Finally, you’ve decided to walk the Inca Trail (or are you thinking about it? If this is the case, take a look at our Best Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu). Most likely, you’ve been planning this for a while: reading about previous excursionists’ experiences, researching different tour companies, occasionally going to the gym for piercing exercise, and searching Google for photos of Machu Picchu to inspire you. You’re detained for a moment so you can realize you’re going to walk the Inca Trail and feel at peace. You have no idea what is on an appropriate Inca Trail empaque list until.
But don’t worry. As always, we’re happy to assist you in any way we can as you plan your Inca Trail trek and Peru tour. And what about packing? That’s all there is to it!
Incredible views like this one will greet you at every turn as you hike the Inca Trail. You want to enjoy them rather than be concerned about what you forgot to bring!
When it comes to creating the ideal Inca Trail packing list, some items are self-evident, while others may not be so obvious to the inexperienced trekker. We’ll include the items you need from both of these categories for good measure, because what’s obvious to one person may not be obvious to another.
Finally, regardless of which tour company you book with, you can choose to have porters accompany you on your Inca Trail trek to help you carry your goods; you’ll only be carrying your own day-pack. This does not, however, imply that you can bring whatever you want! Aside from the simple decency of considering the people who will be transporting your belongings, keep in mind that each tour company has its own rules regarding how much you can bring with you. Before you start making your own Inca Trail packing list, make sure you’re aware of this restriction.
And now, let us begin!
Inca Trail hike Packing List
1. Passport
The Passport is very important to enter Peru and you will also need it for the Inca trail where there is a checkpoint and registry of the Peruvian government to enforce strict limits on how many visitors can walk the trail per day, and each foreigner who starts a trek you must show your passport.
An optional passport stamp is also available, and is a unique way to commemorate your trip. Your passport is an absolute must on your Inca Trail packing list because you can’t even start the trek without it!
2. Mountain shoes Proper
Whether you bring hiking boots or a hiking shoes hybrid, make sure they are waterproof! Even if you visit during the dry season, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some rain or mud at some point during your journey.
Consider this when deciding between boots and shoes for your Inca Trail packing list: boots provide more ankle support, whereas shoes are significantly lighter. Finally, make sure whatever you’re wearing fits well and is somewhat worn in, because blisters on a four-day trek are not fun.
3. Proper hiking attire
First and foremost, keep in mind that you will either shower once or not at all during your four-day journey. This means you’ll need plenty of underwear and socks – the items of clothing that tend to get dirty the fastest and are the most unpleasant to put on uncleanly a second time!
In terms of other clothing, the most important thing to remember is that you want clothes that you can layer. The temperature will fluctuate dramatically from day to night, and your body heat will rise during strenuous treks and fall when you relax. You’ll need clothing that can withstand all of these situations.
You should have hiking/athletic pants that can be zipped down into shorts if necessary. Bring both short and long-sleeved shirts, as well as a light jacket. You should also have some cold weather gear for the nights, such as hats, gloves, and scarves, especially if you’re planning your Inca Trail packing list for the colder months.
4. Sleeping bag
Because this will be the source of your rest and relaxation every night of your journey, you should not overlook selecting an appropriate sleeping bag for your journey. Whatever time of year you visit Peru, we recommend bringing a four-season bag.
5. Toiletries
If you’re walking the Inca Trail, you have to accept that you’ll be roughing it for a few days. Having said that, there are some essential toiletries you can bring to make things at least a little more comfortable. These are some examples:
- Repellants
- hand sanitizer
- toilet paper
- personal medication
- Sunscreen
6. Other waterproof goods
Remember to bring rain gear even if you’re trekking during the dry season! A poncho or rain jacket, as well as plastic bags to separate wet and dry clothes, are absolute musts for your Inca Trail packing list.
7. Water bottles and snacks
Though your tour company will provide food and water, you are more than likely to become thirsty or hungry as you trek throughout the day. These will keep you going until you can stop for a meal.
8. Flip-flops (sandals)
These are must-haves for your Inca Trail packing list, especially if you plan on showering on the third night. Even if you don’t end up showering, they can be useful in the evenings for relaxing and allowing your feet to breathe.
9. Cash
Though you won’t need much money on the trail, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand. You’ll pass a few small, locally-owned stores along the way, and you’ll have to pay for any goods you want. It’s also useful if you want to tip your guides/porters!
10. Batteries, memory cards, or whatever else you’ll need for your electronic goods
It goes without saying that there will be no opportunities to plug in and charge your electronic devices while hiking the Inca Trail. It’s always a good idea to bring extra batteries. And if you can’t, keep your devices to a minimum! There’s a lot to see after the first day, and you don’t want your camera to be dead by then.
11. Flashlight
This item is easy to overlook, but it is essential for navigating your campsite after dark. Simply put, it’s a must-have item for any Inca Trail pack list.
12. First-aid kit – personal medications
Again, your guides should always have a first-aid kit with them. That being said, it never hurts to have a basic first-aid kit on hand during your Inca Trail adventure!. Basic medications for stomach problems and the like, as well as any medications that you must take, should not be overlooked.