The Inca Trail Packing List

The Inca Trail Packing List

Quick Answer: There’s many different items and clothing you’ll need to pack when heading on the Inca Trail.

Firstly you’ll need several warm layers, including base layers, a warm coat as well as a poncho in case it rains during your trek. Quality gloves and a thick hat are also essential to keep your extremities warm (the latter also for preventing sunburns during the day).

There are various accessories and other essentials you’ll need to make room for too. This includes a sleeping bag, toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellant and of course your Passport.

Below we’ll now cover the full list of what you’ll need during your Inca Trail trek.

Our Full Packing List For The Inca Trail

Below is our comprehensive packing list for the Inca Trail. Remember that if you do forget to bring certain items, you can easily buy them in Cusco before starting your hike.

Essential Documents And Items

• Passport: You can’t start the Inca Trail until your passport details are checked and confirmed with your permit at the Km.82 checkpoint. Photocopies won’t work instead of the original passport, and it must be the same passport you used when booking the Inca Trail tour. If you renew your passport after making the booking, it is essential to update the passport number. To facilitate this, please send us a photo of both the old and new passports. Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Student Card: Students under 17 years old are eligible for a discount with just their passport. Those under 25 can receive a student discount if they present a valid student card. This card must include the student’s name, photo, and expiration date.
• Travel Insurance: Covering trekking in higher altitudes. The highest you get on the Inca trail is 4200 meters above sea level.
• Cash: for buying extras along the way as well as for tipping. Peruvian Soles are preferred.

Headgear

• Wide-Brimmed Hat or Cap: A wide-brimmed hat provides essential protection from the sun especially in dry season, helping to shield your face, neck, and ears from UV rays. It also keeps you cooler by providing shade.
• Sun Hat: A lightweight sun hat with ventilation holes can be beneficial for sun protection. Look for hats with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings for better UV protection.
• Warm Hat/beanie for the cold nights: Since temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes, a warm hat or beanie is important for keeping your head insulated and maintaining body heat during cooler nights and early mornings.
• Bandana or Buff: A versatile bandana or buff can be used for multiple purposes. It can serve as a headband to absorb sweat, a neck gaiter for warmth, or even a face covering for dust and sun protection.
• Hair bands: If you have long hair, wear it up when you go hiking.

Clothes:

• Moisture-wicking T-shirts: 2-3 lightweight, quick-drying shirts (preferably synthetic or merino wool) to keep sweat off your body.
• Long-sleeve shirt: 1-2 lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and layering during cooler mornings or evenings.
• Fleece jacket or pullover: A warm, lightweight fleece is essential for cooler temperatures, particularly in the early mornings or evenings.
• Insulated jacket: A down or synthetic insulated jacket for warmth when temperatures drop, especially at higher altitudes.
• Waterproof rain jacket: A high-quality, breathable waterproof jacket to protect against rain and wind. Make sure it is lightweight and packable.
• Rain poncho: An additional layer of rain protection, useful for covering both yourself and your backpack in case of heavy rain.
• Windbreaker: A lightweight, windproof jacket for added protection against the wind at higher altitudes.
• Hiking pants: 2 pairs of lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-dry pants. Convertible pants (zip-off) are a good option for flexibility.
• Leggings or thermal base layer: 1 pair for added warmth during colder nights or early morning hikes.
• Shorts: 1 pair of lightweight shorts for warmer parts of the Trail.
• Waterproof rain pants: Lightweight, breathable rain pants for wet conditions.
• Moisture-wicking underwear: 3-4 pairs of quick-drying, breathable underwear. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture.
• Sports bra: For women, consider packing 2-3 sports bras that offer support and comfort during long days of hiking.
• Undewear: Your underwear serves as the first layer of clothing. For a comfortable hiking experience, it is advisable to have 2-5 pairs of breathable underwear. Opting for sports underwear specifically designed for high-intensity activities is recommended.

Footwear

• Hiking Boots/ hiking shoe: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential. Make sure they are well broken-in before the trek. Make sure they’re waterproof! You might encounter some rain during your trek, especially on the third day, even if you’re hiking the Inca Trail in the dry season.
• Sandals or Camp Shoes: Lightweight shoes or sandals to wear around camp after a day of trekking. We suggest you choose the lightweight shoes instead of sandals because sandals could slip off. But, if you’re planning to take a shower, choosing sandals would be a good idea.
• Socks: Choose moisture-wicking, cushioned socks to prevent blisters and keep your feet dry. Wool or synthetic blends are preferable over cotton. Most of our client prefers  thick merino hiking socks. We recommend 4 pairs of socks. 
• Gaiters (Optional): These are optional and serve to provide additional protection against mud, water, and similar elements. While not essential, they can be very useful.

