James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.

www.journeymachupicchu.com

Last Updated on October 21, 2021 by James Bustamante

Making sure you have a full and complete Inca trail packing list can be the difference between having a good trek or a great one. As one of the most famous hiking routes in the entire world, all travelers will want to be as best prepared as possible for the journey.

Once you are trekking through the Andes on your way to Machu Picchu, you will want to get in as much of the scenery as possible. The last thing you’ll want to think about is what you forgot to bring that might have made the experience even better.

When it comes to getting an Inca trail packing list together some items will be quite obvious, while others might be escaping your current list. The list below is split up into three main categories: What you should bring on the Inca trail, optional items to bring, and lastly, what is already included as part of the package. Let’s go over the definitive Inca Trail packing list!

Table of Contents

What Should I Pack For The Inca Trail

One of the most important things to consider when making your Inca trail packing list is your travel date. Knowing exactly at what time of the year you will be taking the hike to Machu Picchu is key to making sure you pack correctly. From April through September you can expect chilly nights and sunny days with very dry weather. On the other hand, if you plan on trekking to Machu Picchu from October to March the nights will be warmer but rainy weather is also much more likely.

List of Items You Should Pack For The Inca Trail

Backpack
Water Bottle
Hiking Shoes

Flashlight

What Kind of Backpack Should I Bring For the Inca Trail?

A good backpack to bring along for the Inca Trail hike should roughly be around 30-36 liters and should transfer the load along your hips. The shoulder straps should also be very comfortable and hold 30-40% of the weight.

A backpack with these features should be able to carry 22lbs (10kg) and carry just about everything you need for the trek. Some travelers might bring along more items such as special lighting and cameras, bigger flashlights, etc. If this is the case you might be more comfortable going up to a 40-50 liter backpack.

The backpack should also be weather resistant. This does not necessarily mean that it is a fully waterproof backpack but that it is made from resistant materials instead. Some backpacks have a water-resistant urethane coating which can be beneficial when hiking in the wetter months.

The backpack should have a comfortable harness and adjustable suspension system. Padding around the shoulder area is equally as important as the size of the backpack, a hip belt is also recommended. Remember you will be hiking through the Andes mountains for 4 days so you need to be as comfortable and secure as possible.

Personal Water Bottle For The Trek

Bringing along a good water bottle to Peru will be a good asset. Hydration is a very important part of acclimatizing to the high elevation you will be subjected to over the course of the Inca trail. Through the hike, you should try to get around 2-3 liters of water every day for optimal performance.

As with meals, water is supplied by the trekking provider on a daily basis. The crew will first boil and filter the water with purification tablets before being given to the hikers. There are designated rest stops where you will have a chance to have a snack as well as rehydrate, however, it is a good idea to always carry water with you. This is where a good, durable water bottle will be key in making your daily hikes to Machu Picchu much easier.

Hiking Shoes For The Inca Trail

Hiking shoes will be one of the most important items you’ll want to pack for the Inca trail. You will be trekking for several days after all. The important thing is to be comfortable. Worn in shoes for the hike, having brand new shoes or boots might be a hindrance due to discomfort. Is the image having to deal with foot pain and blisters on the Inca trail? This would definitely bring down the enjoyment from the adventure.

To be quite honest, the Inca Trail is not exactly a vertical climb up the side of a mountain. What we’re trying to say is that you don’t necessarily need steel toe hiking boots with spiked bottoms for this particular route. I

t is important to wear something that feels comfortable and durable that will protect your feet and ankles. That being said, there are a few characteristics you can look for in something more specialized or this type of hike.

The boot should be a medium or high-top shoe in order to provide support for your ankles. Remember that the higher the top the heavier your shoe will be. This is also important when selecting a hiking shoe, you won’t want overly heavy shoes at 14,000 feet above sea level.

The material should ideally be leather or a leather-Cordura type of material. Rubber soles are also a characteristic you’ll want to look for in a hiking shoe, this will provide some water protection and comfort.

Gore-tex is a good material that is waterproof if you are traveling during the wetter months with Gore-tex. Lastly, try to have a speed lacing system that has hooks. This will help keep your laces tight and add some extra support for your ankles.

