What to pack for the Inca Trail: Complete Checklist

The Inca Trail lasts 4 days and 3 nights of camping, crosses three distinct ecological zones, and reaches 4,215 meters at its highest point. The gear you bring directly determines how you feel on the trail. Packing too much weighs you down unnecessarily. Packing too little makes the trek harder. This list is designed to help you find that balance.

How luggage works on the Inca Trail

Porters carry the group camping gear: tents, kitchen equipment, food, and utensils. They can also carry up to 7 kilograms of your personal luggage in a duffel bag provided by the agency. You carry a daypack during the hike with everything you need to keep within reach: water, snacks, warm layers, rain gear, and personal items. That daypack should not exceed 6 to 8 kilograms if you want the trek to feel comfortable.

Documents

• Original physical passport
• Printed Inca Trail permit or digital copy on your phone
• Machu Picchu entry ticket
• Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation coverage

Footwear and clothing

• Waterproof trekking boots already broken in before the trip
• Comfortable sandals for camp
• Wool or synthetic trekking socks, at least 4 pairs
• Quick-dry technical shirts, 2 or 3
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Thermal leggings or base layer bottoms for cold nights
• Quick-dry underwear
• Fleece or insulated jacket for the campsites
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Wool hat for the nights
• Light gloves
• Sun hat or cap for daytime hiking
• Gaiters if you are traveling in the rainy season.

Backpacks and carrying gear

• Daypack between 20 and 30 liters
• Duffel bag for the luggage carried by the porters
• Rain covers for both bags
• Ziplock bags to protect electronics and documents

Sleep and camping

• Sleeping bag suitable for below-freezing temperatures
• Inflatable trekking pillow
• Headlamp with spare batteries or a rechargeable one
• Earplugs

Hydration and food

• Two water bottles of at least 750 ml each
• Water purification tablets or a water filter as backup
• Trail snacks: nuts, energy bars, chocolate
• Powdered electrolytes to replace salts during the climbs

Hygiene and health

• Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher
• Insect repellent for the high-jungle sections
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Wet wipes for the days without a shower
• Toilet paper and trash bags
• Solid deodorant or mineral deodorant stone
• Toothpaste and a small toothbrush
• Quick-dry microfiber towel

Personal first-aid kit

• Altitude medication such as acetazolamide if recommended by your doctor
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Oral rehydration salts
• Band-Aids and medical tape
• Elastic bandage for ankles
• Anti-blister cream
• Antihistamine

Accessories and gear

• Collapsible trekking poles
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Rain gloves or waterproof gloves
• Dry bag for electronics

Electronics and photography

• Fully charged phone
• Power bank or portable battery
• Cables and adapters
• Camera if you normally use one
• Headphones for downtime at camp

What you do not need to bring

• Valuables you are not going to use
• Cotton clothing that takes a long time to dry
• Strong perfumes or colognes that attract insects
• More than two books or paper guidebooks
• Large amounts of cash for the trail

One tip before you leave

Pack everything you think you need.

• Then take out one third of it.
• After three days of hiking with climbs above 4,000 meters, every extra kilogram in your backpack feels like double.
• What you do not use at your hotel in Cusco before leaving, you probably will not use on the trail either.

Peru Sites gets your Inca Trail ready with everything taken care of

At Peru Sites, we arrange Inca Trail permits, camping gear, an official bilingual guide, and Machu Picchu entry in one package from Cusco. If you have questions about what to bring depending on the time of year you are traveling, write to us before you pack your bag and we will guide you in detail.