The ultimate Inca Trail packing list

You’ll experience lots of different weather when hiking the Inca Trail so bring an outfit for every one. You should also be aware that there’s no place to charge your camera batteries on the trail. If you don’t want to risk reaching Machu Picchu with an empty battery, bring extras. I took around 1,000 photos + videos with my Canon and I almost used up two batteries.

I’ve got three solid advice for you regarding clothes: 1) you will face a variety of conditions during the trek and it’s very important reduce the weight to a minimum.

Here’s what to pack for the Inca trail:

Documents

There’s a few documents you need in order to hike the Inca Trail. Some are pretty straight forward, like diary and pen or insurance card. But did you know that you need your passport to enter Machu Picchu? You do. And you can even get a special Machu Picchu stamp to prove it. Aside from that, you’ll need money for tipping. 

*A note about yellow fever: You don’t need the yellow fever vaccine or certification to hike the Inca Trail or visit Machu Picchu. BUT if you arrive from an area with yellow fever (like most South American countries) or plan on visiting the Amazon after (a yellow fever area), you will need a certificate. The airlines and border controls are strict about this, so make sure to check the current requirements as they change frequently. Get more information on Lonely Planet.

• Passport
• Money (for tips, water and snacks)
• Insurance card
• Diary & pen
• *Vaccination card

Clothes

The most important advice I can give you is to dress in layers. On the Inca Trail, you will deal with intense heat, harsh sun, rain and cold mountain nights, which can get below zero. You’ll need clothing for all of this. No need to pack a whole lot of stuff, you just need to pack smartly. With a little help, you’ll be prepared for every each day on Inca Trail, no matter what it throws at you! 

• Rain jacket and pants
• Rain poncho
• Fleece
• Sports bras
• Socks
• Two leggings
• Baselayers
• T-shirt
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• A hat

Footwear

During the Inca Trail you will hike between 6-9 hours per day. It’s important to be prepared and wear waterproof and comfortable hiking boots for this.  

• Hiking boots
• Flip flops or sneakers (for the afternoon)

Electronics

*Electronics and altitude: I’ve read that some computers, phones or tablets don’t function  or have flat out died in the high altitude of Peru, but I didn’t encounter any problems with mine.

• Camera + charger
• Extra batteries
• GoPro + accessories
• Flashlight

Medicine

The Andes altitude is high, so if you’re going to Cusco or the Inca Trail, you will most likely get acquainted with altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is quite similar to hangover or sea sickness with symptoms like nausea, weakness, dizziness, headaches and trouble breathing. I had it in Tibet many years ago so this time I came prepared. I brought altitude sickness pills (prescribed by my doctor) and researched how to prevent it. I’ve written this post about how to treat altitude sickness.

• Knee braces
• Compression stockings
• Medicine
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• Bandage and plasters (plenty!)
• Sunscreen (factor 30.)
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and paste
• Brush
• Deo
• Make up
• Cleaning tissues
• Hair elastics
• Small plastic bags
• Toilet paper
• Neck pillow

Misc

• Sleeping bag – make sure to bring one that goes below sub-zero temperatures. You can also rent in Cusco or through your tour company
• Head lamp or flash light – there’s no light in the camps, so you need to bring your own.
• Hiking poles

More posts from Peru you might like

• A quick travel guide to Peru
• 7 great reasons to visit Lima – Peru’s underrated capital
• Sandboarding Peru, Huacachina. Woohoo!
• 8 things to do in Cusco, Peru (besides hiking the Inca Trail)
• Pariwana hostel: The backpacker’s best choice | Peru
• 10 essential tips for hiking the Inca Trail, Peru
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu: Lost City of The Incas