DON’T FORGET ANYTHING: THE DEFINITIVE INCA TRAIL PACKING LIST

GUIDES, COOKS, AND PORTERS

Guides will be provided to inform and accompany the group during the trek. Porters will carry the camp equipment and set up the kitchen and dining area. Cooks will prepare all the meals during the trek.

TENTS

Normally, these items are supplied and transported by the porters. In our case, for our passengers’ comfort, tents are shared by only 2 travelers. The dining tent is also set up by the porters. The tent brand is EUREKA.

SELF-INFLATING SLEEPING PAD

The ProLite Plus self-inflating mattress provides compact performance and legendary Therm-a-Rest support. The self-inflating foam is 5 cm (2 inches) thick and features a design that offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any self-inflating foam construction.

DUFFLE BAG

Ensure that your personal belongings are within a maximum weight limit of 5 kg (11.02 pounds). It’s important not to exceed this weight to avoid overloading the porters who will carry your personal luggage.

You’ll only have access to the duffle bag during the evenings and nights.

ALL MEALS

Each day, the porters will carry everything necessary to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner at resting points and campsites.

PORTABLE TOILET

It’s important to note that Inkayni Peru Tours provides the option to use eco-friendly portable toilets, ensuring a sustainable and excellent experience during your Inca Trail journey. Our portable toilets are comfortable, hygienic, and environmentally conscious. The portable toilets we use are from the SereneLife brand.

SLEEPING BAG

To undertake the Inca Trail, it’s essential to have a high-quality, thermally efficient sleeping bag. That’s why Inkayni Peru Tour offers sleeping bags from the Doite Glaciar Ex. brand. They have a “mummy” design with an extendable section that allows an increase in width up to 90 cm. They are hypoallergenic, easy to maintain, and quick-drying.

TREKKING POLES

We recommend using trekking poles with rubber tips, especially if you have knee or leg discomfort. This route is known for its steep ascents, narrow paths, and stone staircases.

At Inkayni Peru Tours, you have the option to rent trekking poles for $15.00 USD, ensuring a more comfortable experience during your adventure. We provide Black Diamond Trekking Poles.

INFLATABLE PILLOWS

For added comfort, we will provide inflatable pillows that will be carried by the porters. Inflatable pillows are advantageous due to their compact size, minimizing space occupied and reducing weight.

UNDERWEAR

The essential item that should not be missing from your luggage is sports underwear. We recommend taking 4 to 6 pairs of high-quality underwear to stay comfortable during the journey. We support brands like Icebreaker, Adidas, or other sports brands.

You can check recommended options for Men and Women here (insert Amazon link).

BASE LAYERS

Also known as an inner shirt or first layer, its use is important, especially at the highest point at Warmiwañusca Pass, where temperatures drop and are much colder.

Base layers fit the body and are made of high moisture-absorbing materials.

We suggest you bring two upper layers and one lower layer for extended durability.

LONG-SLEEVE SHIRTS

Long-sleeve shirts play a fundamental role during the Inca Trail trek. They not only provide protection against solar radiation but also against insects and unpredictable weather changes.

Choosing long-sleeve shirts with breathable and quick-drying fabrics can provide an additional level of comfort, helping you stay cool and dry as you walk.

FLEECE JACKET

WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF JACKET

HIKING PANTS AND SHORTS

It is advisable to carry 2 to 3 pairs of trekking pants and shorts. For greater convenience, it’s better to buy convertible pants like the model created by Craghoppers for trekking. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also feel super comfortable.

We know there are several brands of hiking pants to choose from, but we recommend Columbia and Craghoppers.

PAJAMA PANTS

Bringing pajama pants on the Inca Trail is a comfortable and practical option after a day of hiking. They can provide comfort at the campsite and help you rest properly to face each day of adventure.

RAIN PONCHO

The weather on the Inca Trail is unpredictable. As a precaution, it is important to carry a rain poncho, which acts as a protective layer, ensuring that the effects of rain do not hinder your trek, especially during the rainy season.

HIKING SOCKS

You’ll need to carry 4 to 6 pairs of trekking socks. Opt for lightweight socks, preferably made of merino wool, as they are breathable and help wick away moisture. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and increases the risk of blisters.

Recommended brands like Smartwool, Bridgedale, and DarnTough include flat seams and good cushioning. Consider merino wool alternatives with waterproof membrane if you are allergic to wool. Make sure to wear suitable socks to ensure comfort on your journey.

GAITERS

Gaiters are worn over trekking boots to prevent mud, dust, water, and sand from getting into the boots. They are particularly useful in rough terrain or unfavorable and wet conditions. If you plan to walk during the rainy months from November to March, it may be advisable to bring gaiters.

MOUNTAIN BOOTS

SNEAKERS (TREKKING SHOES)

After an extensive day of trekking, your priority will be to free your feet from hiking boots and allow them to breathe. We suggest carrying a simple pair of lightweight trekking shoes or sandals that you can wear with your socks to keep warm. Another option is to bring lightweight sneakers with a non-slip sole.

Here are some suitable footwear or sandals options for walking. Choose quality shoes or sandals for walking.

SUN HAT

It is necessary to carry a lightweight and easy-to-pack hat to protect both your head and face from sunburn and reduce the risk of heatstroke. We recommend hats with an adjustable neck protection, as shown in the image.

Avoid wearing large and bulky hats like straw hats, as they can be challenging to store.

WOOL HAT

As mentioned earlier, nights on the Inca Trail can get cold. We recommend bringing a winter wool hat or headband to keep you warm.

BANDANA OR BALACLAVA

We recommend using a bandana or balaclava to keep your neck and face warm. Additionally, a bandana can be used as a headband or headscarf. These items will be the perfect solution to prevent sunburn.

