inca trail packing list: gear for the machu picchu trek
CuscoInca Trail Packing List: Gear for the Machu Picchu Trek
Packing for the Inca Trail isn’t just about filling a backpack; it’s about preparing for one of the most rewarding journeys in your life.
Over the course of several days, you’ll cross high passes, descend into humid forests, and witness every kind of weather the Andes can offer. The right gear can make the difference between a comfortable, memorable trek and one filled with unnecessary challenges.
After guiding travelers for nearly five decades, Explorandes has learned what truly matters on the trail, what you’ll use every day, what you can leave behind, and how to pack responsibly. Here’s a complete guide to what to bring and how to prepare.
What Explorandes Provides & How Packing Works on the Inca Trail
Before thinking about what to pack, it’s important to understand what is already included in your trek.
1. What Explorandes Provides
For the Inca Trail, we provide:
- Spacious camping tents
- Sleeping pad
- Dining tent and kitchen equipment
- Professional cooking equipment and full meals
- Porter service for your duffel bag
- Duffel bag for your personal gear
- Optional sleeping bag rental
Your duffel bag will be waiting for you at camp each afternoon, so the clothes and items you pack inside it are the ones you’ll use at night or on the following day. This includes warmer layers for cold evenings or rainy conditions.
What You Carry During the Day
Your belongings are divided into two parts:
- Daypack (20–30 liters): This is what you carry while hiking. It should include water, snacks, sun protection, a rain jacket, personal medication, camera, and any layer you may need during the day.
- Duffel bag: The rest of your clothing and personal gear goes here. Porters carry this bag between camps. There is a strict weight limit of approximately 6–7 kg (13–15 lbs) per traveler, including your sleeping bag if you bring one.
Because space and weight are limited, packing light but smart is essential. Focus on layers, quick-dry fabrics, and multi-use items. Always keep fragile or important belongings, such as passports, electronics, and medication, in your daypack.
2. Clothing: Layers for the Andes
The Inca Trail passes through multiple climates, from cold mountain passes to warm jungle valleys, often in a single day. The best strategy is layering.
Upper Body
The key is layering. Conditions can shift quickly, from cold mornings to strong sun or sudden rain.
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking T-shirts or long sleeves made of quick-dry materials such as merino wool or synthetic fabrics. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and dries slowly.
- Mid-layer: A light fleece or similar insulating layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Insulation layer: A compact down or synthetic jacket for high passes and cold nights at camp.
- Outer shell: One waterproof and windproof jacket with sealed seams is essential in all seasons. This will protect you from rain, wind, and sudden temperature drops.
- Gloves: Lightweight gloves are recommended for early mornings and high passes, especially during the dry season (May–September), when temperatures can drop significantly.
Lower Body
- Trekking pants: Lightweight and quick-drying. Convertible pants (with zip-off legs) are practical for changing temperatures.
- Base layer or leggings: Useful for colder nights or high-altitude passes.
- Shorts: Comfortable for warm afternoons near the cloud forest.
Footwear
- Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and well broken-in. Ankle support is important on the uneven stone steps of the trail.
- Camp shoes: Sneakers to rest your feet after hiking.
- Socks: 3–4 pairs of breathable, cushioned hiking socks (synthetic or wool). Quick-dry is best.
Headwear
- Sun hat or cap: For strong UV exposure at high altitude.
- Warm hat or beanie: For cold nights.
- Buff or neck gaiter: Versatile protection against sun, dust, or wind.
3. Sleeping and Trekking Essentials
While we provide the core camping equipment, a few personal items will make your trek more comfortable and practical.
- Sleeping bag: We always recommend bringing your own sleeping bag, as you will already be familiar with its warmth and comfort level. A comfort rating of around -5°C (23°F) is ideal for the Inca Trail. If you prefer not to travel with one, high-quality sleeping bags are available for rent through Explorandes.
- Headlamp: Essential for early departures, nighttime walks to the restroom, or organizing your tent after dark. Bring spare batteries if needed.
- Trekking poles: Highly recommended for stability on steep ascents and descents, especially on uneven stone steps. Please note that only poles with rubber tips are permitted on the Inca Trail to protect the surface. If your poles do not have rubber tips, or if you prefer not to travel with them, we offer rental options.