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Opt for travel-sized toothpaste to save space.
• Biodegradable Soap: Choose a multi-purpose soap for body and hair that is eco-friendly.
• Wet Wipes or Face Wipes: Useful for freshening up when showers are not available.
• Hand Sanitizer: Essential for maintaining hygiene when soap and water are not accessible.
• Quick-Dry Towel: A lightweight and compact towel that dries quickly is ideal.
• Deodorant: Consider a small, travel-sized deodorant.
• Toilet Paper: Pack a small roll or carry individual tissue packs; not all restrooms along the trail provide toilet paper.
• Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen to protect against the strong UV rays at high altitudes.
• Lip Balm with SPF: To prevent chapped lips.
• Insect Repellent: A DEET-based repellent is effective against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: If applicable, bring enough supplies for the duration of the hike. Consider environmentally friendly options like menstrual cups.
• Swimsuit (optional): If you decide to extend your stay in Aguas Calientes by an additional day, you might want to bring a bathing suit.
• Razor: It is not entirely necessary, but it feel good to have a quick shave in the shower on the third day.
• Earplugs(Optional): The final campsites along the Inca Trail are shared by all hikers, and some groups can be noisy, making it difficult for others to get a good night’s sleep.
• Travel-size Shampoo and Conditioner: Choose biodegradable options, and decant them into small containers if necessary.

Essential gear & equipment for hiking to Machu Picchu

• Backpack: A 30-40L pack is sufficient for carrying daily essentials. Ensure it has a rain cover.
• Sleeping Bag: 3-season, down-filled, rated for temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F).
• Sleeping Bag Liner: For added warmth and hygiene.
• Trekking Poles: Collapsible, with rubber tips (required on the trail).
• Headlamp or Flashlight: With extra batteries, crucial for early starts and late evenings.
• Water Bottles/Bladder: Minimum of 2 liters capacity.
• Inflatable Mattress: We provide foam mattresses; however, if you desire additional comfort, you are welcome to bring your own or rent one from us.
• Pillow: Small blow up pillow.

First Aid Kid For Inca Trail

• Rehydration Salts: To prevent or treat dehydration, especially in cases of diarrhea or high altitude.
• Pain Relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen): For headaches, muscle aches, or fever.
• Moleskin or Blister Pads: To protect against blisters from prolonged hiking.
• Elastic Bandage: For sprains or strains.
• Antiseptic cream: It help cleanse and protect minor wounds from infection.
• Altitude Sickness Medication: Such as acetazolamide (Diamox) to help prevent and treat altitude sickness.
• Personal Prescription Medications: Any medication prescribed by your doctor, enough for the duration of the trip.
• Anti-diarrheal Medication (e.g., Imodium): To manage diarrhea, which can be common in remote areas.

Frequent Asked Questions

Can I Wear Shorts On The Inca Trail?

This really depends on you and your own comfort, although we prefer hiking trousers which are more comfortable. If you’re okay with the cooler temperatures then you can wear shorts on the Inca Trail, although please be aware that certain months can get really cold (such as July where temperatures can drop below 32°F!).

What Backpack Size Is Best For The Inca Trail?

Firstly it’s important to remember that you’ll always have a personal porter available to carry your extra things. However even then, we still recommend that your daypack is between 15-25L, which is plenty for any extra clothing or kit. Anything more and it can get uncomfortable and slow you down.

Do You Need To Wear Gloves On The Inca Trail?

Temperatures on the Inca Trail can get pretty cold at night (between 25-35°F), so wearing gloves is essential. Your hands tend to be the part of your body that gets cold the quickest, and also receives the most overall complaints too during the cooler weather. So be sure to avoid this by packing thick and high-quality gloves!

The Inca Trail Packing List

And that’s all for this guide on what to add to your packing list for the Inca Trail.

Preparation is key for having both a successful and enjoyable hike, and this is especially true when heading on the Inca Trail. Having read this guide you’ll now know exactly what you need to pack, which includes warm layers, high quality hiking boots, a comfortable sleeping bag and insect repellent.

Now that you know what to pack, it’s now time to make sure you are physically prepared yourself before heading on the Inca Trail.