are fairly nice while hiking, but you should be prepared for weather. It will inevitability rain in the rainforest.

Inca Trail Hiking Boots or Shoes

Waterproof hiking shoes Mens Womens | Mens Outlet Womens Outlet
Synthetic or wool socks | Outlet socks
* Are hiking shoes or boots better for the Inca Trail?: If you have strong ankles and do not misstep, shoes are fine. Otherwise, boots are better. Hiking boots will give you more support while hiking the 1,500 Inca steps on the Inca Trail. Gore-tex / waterproof boots are necessary. It will rain in the rainforest and you do not want wet shoes or socks. Wet shoes or socks will give you blisters.

Inca Trail Steps / Inca Trail Walking Sticks

** Note: The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has A LOT of steps, approximately 1,500 steps. The steps are of varying sizes, small to large, uneven and jagged. The steps are both ascending and descending. Trekking poles with rubber tips or sticks can be useful to alleviate knee pain. Trekking poles / Walking Sticks without rubber tips are NOT allowed on the Inca Trail as it is very important to not cause damage to the stone paving along the Inca Trail. **
Trekking poles | Outlet trekking poles

Inca Trail Sleeping Bag Recommendations

4 Seasons Sleeping bag for 0 to -10 F | Sleeping bags Outlet
Sleeping pad Mens Womens | Sleeping pads Outlet
Sleeping bag liner | Outlet Sleeping bag liner
Small camp sleeping pillow | Outlet camp pillow

** A sleeping bag rating of four seasons (or -10 F) is recommended for the cold temperatures during the winter months on the Inca Trail. At other times you will probably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5) sleeping bag although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only. A Sleeping bag liner can add an extra 25 F of warmth. Summer in Peru is from December to February and winter from July to September. Hiking the Inca Trail is popular all year round with the exception of February, however May to September is considered the high season. Sleeping with a hat on will keep your body from losing heat. Also, filling an empty nalgene bottle and placing in your sleeping bag will help to stay warm.

Or Inca Trail Sleeping Bag Hire / Rental:
Sleeping bags (can be rented on-site): approx $20 per hiker to be paid on-site
Inflatible mattress pad can be rented for approx $15 per hiker to be paid on-site.
If you choose to rent a sleeping bag, you may wish to bring your own sleeping bag liner, for hygienic purposes.

Toiletries, Personal Items and Medications

Headlamp /Flashlight with extra batteries | Outlet headlamps
Camera with extra batteries
Empty nalgene bottle : Fill with warm water and place in sleeping bag to keep warm
Sunhat, Sunblock and lip balm
Sunglasses: Mens Womens | Outlet sunglasses
Spare glasses or contact lenses
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof bags for: passport, electronics and extra money
Plastic bags for organizing
Pack towel, biodegradable soap - Warm water for washing is provided to you.
Laundry Detergent - if you wish to wash any clothes
Hand-sanitizer and toilet paper
First-aid kit
Water purification tablets
Insect repellent
Cipro (for travellers diarrhea)
Diamox (for high-altitude)
Anti-nausea medication for car sickness
Pain medication for headaches
Cough lozenges
Allergy / cold medication and any other personal medications/prescriptions.

** Note: You will need to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer everywhere you go in Peru, not just the Inca trail. None of the restrooms in restaurants, etc. provide toilet paper or soap. On the trail, you will be provided with warm water for washing up and washing any clothes if you choose.

Passport:
Passport is required to check-in to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You will not be allowed to hike without your passport. IMPORTANT: A permit cannot be obtained without information of the passport holder as permits are individualized with passport details. They cannot be transferred to another passenger. If one digit is incorrect in the passport details or the name does not match that indicated in the passport you risk being refused entrance at the trail head with no refund or chance to transfer dates. If for any reason you organize a NEW PASSPORT after we have purchased your permits,… you must bring with you the original old passport along with your new passport on the trail or a clear copy. If not the control will refuse your entrance. Permits are non-refundable, dates are non-transferrable. If you need to change the date of your Machu Picchu trip, Inca trail permits must be re-purchased at $250.00 USD per hiker. If you decide to cancel your Machu Picchu trip, deposit is non-refundable.

