Complete Packing List for the Inca Trail & Other Multi-Day Machu Picchu Trails
Good preparation is half the battle! When hiking the Inca Trail or any other multi-day trek in Peru, you naturally don’t want to forget anything. At the same time, the biggest pitfall is bringing too much luggage. An overly heavy backpack makes your trek unnecessarily difficult — something you definitely want to avoid on the steep mountain paths to Machu Picchu.
Jorge’s Essential Packing List for all Multi-Day Trails with campsites
Jorge has put together a practical and complete packing list with everything you really need for your daypack during these multi-day treks.
Basic Gear
- Passport (the same one used to book your trek, even if it has expired)
- Cash in Soles or US Dollars
- Sleeping bag – available for rent from us
- Collapsible walking sticks – available for rent from us
- Good daypack (30–40 liters) – available for rent from us
- Water bottle or hydration system (at least 1 liter)
Clothing Advice for the Trail
The weather in the Andes can change rapidly. Warm during the day, near freezing at night — layering is essential!
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Windproof, warm jacket (nights can drop to 0°C / 32°F)
- Waterproof gloves and hat for cold mornings
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (see our blog: Inca Trail shoes – tips & reviews)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Rain pants (especially useful during the rainy season)
- Swimwear (for hot springs along Salkantay, Lares, and Inca Jungle Trail)
- Lightweight clothing:
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- Convertible or running pants (max. 2)
- T-shirts (max. 3)
- Fleece vest or long-sleeve shirt (max. 2)
- Hiking socks, underwear, and toothbrush
- Thermal underwear for cold nights
- Slippers or sandals you can wear with socks for the evenings
Handy Extras
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp (also available for rent/purchase in Cusco)
- (Moist) toilet paper
- Disposable washcloths or wet wipes
- Microfiber towel (lightweight and quick-drying)
- Altitude sickness tablets (optional – consult your doctor)
- Small pillow or pillowcase for extra comfort
- Playing cards or dice for evening entertainment
- Dry sack or plastic bag to keep clothes dry
Porters & Animal Welfare on the Trail
On the 4-day Inca Trail, no horses or mules are used. However, for a small fee, you can give extra items to the porters. We work exclusively with organizations that take good care of their porters — no one carries more than 20 kg / 44 lbs.
On other routes, such as the Salkantay Trail, Lares Trail, and Choquequirao Trail, horses or mules are used to carry luggage. These animals receive rest, food, and care according to our guidelines. That’s why: the less baggage you bring, the better — for both humans and animals.
Ready to Go with Our Inca Trail Starter Pack
Want to start your adventure stress-free? Choose our Starter Pack: a fully packed, sustainably made bag with all the basic essentials you need. For just 100 soles (approximately €25), your bag will be ready for you at departure!
Trails
You want to visit Machu Picchu, but how do you get there? The Incas once had only one option: walking the ancient Trail. Today, you can still follow in their footsteps. And did you know there are even more routes leading to Machu Picchu?
Tours & Day Trips
Besides the Inca Trail and a visit to Machu Picchu, you can enjoy a variety of great day trips from Cusco.
