+51 966 405 778

info@cuscojourneys.com

+51 402 137

Cusco Journeys

Cusco Journeys

Slogan

Treks & Escorted Tours...

LET'S ADVENTURE TOGETHER

Inca Trail Packing List

Inca Trail Packing List

The Inca Trail packing list below is based upon our personal hiking experience in Peru and we have taken great care to produce a list that is both detailed and accurate. We recommend bookmarking this page for future reference as the list is quite extensive. This Inca Trail packing list can be used for all hiking routes to Machu Picchu including the Lares, Vilcabamba and Salkantay routes

We are always on the lookout for feedback from trekking experiences and constantly update this page when we receive a useful tip or insight from our readers.

Although the list can seem quite daunting in terms of weight, many items can be purchased or hired in Cusco before departing on your trek. Please be aware though that equipment quality is not guaranteed when renting locally and it is usually best to provide your own.

Everything in this Inca Trail packing list has either been tested by us or recommended to us by experienced trekkers. The gear listed below provides, in our opinion, the best value in terms of quality and price.

Essential Inca Trail Packing List

The Ultimate Inca Trail Packing List

1.- Your passport

You’ll of course need your passport to get into Peru, but you’ll also need your passport when you start on the Inca Trail. There’s an official government checkpoint at the start of the trail that works to enforce the strict limits on how many visitors can walk the trail per day, and for every foreigner beginning a trek it’s required that a passport be shown.

An optional passport stamp is also offered, and it’s a very cool way to remember your trip. Because you can’t even begin the trek without it, your passport is an absolute necessity on your Inca Trail packing list!

2.- Proper hiking attire

First of all, keep in mind that you will either be showering just once or not at all during your four-day trek. This means that you’re certainly going to want an ample supply of underwear and socks – the articles of clothing that tend to get dirty the fastest and are the most miserable to put on unclean for a second time!

As far as other attire goes, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you want clothes that you can layer. The temperature is going to differ quite intensely from daytime to nighttime, and your own body heat is going to spike during intense treks and drop whilst you relax. You need clothes that can handle all of these situations.

Ideally, you’ll have hiking/athletic pants that can zip off into shorts if necessary. You should bring both short and long-sleeved shirts, and also a light jacket. You should also have some cold weather gear for the nights, including hats, gloves, and scarves – especially if you’re designing your Inca Trail packing list for the colder parts of the year.

3.- Proper footwear

Whether you choose to bring hiking boots or a hiking shoe/boot hybrid, absolutely make sure they’re waterproof! There’s a good chance you’ll experience some rain or mud at some point during your trek, even if you’re visiting during the dry season.

When it comes to choosing between boots and shoes for your Inca Trail packing list, consider this: boots provide more ankle support while shoes are significantly more lightweight. And one last footwear recommendation – make sure whatever you’re wearing fits well and is somewhat worn in, as blisters on a four-day trek are no fun at all.

Check out our video with some handy tips for buying hiking boots – admittedly it’s a video about choosing a pair of boots for a multi-day hike in New Zealand, but it’s all just as relevant for hiking the Inca Trail!

4.- Other waterproof goods

Once again, even if you’re trekking during the dry season, don’t forget the rain gear! A poncho or rain jacket as well as some plastic bags to separate your wet clothes from your dry ones are absolute musts for your Inca Trail packing list.

5.- Sleeping bag

Considering that this will be the source of your rest and relaxation every night of your trek, you shouldn’t neglect to choose an appropriate sleeping bag for your journey. We recommend a four-season bag regardless of what time of year you’ll be visiting Peru.

6.- Toiletries

If you’re walking the Inca Trail, you have to face the facts – you’re going to be roughing it for a few days. That being said, there are some essential toiletries you can bring to make things at least a bit more pleasant. These include:

  • toilet paper
  • moist wipes
  • deodorant
  • soap
  • toothbrush/toothpaste
  • sunblock
  • chap-stick

7.- Flip-flops (thongs/sandals)

Especially if you plan on taking a shower on the third night, these are essentials for your Inca Trail packing list. Even if you don’t end up showering, they can be useful for relaxing and allowing your feet to breathe for a bit in the evenings.

8.- Water bottles/snacks

Though food and water will be supplied by your tour company, you’re more than likely to find yourself thirsty or with some hunger pangs as you trek throughout the day. These will help to keep you going until it’s time to stop for a meal.

9.- First-aid kit/personal medications

Once again, your guides should carry a first-aid kit with them at all times. That being said, it can’t hurt to carry a basic first-aid kit on your person during your Inca Trail trek!

Basic medications for stomach problems and the like as well as any medications that you specifically need to take should also of course not be forgotten.

10.- Flashlight (torch)

This item is easy to forget but is a necessity for navigating around your campsite after dark. Simply put, it’s a must for any Inca Trail packing list.

11.- Batteries, memory cards, or whatever else you’ll need for your electronic goods

It should go without saying that there won’t be any opportunities to plug in and charge your electronic devices during your Inca Trail trek. If you can bring extra batteries, it’s certainly recommended. And if you can’t, make sure to use your devices sparingly! There’s plenty to see after day 1 and you won’t want your camera dead by then.

12.- Cash

Though you’re certainly not going to need a lot of money on the trail, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on you. You’ll pass a few small, locally-run stores over the course of the trail and you’ll obviously need to pay for any goods you want. It also comes in handy if you decide to tip your guides/porters! 

Therefore, we want you to know more about our cultural expression and the mysteries within our lands. Check our Peru travel packages and get to know the most authentic places in our country.

contat us

 

 

Si te gustó este artículo y la información que encontraste, ¡regálanos 5 estrellas!

1 estrella2 estrellas3 estrellas4 estrellas5 estrellas (Ninguna valoración todavía)
Loading...