Inca Trail Weight limit:

Packing for the Inca trail can be challenging, as there is a weight limit of what the porters will carry for you on the Inca Trail. Purchasing a luggage scale and weighing your luggage at home, will save you a lot of hassle later. Otherwise, be prepared to lug your luggage back and forth, multiple times from your hotel room to the hotel lobby, where the scale is, removing items that you overpacked and leaving them in storage instead of taking them on the Inca trail with you. If your hotel room is on the third floor, this will seem even more challenging, as there are no elevators in Cusco hotels. You are already at high-altitude, so this will become difficult and your bag will seem very heavy.

What do porters carry on the Inca Trail?:
A duffel bag with a waterproof liner is provided to you for your overnight items to be carried by the porters. The Inca Trail weight limit is 6 kg (13 pounds) per person, per porter. They are very strict about this. You will not be allowed to pack more than this in one bag. An extra porter can be hired, for approximately $50 - $75, to carry an additional 6 kg (13 pounds). Since the Inca trail requires permit reservations, you will need to notify your Inca Trail Guide upon purchase that you want to hire an extra porter.

Rental Sleeping bag weighs 2 kg and rental foam mattress weighs 1 kg and is included in the allowed limit. Therefore, the remainder allowed to pack after sleeping bag and pad, is 3 kg (6.5 pounds) for the Inca Trail. Your guides will provide you with a duffel bag the day before the hike to put your overnight items inside. Weight limit restrictions are strict and are monitored by the Peruvian government. All hotels in Cusco will have a scale for you to weigh your duffel, in order for you to meet the weight restrictions.

Luggage storage:
All hotels in Cusco can store any extra luggage while you are at Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca or the Amazon jungle.

Inca Trail Machu Picchu Guides

The Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is by far the most famous trek in South America and is rated by many to be in the top five treks in the world. Because of its popularity, and because only 400 permits (people including guides) are allowed on the trail per day, it is recommended that you book your Inca Trail trek early, six months in advance to guarantee your spot. With hundreds to choose from, choosing a guide for your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be difficult. PAP Adventures stands apart from the rest. Their chefs have attended culinary training, and will amaze you with their artful presentation of food in the remotest of places. You will not find a more delicious meal on the Inca Trail. PAP is a locally owned and managed tour operator.

BOOK INCA TRAIL TRIP

Machu Picchu Food and Drink:
Food/snacks: You will be provided with 3 meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a tea time snack. You will also be provided with fruits and bread to take with you for hiking. However, if you have any favorite foods, snacks or drinks: such as Starbucks travel coffee packets , shot bloks, energy bars, sports drink powder, you should bring them. Instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate (Milo) is provided, but may not be what you are accustomed to. Coca tea and other tea is provided to help alleviate altitude sickness and digestion issues.

You will be provided with plenty of food to keep you going. However, if you would like additional snacks. Snacks can be purchased in Ollantaytambo in town before the hike. There are also vendors on the Inca trail selling Gatorade and snacks.

Inca Trail Tipping:

Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. The porters, cooks and guides do a lot for the clients. They carry and setup sleeping tents, latrine tents, dining tents, cook 3 meals plus a snack. They really go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. A good rule of thumb for showing your appreciation is approximately $10 - 15 dollars per day per hiker for the porters. That is a total of $40-$60 PER HIKER, for a 4 day hike. Bills larger than $20 will not be accepted. Broken and torn bills will not be accepted.

In case of emergency:
Things can happen when you're travelling that are out of your control. It is recommended to bring an extra $200 U.S. dollars and a credit card in case of emergency for all tours.

About Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu:

The Inca Trail is widely regarded as one of the top ten treks of the world, for its combination of Inca ruins, high passes, snow-capped mountains and ever changing ecosystems. As we hike you will learn about its history, flora and fauna with the help of expert guides. Four days later, having walked 28 miles (40 km) and crossed passes up to 4200m you will reach the climax of this sacred pilgrimage, the wonderful Machu Picchu. In just 26 miles (43km) it manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and, of course, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. The final destination of the trail just cannot be beaten: Machu Picchu, the mysterious "Lost City of the Incas".

When is the best time to hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed during the month of February each year. The closure is to allow conservation projects to take place, give an opportunity for camping facilities to be improved and to allow the vegetation to grow back. February is also the height of the wet season.

January - April is the rainy season. May - September is high season. They only allow 400 permits per day on the Inca Trail. This includes Inca Trail permits for the porters. It is recommended that you purchase 6 months or more in advance to guarantee an Inca Trail permit.