GLOVES

On the Inca Trail, there won’t be extreme cold that requires very thick gloves. However, there may be cool moments at high altitudes and during mornings and evenings. It’s essential to opt for lightweight, breathable, and weather-resistant gloves designed for activities like trekking that offer some warmth in cool conditions.

Brands like Under Armour, Outdoor Research, Black Diamond, and SealSkinz have warm, lightweight, and affordable gloves with weather features.

SUNGLASSES

High-quality sunglasses are essential on the Inca Trail due to the intensity of UV rays and strong visible light at high altitudes. Although Oakley leads in polarized sunglasses, its extensive protection may be excessive for Machu Picchu, where there is no intense snow conditions.

However, a basic pair of Oakley sunglasses will provide versatility, great value, and utility in various environments. Suitable sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes during this journey.

TREKKING BACKPACK

On your adventure on the Inca Trail, porters will carry the provided duffel bag for your personal belongings. However, to access important items such as water, snacks, a camera, a cell phone, sunscreen, and more, you’ll need a trekking backpack.

We recommend the Osprey Kestrel for men and the Osprey Fairview for women. Don’t forget to buy a rain cover for your backpack.

FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP

It’s essential to carry a headlamp or flashlight for use in the camp and its surroundings, as well as to have backup in case your hike ends after dark. Headlamps are preferable because they allow you to have your hands free.

A leading brand in headlamps is Petzl. We recommend purchasing an affordable but quality headlamp as recommended. Having a suitable headlamp is essential for your comfort and safety on the Inca Trail.

CAMERA

We are confident that the natural landscape along the Inca Trail will leave you in awe. When visiting archaeological sites and the Andes Mountains, you’ll want to capture it all, and what better way to do it than in HD. If you don’t already have a good camera, it’s time to invest. We suggest some brands like Canon, Panasonic, Phase One, Sony (Alpha A6700), and Nikon (Z30 or Z50). However, if you want to travel light and capture fascinating videos, we recommend bringing a GoPro.

WATER BOTTLE

CAMEL PACK (HYDRATION SYSTEM) / HYDRATION BLADDER

The choice of a Camelback depends on the type of backpack you use. It should fit your bag and provide ease of use, which is the primary goal. Select a Camelback with a capacity of 2 to 3 liters, as opting for a larger one would be excessive in weight.

TREKKING TOWEL

A lightweight trekking towel is useful for drying your hair, face, and hands after a day of rain on the trail. There is an opportunity to take a shower on the third day, for which the towel is used.

TOOTHBRUSH

It’s essential to carry all your personal care products with you; make sure they are compact and lightweight (toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, deodorant, facial moisturizer, small soap).

WET WIPES / TISSUES

These are ideal for refreshing your hands and face, as well as for cleaning your body after an extensive day of hiking. It’s also advisable to carry a small-sized hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands before meals.

SUNSCREEN/LIP BALM

You should bring sunscreen (SPF 35+) because you’ll be walking in open areas at high altitudes, making effective sun protection essential. Don’t forget to bring lip balm, as you wouldn’t want your lips to become chapped.

INSECT REPELLENT

Ensure you choose a reliable brand with a high DEET content. Keep in mind that the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are areas with warm and humid climates. We highly recommend a NATURAL repellent.

SWIMSUIT

You can take a relaxing bath in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, which will help your body recover after a challenging hike. This item is essential if you plan to do this.

HAND SANITIZER

It’s ideal for more practical hand disinfection before and after meals or if your hands get dirty during the journey.

ISOTONIC POWDER

You can use it to flavor your water and replace electrolytes, improving your energy levels.

TOILET PAPER

This is another item that will come in handy when using the bathroom during the day. You’ll need toilet paper because most public restrooms sometimes do not provide it.

PEE BOTTLE (FOR WOMEN)

This is a practical and convenient solution for women on the Inca Trail. It allows you to avoid the discomfort of searching for suitable places to urinate in natural areas and offers greater convenience during the journey.

BLISTER PLASTERS

Walking for an extended period on the Inca Trail can cause painful blisters on your feet. It’s crucial to treat them promptly and take measures to minimize friction. Using proper blister plasters like Luekotape P or Compeed is essential, while common adhesive tape should be avoided due to its lack of breathability and worsening of blisters.

DIAMOX

Also known as acetazolamide, it’s a medication that can be used as a preventive solution for altitude sickness. However, you should note that this pill does not guarantee a cure for altitude sickness, so it should not be used as a definitive solution.

GENERAL MEDICATION

If you start to experience headaches, taking a paracetamol or aspirin will help you feel better. If you have stomach problems like diarrhea, you can take an Imodium tablet.

ANTISEPTIC CREAM

For any trek, it’s vital to carry antiseptic cream to help prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters.

EARPLUGS

Noise is not a major concern during the nights on the Inca Trail. The environment is mainly natural. However, if you are sensitive to noise, this item will be very useful. Additionally, it takes up minimal space, and its weight is practically insignificant.

SMALL LOCKS

If you want to add extra security to your personal belongings, you can buy small locks.

CASH

Carry local currency in soles and small denomination bills so that you can purchase souvenirs, tips, and for situations where cash is needed.

PORTABLE CHARGER

On the Inca Trail, there are no places to charge electronic devices, so this accessory is of great help to ensure your devices don’t run out of battery. The best part is that you can charge them at any time and place.

ZIP LOCK WATERPROOF BAGS

Various sizes are available so you can separate wet and dry clothes. It’s recommended to carry small, airtight bags to protect valuable items such as money, passports, and cameras.