Packing List for Hiking the Inca Trail

The basic notion of packing and preparing for the Inca Trail in 2024 is keeping in mind that you will face a variety of conditions during the trek and it is very important to keep the weight to a minimum. Avoid carrying your day pack during the trek, and for porters, they have a kilogram limit to carry including camping equipment and their additional belongings.

During the Inca Trail, you will have to face intense heat, strong sun and cold mountain nights, which can reach below zero while camping at night. For more information, we invite you to watch this video.

The best way to cope with all the different temperatures and extremes on the Inca Trail is to dress in several layers of clothing rather than wearing a jumper and hoping it will be enough for the entire hike.

In case you forget to bring something for the Inca Trail, there is no need to panic, you can get everything else in Cusco, or on the contrary leave at your hotel the things you will not use during the 4-day Inca Trail hike.

Also keep in mind that what you have to pack for the Short Inca Trail 2 days is totally different than what you will learn in this article. Please also check our post about how difficult the Short Inca Trail is and/or also learn a bit more about the same itinerary Short Inca Trail 2 days.

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What to pack for your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Accessing information about the Inca Trail in general can be very stressful, especially if you are looking for a proper checklist to prepare for your adventure. All of us here at Alpaca Expeditions want to provide you with all the help and assistance possible, and that is why we have created this Ultimate Packing List.

This packing list will be useful for any trek you choose and there will only be some minor variations which your Alpaca Expeditions reservations team can assist you with.

Underwear and base layers. For women, it is advisable to bring a couple of sports bras.

3 short sleeve shirts
1 long-sleeved T-shirt. Don’t wear cotton for trekking, as this material takes longer to dry. Instead, wear polyester.
1-2 pairs of comfortable hiking pants or shorts. Ideally, you have 2in1 hiking pants with zippers to turn them into shorts.
Warm jacket. It’s best if it has a hood, otherwise get a hood, you may need it to cover your ears on cool nights at camp.
Rain gear/poncho. In a dry season there is very little chance of rain, but it is best to carry it in your suitcase as it does not take up much space, but just in case it will save the day.

Protect your head when doing the Inca Trail

Very important to mention and must have on your packing list for the Inca Trail, the sun gets very strong during the day, stronger than normal probably from where you are, here you will be walking at high altitude and the sun can burn you badly, so it is very important to save your head from the unwanted effects after being in the sun for a long time during the day.

Also, cold nights require some warmth on your head, so bring a hat, if you don’t have one, you can get one easily and cheaply in Cusco! Here is a short list to protect your head:

Sun hat
Cap
Sunglasses
Headlamp/Torch – There is no electricity at the campsite, this is a very useful tool for preparing your bed or finding toilets.

Other important things to bring on the Inca Trail

A few more essential accessories on your Inca Trail packing list, so you can enjoy your hike!

Sleeping bag: very important! Try to get a good quality down sleeping bag. You can rent a good quality sleeping bag from us in Cusco.
Bring a camera and spare batteries, as there are no charging points along the trail.
Cash for tips to porters, guide and small purchases, access to bathrooms in Machu Picchu, etc.
Toiletries: toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, travel soap.
Snacks – energy bars, mixed nuts
Small box of general medicines
Wet wipes: ideal for a quick cleaning of hands or face.
Insect repellent – the higher the percentage of repellent, the better! (Mandatory)
Sunscreen and lip balm – you will be hiking at high altitude, the intensity of the sun is higher than normal. (Required)
Swimsuit: You may need it in the famous hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
Insurance and passport – for your safety please have a copy of your travel insurance, a passport is required to get to Machu Picchu.