Weather for: Cusco (Inca Trail)	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Av. High (°F)	66	66	67	68	68	67	67	68	68	70	69	68
Av High (°C)	19	19	19	20	20	19	19	20	20	21	20	20
Av. Low (°F)	44	44	44	41	37	34	34	34	39	42	43	43
Av. Low (°C)	7	7	7	5	3	1	1	1	4	6	6	6
Wet days	16	12	10	7	4	3	2	2	6	8	10	14

Scheduling: It is recommended to arrive in Cusco, two to three days before hiking, to allow time to acclimate to the higher altitude. It is also recommended to have a rest day in between tours. You will need some downtime, in between Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Amazon jungle tours.

Inca Trail Preparation and Preventing Altitude Sickness

Preventing Altitude Sickness: It is suggested that you arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before your trek to allow yourself time to acclimatize. The more acclimatized you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. Take it easy when you arrive in Cusco. Resist the urge to rush out and sightsee. Relax, take a nap, for a few hours, before you start walking around. Do not consider doing this hike without taking Diamox, or another prescribed medication to prevent high-altitude sickness. Staying well hydrated is the most effective way to minimize the symptoms of high altitude. Avoid alcohol and caffeine the first 48 hours. Participate in only mild exercise for the first 48 hours. A diet high in carbohydrates can reduce both the onset and severity of altitude sickness. Because carbohydrates require less oxygen to metabolize, they are the preferred energy source at elevation. Travelers consuming 70% or more of their calories from carbs have shown to acclimate more readily than those who do not. Taking ibuprofen before a trip to the mountains may help some people avoid the headaches and nausea that come with altitude sickness. But do not take it, instead of diamox. Having a high-altitude exposure at more than 9,000 ft (2,750 m) for 2 nights or more, within 30 days before the trip, is useful.

Taking Diamox: This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters). Please refer to the CDC guide on Altitude Illness for additional information. The medical name for diamox is Acetazolamide. CDC recommended dose is 250 mg twice per day. Prescription dose can vary widely by doctor and manufacturer. If you have a chance to try out your dosage ahead of time, above 10,000 ft, it will help greatly to know whether the side effects/dosage are too strong for you. In which case, the dosage may need to be adjusted for you. However, do not consider doing the hike without taking it at all. Some diamox is always better than no diamox.

Feeling Sick: If you are experiencing any health issues, make sure to let your guides know. There are doctor's on call, that can issue prescriptions and take care of any issues that arise, before your condition gets worse. The process is very smooth, do not wait until you feel worse.

Machu Picchu Hotel

For a real treat after your hike, stay overnight at the only hotel on the grounds of Machu Picchu: The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu. (pictured below). This is a very luxurious hotel with landscaped ponds and direct views of the Huayna Picchu Mountain. After taking so long hiking to get to Machu Picchu, why rush off to Cusco immediately? Spend some time enjoying the beautiful scenery and relaxing in style.

Hotels near Machu Picchu (in Aguas Calientes):

Just a twenty minute bus ride away from Machu Picchu, is the town of Aquas Calientes. All trekkers go to Aquas Calientes after their hike and all trains to Cusco depart from here. There are many nice hotels to choose from, ranging from hostel to 5 star luxury. The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (pictured below) is a 5- star luxury hotel offering comfort, elegance and relaxation. Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel has spacious, luxurious rooms with a sitting area. All include a cable TV and are equipped with heating. Some rooms feature a private balcony with views of the mountains and the Urubamba River.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo (pictured below) is an intimate 85-casitas luxury hotel in sprawling Andean style village within the secluded12 acres of exquisite beauty. Follow stone pathways along the terraced hills, melding with the sacred energy of the mountains. Indulge in Inkaterra’s spa services which use sublime natural essences. A first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River.

Terrazas del Inca Bed & Breakfast (pictured below) is located in the heart of the upper part of town, on the banks of the Aguas Calientes River. It is far from the noise of the main street, and in a peaceful place where you will find it very easy to relax. They have three terraces which have beautiful, panoramic views. You will be able to relax and enjoy a hot tea or a cold drink, while you listen to the soothing sound of the rushing river.

Hatun Sumay (pictured below) is located just a few steps from the central train station as well as the largest craft market in the region.

Other Packing tips:
Do not overpack. You will not need a change a clothes for every day.

For Cusco airport (airport closest to Machu Picchu), airlines, Cusco hotels, Lima and other airports, sleeping at Lima airport info, travel insurance, health, CDC vaccination guide, currency, tipping, wiFi, communications, toilets and other info related to Peru:
View the Peru destination guide.

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