The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic treks in the world, leading adventurers through breathtaking landscapes to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world! Packing for this journey requires a balance of functionality and comfort. Here’s a comprehensive packing guide to ensure you’re prepared for every aspect of the trek.
Please note: This is based on the 4D3N Outdoor Adventure Girls trip through Intrepid Travel, other companies and tours may vary!
Footwear and Clothing
Walking Boots: Ensure these are well-broken-in to avoid blisters. Sturdy and waterproof boots are essential for tackling diverse terrains.
Underwear/sports bras: Pack enough for the trek—3 days’ worth (plus the ones you'll wear on day 1).
Socks: Bring hiking socks enough for 1 pair a day, plus some warm ones for the evenings/sleeping in.
Walking Trousers/Leggings: Pack two pairs for varying weather conditions.
Shorts: Include one pair for day 1 and day 4 for comfort and flexibility.
Tops: Bring a moisture-wicking top for each day to keep you dry.
Micro Fleece: Two pieces will keep you warm during the cooler days/nights and you can re-use these a couple of days as you won't be wearing it all day.
Lightweight Waterproof: Essential for protection against rain and wind.
Warm Coat: Night temperatures can drop significantly so pack a warm synthetic or down jacket that can pack down small.
Thermals: For added warmth during cold nights.
Warm Jumper/Fleece: One for the evenings and an extra if you think you'll need it at other times depending on your tolerance for cold.
Beanie and Cap: To protect against the cold and sun.
Warm Winter Gloves: Essential for keeping your hands warm during cold parts of the trek or at night.
Buff: Versatile for warmth and sun protection.
Poncho: Useful for unexpected rain showers. You can buy one out in Peru prior to starting the trek.
Sliders/Crocs: For comfortable evenings resting those tired feet. Don't bring flip flops- you'll want to wear socks!
Personal Care and Hygiene
Small Micro Towel: For drying off after washing in the evenings. You get a warm bowl of water for washing once you reach camp in the evening for a quick face, pits and feet wash.
Shower Gel: A small travel bottle should be sufficient for washing in the evenings.
Dry Shampoo: For freshening up as a shower isn’t available until your final night and it will be cold, so none of us opted for it, quite happy we were by then with our evening wash bowl routine.
Insect Repellent: To ward off bugs.
Sun Cream Spray: High SPF recommended.
Toothbrush (with Cap) and Toothpaste: Essential for maintaining oral hygiene.
Wet Wipes: One pack for quick clean-ups and wash-downs.
Toilet/Fem Fresh Wipes: For personal hygiene in remote areas.
1 Small Hand Sanitiser: For sanitising hands when washing isn’t possible.
Blister Plasters: Crucial for addressing any blisters that may arise.
Hand/Foot Warmers: Handy for especially cold nights.
Gear and Essentials
Head Torch: Essential for navigating early mornings and late nights on camp and in the tent.
Water Bottles (x2): One that conducts heat for cold nights (to use as a water bottle) as well as the ability to have 2L of water each day.
20-30L Backpack: The ideal size for carrying your essentials on the trek.
First Aid Kit: Include blister plasters, ibuprofen, altitude sickness medication, and Imodium for diarrhoea.
Electrolytes: To stay hydrated and balanced.
Snacks: Bring a few but not loads! Maybe some Clif Bars, flapjacks and energy gels for quick energy boosts. You get given 2 lots of snacks plus a piece of fruit each day whilst on the trail. Perhaps some sweets for a sugar hit and we all loved having a Werthers or similar to suck on whilst walking (it takes your mind off the struggle a bit).
Tissues (3-4 Packs): Useful for snotty noses (we were all very snotty in the mountains) and toilet stops.
Power Bank and Cable: To keep your devices charged; keep it warm to preserve battery life, especially at night.
Fanny Pack: Convenient for keeping your phone, money, and small items secure.
Sunglasses: For sun protection at high altitudes.
Headphones: For enjoying music or audiobooks in the evenings.
Ear Plugs: Helpful for sleeping in a shared environment.
Pack of Cards: For some fun and laughter in the evenings (1 person in the group to bring).
Trekking Poles: You'll need these to support you as you walk, particularly useful when walking down steep steps. These can be rented from Intrepid whilst out in Peru if needed.
Sleeping Bag: A warm, 3 season bag to keep you warm at night is essential. This can be rented from Intrepid whilst out in Peru for about £20. If you decide to rent, i'd recommend bringing your own sleeping bag liner, though these are provided by Intrepid if you rent a sleeping bag.
Additional Tips and Tricks
I hope you're finding this 'Essential Packing List for the Inca Trail Trek' blog helpful. Here are some final tips and tricks that will make your experience even better!
Packing for Machu Picchu: You need to prepare your Machu Picchu gear two days before your trek, so you'll leave your main luggage in Cusco. Don't forget to pack clothes for the first day of trekking, and don’t worry about leaving a few extra items behind at the Ollantaytambo hotel; these will be stored and given back to you after the trek (e.g. adapter plug, PJs etc).
Duffel Bag Weight: Your duffel bag weight limit is 5kg, but with the 2kg sleeping bag (weight of the sleeping bags rented from Intrepid), you will only have 3kg for your gear. Be ruthless with your packing!
Pack Light!!: You'll be carrying your backpack all day up and down extremely steep paths at a high elevation. The lighter your backpack the easier a time you'll have on the trail. Our groups packs ranged from 7kg-11kg! You don't need to carry much at all to be fairly comfortable.
Roomies: Find out who you are sharing a tent/room with before heading out to Peru so you can decide amongst yourselves who brings what. Everyone doesn't need to carry wet wipes or insect repellent each. If you can decide to bring one thing between 2 or more in the group you'll all have a better time from having lighter packs!
Pace: You'll have 2 guides on your trek, 1 at the front and 1 at the back. So you can go slow without having to worry about getting left behind, as appeared to happen in some other group trips. Go at your own pace. Those who struggled in our group tended to stop for less time and just kept going slowly at their own pace. This made them feel like they weren't being left behind and they were in control of when and where they stopped for breathers.
Passport and Permit: Don’t forget to bring your passport on the trail—you’ll need it for entry at various checkpoints along the route. The required trekking permit is mandatory, but rest assured, this is handled by Intrepid Travel on your behalf.
Weather Preparation: Expect variable weather—sunny, cold, rainy, and windy. Bring a mix of clothing to handle all conditions and lots of leggings.
Altitude Sickness: Acclimatise properly and carry altitude sickness medication. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Your guides will monitor your health daily by completing an Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) questionnaire and checking your blood oxygen levels each morning and night.
Currency: Bring soles in small denominations (10/20 soles) for convenience. USD are not needed whilst in Peru.
Toiletries: Keep these compact and decant into small reusable travel bottles.
Respect Local Customs: Avoid sitting or standing on Inca site walls, this is disrespectful to the locals.
Tipping: Budget 200-400 soles for tipping the porters and support team.
Flight Booking: When booking onto an Outdoor Adventure Girls trip, I highly recommend opting for Intrepid Travel recommended flights for a cost-effective and sociable travel experience where you can meet the rest of the group at the airport.
Spa Day: Once back in Cusco you have a free day to do as you please. I recommend booking a spa day following the trek to unwind and maybe even get a massage for those achy legs! Head to the Marriott Hotel down the road for a 5* experience!
By packing thoughtfully and preparing in advance, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable Inca Trail adventure.
Enjoy your trek to Machu Picchu—it’s an experience of a lifetime!
Oh I'm heading to Peru on this trip this week!!! Perfect timing to drop this post!! 🙌🏼