What to bring for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

You have read our travel diary about the unforgettable Inca Trail of 4 days to Machu Picchu? You are about to leave? Here are some recommendations on what to put in your bag to fully enjoy the adventure!

We left at the end of July and I had no idea what to bring. The agency gives a basic list but doesn’t mention clothes. So I thought it would be interesting to make a list for future travelers. Of course, these are only recommendations related to my personal experience and therefore to the precise period when we left.

The main idea is to bring only the bare essentials because you will have to carry everything!

The essentials for the Inca Trail

Backpack comfortable to wear. For a long trek for this one, I strongly recommend those that attach to the hips and chest, padded with straps and ventilated thanks to a space provided in the back.

Platypus water bottle. Very practical when hiking, to avoid stopping to drink and losing sight of the group. Then, the flexible material allows the container to take up less space as it is emptied. Peru Inca Trail what to take for the hike

Walking sticks. I didn’t believe it before trying it: they are a precious help for the ascents and descents! In Cuzco, you can rent or buy them. But as they are cheaper to buy than to rent for the 4 days, why deprive yourself? After the trek, mine didn’t shrink anymore for storage. I still kept them for the rest of the trip, attached to my bag and very attentive every time I passed a door!

Lightweight T-shirt or breathable microfiber mesh. It is very hot during the day! However, avoid tank tops: a long-sleeved shirt provides more protection from the sun, which hits hard, and is not necessarily much warmer.

Light pants for the day. Similarly, I recommend avoiding shorts, especially since these same pants will serve you for the evening, possibly complemented by a pair of tights.

Tights like Damart. For the evening, to wear under pants if you are cold or as pajamas.

Long-sleeved T-shirt for the evening. Since you will only have two shirts, remember to keep this one clean for the evening.

Sunglasses.

Sunscreen. Slather it on in the morning on the uncovered areas.

Thin but warm sweater. For the evening.

Headgear: hat, cap, bandana… I like to wear a cotton choker that can be used as a scarf or bandana.

Thin or silk gloves. To avoid walking with frozen hands in the morning and to protect them from blisters due to the friction of the sticks.

High walking shoes. The path is made of stones or clay. Some slopes are very steep. Nothing is better than a well-supported foot to avoid sprains!

Polyester socks. More breathable than cotton socks, they dry faster.

Gloves. Your hands will be exposed to the cold and wind because of the walking sticks.

Rain cape made of garbage bag material. Can be bought in Cuzco. It doesn’t take up much space and can be very useful in case of rain. In mountain, we can never foresee the weather.

Headlamp. There is no electricity in the camps and the night falls quickly.

Lip balm. The combination of the wind, the sun and the coolness of the night are deadly for the exposed parts.

Baby wipes. You can take showers but ice cold! If you are not tempted, wipes allow for minimal washing.

Toothbrush and toothpaste.

Anti-mosquito spray. Although we did not see any, it seems that one can be disturbed during certain parts of the trek, the jungle in particular.

Basic pharmacy. Some double skin bandages, strips to close a wound and disinfectant wipe. A small tube of soothing cream, in case of insect bites.

Large coca leaves and “ash” to avoid altitude sickness. The ash is very important because it serves as a catalyst. Break off a piece of ash and wrap it in several sheets of coca on top of each other — for ease of use, buy large sheets. The small packet thus formed gets stuck between the cheek and the gum. Do not chew; simply let the packet soak up saliva and suck it out regularly.

Minimum 2 L of water per day. Hydration, along with coca, is the best remedy for altitude sickness. The effort and the heat make us use a lot of water, so it is vital to drink regularly, in small sips.

Juices in carton and snacks. Alternating with water, the sugar and vitamins in the juice will keep you strong throughout the trip. Snacks (cereal bars, cookies) will keep you going until the next meal, in case it arrives a little late, but don’t load up on them either. Take a maximum of 1 per day. You can buy some at the beginning of the trip, but it obviously costs a little more.

Coca candy. Both to fight against a slight altitude sickness and to give yourself a little boost, they are very useful and more practical to put in the mouth than the leaves and the ash. To be used alternately with the latter. Be sure to choose the brand that contains the maximum amount of coca. You can find different brands in supermarkets, the one we found was very artisanal and cost more but it was worth it. Attention, some do not contain any, in spite of their name!

Toilet paper. There are toilets at each camp, whose state of cleanliness differs from one place to another, but never paper.

Cash in small denominations for eventual snacks or drinks, available on the way until the beginning of the 2nd day, also for the tip of the porters and the cook and finally for the luggage deposit at Machu Picchu, obligatory for the big bags and the walking sticks.

The optional extras

Peru — Inca Trail what to take Moisturizer. Just like the lips, the skin tends to dry out extremely quickly. If you are sensitive, take a sample.

Sleeping bag. Provided by the agencies, for a small extra fee. If you don’t have one, you can simply buy a silk sheet, which will allow you not to be in contact with the bag, used by many strangers before you. However, there is an advantage to renting your equipment, which is that you will not have to wear it on the last day.

Silk sheet. Whether you have your own sleeping bag or rent one, I always recommend putting on this extra sheet. If the bag is yours, the sheet will be easier to wash than the bag. If it is not yours, the sheet that will protect you from the unknown bag.

Floor mat. Provided free of charge by agencies, but if you have your own, you might as well take it with you, it will probably be more comfortable.

If you have other essentials in mind (especially for other seasons), don’t hesitate to comment! You are now ready for what will probably be your best experience in Peru! Live our way of the Inca, day by day by consulting our travel blog !Vamos Amigos!