The Ultimate Machu Picchu Trek Packing List by IncaTrailPeru

So, you are planning to trek the famous Inca Trail or any Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu?

Proper preparation is the key to a safe, comfortable, and successful journey through the Andes.

This comprehensive packing guide provides an expert breakdown of every piece of gear required for the region’s high-altitude terrain and unpredictable microclimates. Our recommendations focus on technical performance, durability, and value.

Complimentary Luggage Storage

We provide secure, complimentary luggage storage at our central office in Cusco for the duration of your trek. Alternatively, if you are returning to the same hotel in Cusco after your tour, most establishments will store your primary suitcases free of charge. You will receive a secure luggage claim ticket upon drop-off.

Duffle Bags vs. Daypacks

The Provided Duffle Bag

At your pre-trek briefing in Cusco, you will receive a durable duffle bag. Your weight allowance is strictly limited to 7 kg (15.4 lbs) per person. On the Classic Inca Trail, human porters will carry this bag. On alternative routes like the Salkantay Trek, pack animals are utilized. Because your support team moves ahead of the group, you will not have access to this duffle bag until you reach your campsite each evening.

Daypack

The Daypack: You must carry a 25 to 30-liter daypack for your daily essentials. This pack will hold your passport, money, snacks, water, rain gear, warm layers, camera, and sunscreen. Look for a daypack featuring supportive hip belts, compression straps to distribute weight, and exterior mesh side pockets for rapid access to water bottles.

Documents

Original Passport

You’ll of course need your passport to get into Peru, but you’ll also need your passport when you start on the Trail. Photocopies or digital copies are not accepted. Government checkpoints control access at the trailheads and at the entrance of Machu Picchu to enforce strict daily permit allocations. Your passport details must match your trekking permit exactly.

Clothing for Machu Picchu Trek Packing List!

Underwear

Moisture-Wicking Underwear (4 to 6 pairs): Avoid cotton completely. Bring lightweight, breathable sports underwear designed for high-intensity movement. Premium merino wool options from Icebreaker or synthetic alternatives from Under Armour and Patagonia prevent chafing and manage moisture effectively.

Base layer

Thermal Base Layers (2 tops, 1 bottom): High-altitude mountain passes experience freezing temperatures. Your next-to-skin layer should fit snugly to eliminate air pockets. Choose high-wicking merino wool or heavy-duty synthetic thermal layers to trap body heat while keeping you dry.

Trekking Shirts (4 to 6 shirts)

Bring a mix of short and long-sleeve technical shirts. Long sleeves protect against the high-altitude sun and biting insects. Brands like Columbia, Patagonia, and Icebreaker offer excellent UV protection and moisture management.

Trekking Pants and Shorts

Bring two pairs of durable hiking pants and one pair of hiking shorts. Convertible cargo pants from brands like Craghoppers or Columbia are highly recommended, as they allow you to adapt instantly to fluctuating daytime temperatures.

Bring two pairs of pants and 1x pair of shorts.

Fleece Jacket

A mid-weight fleece (such as a Polartec 200) serves as your primary insulation layer for your upper body. It provides an optimal warmth-to-weight ratio while remaining highly breathable during steep ascents. Excellent options include technical fleeces from Patagonia, The North Face, and Helly Hansen.

Insulated Outer Jacket

When resting at high-altitude campsites, temperatures drop rapidly. A high-quality down jacket or heavyweight synthetic insulated jacket is essential. Look for packable options with exceptional loft, such as the Patagonia Down Sweater, Arc’teryx Atom series, or Mountain Hardwear down jackets.

Waterproof Hard-Shell Jacket and Rain Gear

Tropical mountain downpours can happen year-round, especially during the rainy season from October to March. A dedicated waterproof, windproof hard-shell jacket (such as Gore-Tex or North Face Futurelight) is mandatory. We also recommend packing a durable, reusable rain poncho that slips easily over your daypack.

Headwear, Eyewear, and Hand Protection

Sun Hat

A lightweight, packable wide-brimmed hat or a trekking cap with a neck flap is vital to prevent severe sunburn at high altitudes.