- Water bottles or hydration system: Carry capacity for at least 2 liters. We provide safe, treated water at designated refill points along the trek, so you will be able to refill your bottles during the hike. Reusable bottles are strongly encouraged, as single-use plastics are not permitted.
- Rain protection for your gear: A waterproof cover for your daypack is highly recommended, especially if you carry cameras or electronics. Additional internal protection, such as dry bags or plastic liners, helps keep clothing and devices dry in case of heavy rain.
- Reusable cup or mug: Useful for tea or coffee at camp.
4. Toiletries and Personal Care
Keeping clean on the Inca Trail is simple; focus only on what is essential and environmentally responsible.
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo: The trail runs through a protected ecosystem. Only eco-friendly, biodegradable products should be used.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: We recommend using natural or biodegradable toothpaste to minimize environmental impact.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm with UV protection: The sun at altitude is intense, even on cloudy days.
- Insect repellent: Especially useful in the cloud forest sections closer to Machu Picchu.
- Wet wipes or facial towelettes: Helpful for freshening up at camp when showers are not available.
- Quick-dry towel: Compact microfiber towels are ideal due to limited space.
- Personal medication: Bring any prescription medication you normally take. Our guides carry a complete first aid kit for the group.
- Hand sanitizer: Provided by Explorandes before meals at camp.
- Toilet paper: Carry a small personal supply and a ziplock bag to store used paper. Everything must be carried out — leave no trace.
5. Extra Protection for Variable Conditions
The weather in the Andes can change quickly. While most essentials are covered in the clothing section above, a few additional items can increase comfort depending on the season.
Sun protection:
- Sunglasses with full UV protection
- Lightweight long sleeves for high-altitude exposure
Additional rain protection (seasonal):
- Rain pants or gaiters (especially useful during the rainy season)
Cold mornings and evenings:
- Thermal base layers (if not already included in your layering system)
- Chemical hand warmers (optional)
6. Documents and Money
Don’t overlook the administrative side of your adventure.
- Passport: Required at every checkpoint along the trail and to enter Machu Picchu. Keep it accessible in your daypack.
- Cash in small bills (Peruvian soles): Useful for tips, small purchases, or occasional snacks along the route.
- Travel insurance: We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for trekking at high altitude and potential evacuation if necessary. While incidents are rare, having proper coverage provides peace of mind and ensures you are protected in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Store all documents in a waterproof pouch or dry bag inside your daypack.
7. Snacks and Energy
Meals and daily snacks are provided throughout the Inca Trail. Our kitchen team prepares generous, balanced meals, and we include snacks during the hike to maintain steady energy levels.
For this reason, we do not recommend bringing additional food unless you have specific dietary restrictions or personal preferences that require it.
If you do choose to bring something small, opt for minimal packaging and carry out all waste. Reducing unnecessary food and packaging helps minimize environmental impact and avoid excess weight.
8. Sustainable Packing Tips
The Inca Trail is more than a hike; it’s a privilege. Each traveler plays a role in protecting it.
- Avoid single-use plastics: Bring a reusable bottle and refill at camps.
- Use biodegradable toiletries: Keep harmful chemicals out of the watershed.
- Pack light: Every extra kilo adds to the load of porters and the impact on the trail.
- Leave no waste: Carry out everything you bring in, wrappers, batteries, tissues.
Explorandes has led carbon-neutral operations for years, and travelers who pack consciously become part of that legacy, walking the trail with care and respect.
9. Optional Comforts
A few small items can make your trek even more enjoyable:
- Compact camera or GoPro (with extra batteries)
- Journal or notebook for reflections along the way
- Lightweight binoculars for birdwatching
- Travel pillow or inflatable neck cushion
Each gram counts, but if something will truly add meaning to your journey, bring it along. The best pack is one that balances essentials with comfort.
10. Before You Go
Before departure, double-check that all your gear fits into the allocated weight limits. Organize your pack so that daily essentials are accessible, and test-walk with it before your trip; your body will thank you.
For more preparation advice, visit:
Final Thoughts
Packing for the Inca Trail is part of the journey itself.
It’s your way of preparing, mentally and physically, for days filled with altitude, beauty, and quiet discovery. Bring only what you need, respect the land, and trust that every gram you carry has a purpose.
With the right gear and the right mindset, the Inca Trail won’t just take you to Machu Picchu; it will carry you through landscapes and moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Download the Complete Packing Checklist
