Inca Trail Packing List

2021 Updated List on what equipment, clothing and extras you will need to complete the Inca Trail. Make sure you’re prepared for the hike of a lifetime!

While making your Inca Trail packing list it is important to think carefully about what to bring. From clothing to hiking equipment, to things that you never would have thought of. There is a delicate balance to find between underpacking and overpacking. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that most travelers have been waiting over six months to enjoy. Make sure that you don’t forget anything crucial on your travels, or drag something useless along. A good packing list ensures that you make the most of everything that you bring with you. One of the best ways to ensure that you are making the most of your money is to use Peru Hop‘s hop on hop off bus service, for those who want to travel independently, but never alone.

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For a multi-day hike that passes through many elements such as this, it is a wise idea to wear clothing that is either multipurpose, or can easily be layered up or taken off.

It is also very important to remember that the Inca trail is very high in altitude, meaning that you are more likely to get sunburnt. Being sunburnt can greatly affect your enjoyment of the experience, and ruin any pictures that you have of yourself on the trail. All in all, proper sun protection is a very important part of making the most of your holidays to Peru. With this in mind it is important to have the correct protection at all times, from sunscreen to lip balm to ensure your comfort. Make sure that both of these things are on your Inca Trail packing list.

Many of these things you may have packed while traveling in Peru, but some are a must specifically for the Inca trail.

Quick Tip: The best way to get to or from Cusco, while seeing everything Peru has to offer is by using Peru Hop’s exclusive hop on hop off bus service, suitable for every kind of budget.

CLOTHES FOR ALL WEATHER

It is important to make sure that you have plenty of clothes that are easy to take off and put on. Your elevation changes a lot throughout the hike, and so will the temperature. Make sure that you have a warm jacket, and a winter hat for the evenings, as well as a sun hat and waterproof gear.

TREKKING SHOES & SOCKS

It’s not a good idea to go on a multi-day trek wearing sneakers, so don’t put yourself through the pain, heartache or blisters. Invest in a good pair of walking boots and thick socks, or rent them from Cusco before you set off. It can be a good idea to have a pair of shoes to change into in the evening, but this is far from essential.

TOILETRIES

You won’t be able to buy a toothbrush anywhere around the trail, so make sure that you have packed everything that you will need. Toothbrush, tooth paste, any medications, and the important one. Toilet roll. You may get lucky and find some in a campsite, but it is extremely unlikely. Do yourself a favor and come prepared. It is also a good idea to carry a small first aid kit.

SUNSCREEN

Both sunscreen and lip balm are crucial to anyone who is taking on the Inca Trail. Many travelers underestimate the effects of altitude on the lips, and the extra power of the sun’s rays. Make no mistake, you are so high up that even when there are clouds, it is heavily advised to use sunscreen. It is also very important to remember insect repellent, as protection from mosquitoes!

DAY BACKPACK

You will need this for carrying your day to day needs, such as snacks, water and your spare layers of clothing. Try not to overpack it though! You don’t need to carry all that extra weight.

COCA LEAVES

A key player in taking on the authentic Inca experience and fighting altitude sickness, make sure that you have a few of these handy for the journey. You can get them in Cusco before you set off, and if you’re lucky, a couple of stops along the way. These really are a crucial part of fighting altitude sickness, so stock up.

WATER

There are points along the trail where you will be able to refill your bottle. We strongly recommend that you use a water purification filter or tablets before you drink it. Pack some snacks for the road, it’s a long one!

IMPORTANT Plastic disposable bottles are banned from Machu Picchu, so you won’t be able to bring one in with you.

CASH

There are a few things that you will need cash for. First and foremost, tipping your porters and guides. This should be worked out as roughly $5-$10 a day they help you on top of the original fee. You may also need cash for water along the way and snacks from the campsite, or lockers at Machu Picchu.

TREKKING POLES

For such up and down and rough terrain, hiking poles are strongly advised to help save your knees from the slopes. These can be rented in Cusco, or more often than not from the company that you are doing the tour with. Check with them in advance.

IMPORTANT Trekking poles are not permitted inside Machu Picchu, so you will need to purchase a locker for a few soles while you are there

BATTERIES

There are no charging points along the Inca Trail, so it’s very important that you pack spare batteries for your camera, and a battery pack for your phone. This is a once in a lifetime experience, and it is very important that you have some pictures to commemorate it!

PASSPORT

Maybe the most important item on this list, you will not be able to get into Machu Picchu without your passport, so be sure that you don’t forget it!

CAMERA

Either a camera or your phone will do for this, but you want to be sure that you can capture all of the beautiful views that surround you, and all of the little moments that time may leave forgotten. If you only plan to visit Peru once, then make it the trip of a lifetime!

FLASHLIGHT

As there is no charging ports where you will be staying at night, it stands to reason that you will need something to light up your path to the toilet, your bag, all kinds of things. Trust us, a flashlight will come in useful.

The Inca Trail is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those hundreds of years before you. Taking the path of the Incas to Machu Picchu is a rite of passage for travelers of Peru. Make sure that this already challenging hike is as manageable as possible by being sure that you have all of the correct equipment. Of course, the most important thing for you is to enjoy the experience!