Thermal Beanie

Neck Gaiter (Buff)

Bring one lightweight UV Buff for daytime dust and sun protection, and one fleece-lined Buff to shield your neck and face from freezing winds during high-pass crossings.

Gloves (Inner and Outer)

Pack a pair of lightweight, quick-drying fleece liner gloves for moderate cold, alongside a pair of heavy-duty, waterproof outer gloves (such as Gore-Tex options from Black Diamond or Outdoor Research) for freezing conditions.

Footwear and Trail Care

Footwear and Trail Care Properly fitting, broken-in footwear dictates the success of your trek. Ensure you complete several long-distance training hikes (5 to 6 hours) in your footwear before arriving in Peru.

Hiking Boots

Select ankle-supportive, waterproof boots with a deep Vibram lug profile for steep stone steps and loose gravel. Reliable brands include Salomon, Scarpa, and Merrell. To test the fit, slide your unlaced foot forward until your toes touch the front; you should be able to snugly fit your index finger down the back of the heel.

Trainers (trekking shoes/sandals)

Camp Shoes or Sandals: Bring a lightweight pair of running shoes or technical sports sandals (like Teva or Chaco) to wear around the campsite, allowing your feet to breathe after a day in heavy boots.

Technical Hiking Socks (2 to 6 pairs)

Choose high-performance merino wool or synthetic blend socks from brands like Smartwool or Bridgedale. Avoid cotton entirely, as it retains moisture and guarantees severe blistering.

Thermal Sleep Socks (1 pair)

Trekking Gaiters

Gaiters are made from waterproof material and extend up from your boot to the top of your calve.

Highly recommended for alternative treks like Salkantay or Choquequirao to keep scree, mud, water, and debris out of your boots.

Four-Season Sleeping Bag

A lightweight down or synthetic sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C (14°F) is critical. High-quality bags, liners, and pillows are available for rent from our office if you prefer not to pack your own.

Trekking Poles (With Rubber Tips)

Adjustable trekking poles protect your knees on steep Incan descents. Note that rubber tips are strictly mandatory by Peruvian authority regulations to protect the ancient stone trails from metal erosion.

LED Headlamp

A high-lumen headlamp is ideal for navigating campsites after dark and during early morning summit pushes. Bring extra batteries or a charging cable.

Power Bank / Portable Charger

Cold mountain temperatures drain electronics quickly. Bring a rugged, external power bank (10,000 to 20,000 mAh) to keep your phone, camera, or action camera charged throughout the journey.

Personal Items, Trail Snacks, and Currency

• Local Currency (Peruvian Soles): Bring extra cash in small, crisp denominations (10, 20, and 50 Soles notes). You will need cash for trail snacks, bottled water from local vendors, emergency mule use, and gratuities for your guide, porter, and chef teams.
• High-Energy Trail Snacks: While hot meals are fully provided, packing your favorite energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit, jerky, and electrolyte tablets provides a vital carbohydrate boost during demanding climbs.
• High-SPF Sunscreen and Polarized Sunglasses: UV radiation multiplies at high altitudes. Bring water-resistant SPF 50+ sunscreen, protective lip balm, and polarized sunglasses.
• Water Treatment: We provide clean, boiled water at every camp, but carrying water purification tablets or a portable filtration system provides extra independence along the trail.

Medical and Personal Sanitation

• Altitude and First-Aid Medication: Consult your doctor prior to departure regarding altitude sickness medication (such as Acetazolamide/Diamox). Your personal first-aid kit should include ibuprofen, antihistamines, rehydration salts, and anti-diarrheal medication (like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol).
• Blister Prevention and Care: Pack hydrocolloid blister pads (such as Compeed), medical tape, and moleskin to treat friction points before they become painful blisters.
• Feminine Hygiene and Sanitation: Pack a reliable supply of menstrual products, personal biodegradable wet wipes, and small disposal bags, as trash facilities are limited along mountain routes.