Classic Inca Trail Ultimate Packing List Guide
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is without a doubt one of the most incredible hikes in the entire world, and everyone who hikes this trail must prepare very well to have a lifetime experience. Over 4 days, you will cross different scenery of mountains, valleys, forests, and varied climates. For this reason, we have prepared the right Inca Trail packing list for an unforgettable trip.
Hiking on the Inca Trail located in the Peruvian Andes away from your comfort zone, without any of this thing that you are used to living every day, it is essential to take all the necessary equipment to avoid any unpleasant moments during your hike.
The location of this trail makes it even more difficult to know exactly what to pack for your four-day adventure, but no worries, we are here as a travel guide to provide you with the best information about what you should pack to hike this trail, preparing for all the different weather conditions that you will go through during the adventure.
Inca Trail Packing List
When hiking on the Inca Trail, you must keep in mind the season when you are going. In the Andes of Peru, we have two well-marked seasons. The dry season is from April to October, which is the most recommended season to explore this fantastic side of Peru. The wet season is from November to March.
It doesn’t matter which season you go; you must be prepared for cold mornings, sunny days, windy afternoons, and rainy nights. In this article, we will help you make sure you have everything you need for an enjoyable Inca Trail trek.
Important Documents for the Inca Trail
Original Passport
To hike on the Inca Trail, you need your original passport, which at some points along the trail you must show. The passport has to contain the same number as when you booked the tour. If you renew the passport after the booking, you must update the passport number by contacting our sales team. To enter Peru, passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months beyond their travel dates.
Student ID
All students under 25 years old at the time of entering Machu Picchu will get a discount of $40 USD when they have a valid student ID with the proper identification (name, photo, and expiration date). Travelers under 17 years old will also get a $40 USD discount. For more details, please contact us at sales@vidalexpeditions.com
Other Certificates
If your plan is to stay longer in Peru and go to the Amazon or any jungle part of Peru, you may require some additional vaccinations. We highly recommend that you consult your doctor before traveling to Peru.
On the following link you’ll find some more information about specific vaccines that you could need: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/peru.
Camping Equipment for the Inca Trail
Backpack or Rucksack
A 30- to 40-liter backpack with a rain cover is the perfect size for this trek. It provides enough space for your essential items that you could fit in it and is light and easy to carry.
Sleeping bags
Down sleeping bags are well recommended for this Inca Trail; they must be light and have temperatures rated around -10 C (14 F).
You can rent these sleeping bags from us; we provide warm-down sleeping bags with liners. If you are more than 2 meters or 6.5 feet, you should bring your own sleeping bag.
Inflatable Mat
During the Inca Trail trek, we will provide an inflatable mat measuring 1 ½ inches (3 cm); however, if you have a better mat, you can bring your own.
Trekking Poles
Every trekker needs a pair of trekking poles; these are essential during the hike along the Inca Trail. These will help you to support your knees and get good balance on these stairs. If you don’t have any, you can rent from us in our office.
Water bottle
All the trekkers on the Inca Trail need their own water bottle. Two litter sizes are well recommended. If you have a water bladder that can fit your backpack, it will help you a lot.
Headlamp or flash light
During the Inca Trail, you won’t find electricity, so bring your own headlamp for this trek.
Portable charger /power bank
Bring an extra portable charger enough for 4 days
Extra Cash
Extra money in soles will be essential for tips, water, snacks, or using the restrooms on the way.
Clothing for the Inca Trail
Packing light and smart means more freedom when you travel. One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), four pairs of socks, and four pairs of underwear. This will be enough for your four-day adventure on the Inca Trail.
As we mentioned before, hiking on the Inca Trail has varied weather conditions, and you should be well prepared for different scenery.
On the different treks to Machu Picchu, such as the Inca Trail , Salkantay Trek, or Lares Trek , it is better to wear different layers that you can take off or add as the weather changes.
Hiking pants:
Bring a set of trekking pants; short or long trousers are recommended for men and some leggings for ladies.
Hiking boots or shoes:
Waterproof and with ancle support is well recommended for this kind of terrain. Make sure you have worn them before arriving on the Inca Trail.
Thermal base layers:
These layers will be essential for cold nights and early mornings
Moisture wicking shirt:
Long-sleeve shirts are recommended for this hike; lightweight, breathable, and quite dry materials are always required.
Down Jacket:
Early in the morning or nights are cold on the Inca Trail, and a down jacket will be helpful.
Waterproof or windbreak jacket:
These will protect you from the rain and the cold wind at the high altitude of the Inca Trail.
A set of socks:
Hiking socks are recommended. 3 lightweight socks and 3 thick wool socks.
Beanies and gloves:
Beanie to protect your hears and gloves for the nights and mornings
A set of undergarments:
Bring 4 or 5 set of undergarments and a pair of sports bras
Toiletries and other
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Travel quick dry towel
- Wet wipes – tissues
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunblock
- Extra waste bag
First Aid Kit
When you’re out trekking or hiking in the mountains, things don’t always go as planned and you or someone in your group might get injured. To make sure you’re prepared for the different surprises that can come your way out on the trail, having a first aid kit with you is essential.
- Plasters and moist wipes
- Blister dressings
- BurnStop sachets
- Tick remover
- Wound dressings and bandages
- Foil blaket and emergency whistle
- Instant cold pack
- Emergency fire starter