Should I Include A Flashlight in The Inca Trail Packing List?

Yes, bring along a flashlight for the evening on the Inca trail. By the time it gets dark out the porters will have already set up the campsite. The Andes are very dark at night, in fact, it is one of the darkest places in the world at nighttime. Flashlights are important for when you want to use the restroom at night or walk to and from your tent. A reasonably powerful and portable flashlight will do.

Clothing To Include In The Inca Trail Packing List

Knowing what to wear over the course of the trail will be an important factor in having a good hike. Some items can vary depending on when you wish to travel (dry season vs wet season) but most will overlap. Make sure to bring the following items of clothing for the Inca Trail.

Lightweight shirts – layered and easy to remove or put on.
Sweater or sweatshirt – This can be used as a mid-layer.
Jacket or Fleece – This will be your top layer for cold nights.

Waterproof Jacket – This is particularly important if you travel during the wet season.
Lightweight hiking pants – The material of hiking pants dries very quickly
Underwear

2-4 pairs of socks – waterproof socks are not necessary.
Clothes to sleep in – Anything that is comfortable and will keep you warm.

Personal Items To Include In Your Packing List

There is a list of personal items to include in your Inca trail packing lists such as documentation, hygiene products, medications, sunblock, and a few more. All of the items below are considered necessary to have an easier time during the trip and mainly focus on actually hiking.

Your Passport – It must be valid for at least 6 months after entering Peru.
Money – It is always a good idea to carry a mix of US Dollars and Peruvian soles.
Personal hygiene products – A toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant for the hike.

Toilet Paper – This will be provided by the tour company however it is always a good idea to have a roll in your backpack at all times.
Hand Sanitizer – We won’t have access to water at all times while we hike so a small bottle is recommended.
Medications – We carry a first aid kit but it’s a good idea to have headache tablets, band-aids, or your personal prescriptions handy.

Sunglasses, Sunscreen, a Hat – It is important to be protected from the sun at all times. Since we are so high up in elevation the sun can burn your skin without it even feeling hot outside.

Optional Items To Pack For The The Inca Trail

The optional items to pack for the Inca trail will make the journey easier. They are not mandatory but we do recommend having them for the trip.

Camera – A camera or a good camera on your phone to take amazing pictures to share.

A Book or Deck of Cards- During the course of the hike, we will have stops where we rest and camp out. This is a good time to relax with a book or have some activity.
Gear For Cold Weather – gear (hat, scarf, etc.) remember it can get chilly at night in the highlands regardless of the season.
Hiking poles – Hiking poles can be rented with the operator but you can always bring your own.

Snacks – Snacks will be provided but it is always nice to have your own treats while you are hiking.
Bathing suit – This is just in case you want to visit the hot springs.
Towel – A towel is always a handy thing to have when hiking.

Shower Supplies – If you are able to take a cold water shower then by all means bring your supplies. It is not a common occurrence though, we leave the campsites very early when it is still quite cold out.
Baby Wipes – This is to freshen up during the hike, in the mornings, and when we arrive at the campsites.i
Flip-Flops – A good footwear when you are at the campsite relaxing or to use at the hot springs.

What Items Are Already Included in The Inca Trail?

If you’re traveling with Journey Machu Picchu, several essential items are already included in the cost of your trip. Let’s go over the things you won’t have to worry about adding to your Inca trail packing list.

Bathroom – This is very important, we include a private bathroom tent at the campsite.
A sleeping mat – This will be set up for you along with your sleeping tent.

Sleeping bar – A lightweight sleeping bag designed for Andean conditions will be set up for you.
Tent – A four-seasons tent will be set up for you to either sleep individually or with your companion.
Food – All meals for the Inca trail are included, you may choose from regular, vegetarian, or vegan options.

Conclusion

The Inca Trail packing list is full of items that you will have to bring, some that we suggest you bring and some you may want to bring along. The list is designed to make your trip much more comfortable by only having to really worry about hiking and having a good time. For more information about the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu tours or any other service related to Peru travel contact our travel advisors today.