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Additionally, I encourage you to check your local thrift stores, Buy Nothing groups and with friends/family for most items before purchasing something new, even through one of these links. It will be better for your wallet and the planet! You can also rent most necessary gear in Cusco. The exception is your hiking shoes. I recommend buying quality hiking shoes or boots new and breaking them in so they mold better to your feet.
Trekking the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was one of the most magical travel experiences of my life. If you’re looking for a doable but rewarding multi-day trek, I think the Inca Trail is incredible.
Packing for a trip like this can be intimidating, so I’ve put together a carry-on only Inca Trail packing list. Note that this list is specifically for the four-day Inca Trail trek and a couple days before/after in Cusco and Lima. If you’re doing the shorter one-day hike, you won’t need as much!
See my Inca Trail packing list recommendations below! I also have another post where I discuss my packing decisions and training tips in more detail.
Luggage
- 25-30L Daypack [I recommend Osprey or REI]
- Rain cover for backpack
Trekking company typically provides the duffle bag included in the price of the trek.
Hiking/Camping Equipment
- Trekking poles (rented in Cusco)
- Water bottles or bladder (enough to carry minimum 2L/person)
- Head lamp
- Knee brace
- Hot Hands
- (Optional) Exercise watch (I use FitBit)
My trekking company supplied sleeping bag, liner, tent, meals, cooking equipment included in the price. Check with your company to see what they supply.
First Aid & Medication
- (Optional) Altitude sickness medication (Diamox)*
- Ibuprofen
- Antibiotics for stomach issues
- Imodium
- Emergen-C (for immune system boost & electrolytes)
- Antibacterial ointment (e.g., Neosporin)
- Bandaids
- Any regular medications**
* The highest point on the Inca Trail is only 13,828 feet (4,215m), and I climbed it without Diamox or any altitude medication. The coca leaves are said to help with altitude, and coca tea was all I needed. You know your body best, though.
**If you take any regular over-the-counter medications, make sure to check with Peru customs to make sure you’re allowed to enter with them, or if you need a doctor’s note.
Beauty & Hygiene
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Baby wipes
- Toilet paper
- Bug spray
- Deodorant
- Disposable menstrual products (e.g., pads, tampons, disposable discs)*
- Bag for trash**
Also consider:
- Hand lotion
- Dry shampoo
* Even if you’re not due for your cycle, I recommend bringing products just in case. Altitude can affect it in weird ways sometimes. While I prefer reusable products, there aren’t really ways to disinfect them on the trail, so reusable is best.
** Your trekking company will have trash containers at camp, but not on the trail. We brought gallon ziplock bags to pack away toilet paper/baby wipes on the trail.
Food & Nutrition
- Electrolytes [I recommend Nuun]
- Protein bars
Honestly, you don’t need much extra food on the trail. My trekking company fed us so much for breakfast, lunch and dinner that I’m pretty sure I gained a few pounds on the trek.
Electronics & Entertainment
- Portable battery packs (1-2/person)
- Kindle
- Journal & pen
- Sketchbook
- Playing cards
- (Optional) Go Pro or camera equipment
My Clothing List (5’1” woman)
- 2x pairs exercise/hiking pants
- 1x pair exercise shorts
- 4x exercise/hiking shirts
- 2x long sleeve shirts
- 1x shell jacket
- 1x long johns for sleeping [link]
- 6x pairs of underwear
- 2x sports bras
- 6x pairs of socks (extra for clean socks to sleep in at night)
- 1x rain jacket [link]
- 1x reusable rain ponchos [link]
- 1x warm hat
- 1x sun hat
- 1x head ring
- 1x liner gloves
- 1x pair sturdy hiking shoes [link]
- 1x pair camp shoes (e.g., flip flops)
Consider that whatever you’re wearing to hike in during the day can very easily get wet or sweaty. I recommend having extras of a few things (e.g., long johns, socks, underwear) you may want a dry change of at camp.
My Husband’s Clothing List (5’9” male)
- 2x pairs hiking pants (1 pair convertible to shorts)
- 3x hiking shirts
- 1x long johns
- 1x shell jacket
- 1x rain jacket
- 1x rain poncho [link]
- 1x beanie
- 1x sun hat
- 6x pairs underwear
- 6x pairs socks
- 1x liner gloves
Other
- eSim: Airalo [You can use my code for a discount – JESSIC50007]
- VPN: NordVPN [You can use my referral link for 3 months free]
- Travel insurance: SafetyWing [Note – I have not actually had to submit a claim through them yet, but they came highly recommended. You can use my referral link for $20 off if you try them.]
What do you think of my Inca Trail packing list recommendations? Anything you’d add or remove?
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