Machu Picchu Packing List: What to Pack for the Inca Trail

With our Machu Picchu Packing List, planning your trip to Peru’s mystical ancient ruins just got easier!

Once you’ve locked in your spot on either the Inca Trail, or the Inca Jungle Trek, the next step is to figure out what you’ll need to bring with you and to purchase what you don’t already have.

Since the research and packing processes can be overwhelming for a trip like this, we’ve compiled a list of everything you’ll need on your trek. Here is the ultimate Machu Picchu packing list, complete with explanations for why you need each item, and links to purchase items we recommend.

Let’s get started, shall we?

The Ultimate Machu Picchu Packing List for Hiking the Inca Trail

Hiking Boots

A pair of high-quality, waterproof hiking boots are the most important item on this Machu Picchu packing list! After all, you’ll be hiking for 4 days straight! If you don’t already have a pair, we recommend these boots for women; they are waterproof, extremely comfortable, and will last you for years!

Backpack

Depending on the trail you choose to trek, and whether or not you have a porter, the backpack size you’ll need will vary. Some trekking companies ask that you pack a duffle bag and carry a daypack with you. Other companies will ask you to simply pack everything you’ll need into a large backpack. Ideally, your backpack will be very durable and will include a hydration bladder/water reservoir.

4 shirts

For your trek, you’ll need 4 different shirts. Preferably, these will be exercise shirts that are lightweight and dry quickly.

1 warm jacket

It can get cold on the Inca Trail, especially at night. Bringing a warm, insulated jacket is a good idea, especially if it doubles as a waterproof jacket.

1 fleece jacket

If it’s very cold, you can layer up with a lightweight fleece jacket. This is another essential item on your Machu Picchu packing list.

1 poncho

If you’ve booked your trek during the rainy season (November through April), you can bet that you’ll need a poncho. Even if you’re trekking during the dry season (May through October), there’s always a chance of rain. Prepare for this, and purchase a high-quality poncho that will cover you and your backpack, or wear a waterproof jacket, like those shown above.

2-3 Hiking Pants

You’ll also need 2-3 pairs of hiking pants. Preferably, your hiking pants will be waterproof, very durable, stretch for mobility, and convert into capris or shorts.

1 Pair of Hiking Shorts

Sometimes, temperatures can exceed 75°F (24°C) during the day. If your hiking pants don’t convert into shorts, consider buying a pair of hiking shorts.

Water bottle

Staying hydrated is super important on this trek. If you don’t have a backpack with a hydration bladder, make sure to pack a large vacuum-insulated water bottle, which will keep your water at a prime drinking temperature all day long.

Headlamp

A headlamp (or a flashlight) is necessary for your trek to Machu Picchu. If you’ve chosen to camp, you’ll need to see in the dark every night. If you’re not camping, most likely, you’ll still opt to climb up to Machu Picchu at around 4:30 a.m., to arrive at the ruins before sunrise. Either way, you’re going to need a headlamp or flashlight!

Insect repellent

Nobody wants to be eaten alive by mosquitos and other insects — especially not on vacation! But you surely will be, without insect repellent. Make sure to pack repellent towelettes that will keep the bugs away, and keep you feeling clean, or a traditional can of repellent spray or lotion.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are optional, but keep in mind that the trek to Machu Picchu is no joke. With steep inclines and declines, trekking poles will make for an easier trek, helping to keep your balance and support your weight, conserve energy, and ease back strain.

Camera

No doubt, you’re going to want to document your entire trekking experience, especially when you finally reach the wondrous ruins of Machu Picchu! Make sure you bring along either a DSLR camera or a great point-and-shoot camera!

If you’re going on the Inca Jungle Trek, you’ll even have the chance to river raft, zipline, and bike; in moments like these, you’ll be thankful you brought along your GoPro (in a waterproof case)!

Other essentials:

Depending on the trek you booked, some of these items may be optional. Read each description to find out more.

4 long socks

Long socks are a must on this Machu Picchu packing list. Wearing longer socks will prevent the annoyance of dirt and rocks slipping into your socks.

5 underwear

Pack enough underwear so you won’t need to wash any midway through your trek. However, if you don’t mind doing so, and have quick-drying underwear, then you might prefer to pack 2-3 pairs, instead of 5.

2 sports bras (women)

You’ll be happy that you packed a couple of sports bras, rather than just regular bras!

Baby wipes

Bring a few small packs of baby wipes to keep yourself clean throughout the day, and after using restrooms. Baby wipes are a must if your trekking option does not include showers!

Toilet paper

You might need to bring your own toilet paper to use restrooms as you trek. If you’ve chosen to camp, you’ll most likely need it throughout the nights, too. Double check with your trekking company!

Toiletries & Medicines

Make sure to pack all of your toiletries, such as shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and any medicine you might need.

Sandals

Does your trek include showers? You might want to wear flip flops while in the shower, for sanitary purposes. Also after a long day of hiking, you’ll want nothing more than to take off your boots; in this case, you might want to swap your boots for sandals.

Bedsheets

Does your accommodation provide bed sheets? You might need to bring your own. Check with your trekking company!

Sleeping bag

You may be required to bring/rent a sleeping bag. Check with your trekking company!

1 quick-drying towel

If your accommodation has showers, does it also supply towels? You might need to bring one quick-drying bath towel. Check with your trekking company!

1 Bathing Suit

Does your trek include a stop in Aguas Calientes to enjoy the natural hot springs? Will you go water rafting on your trip? If so, you’ll need a bathing suit.

Sunscreen

Bad sunburns and day-long hikes don’t mesh well. Bring sunscreen to protect yourself against UV rays!

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential for almost any hike, right?

1 hat

If you wish, bring a hat to block out the sun and to keep your hair under control!

1 beanie

You might also consider packing a beanie if you’re camping or trekking during the rainy season.

Snacks

If you’d like to, pack some granola bars, beef jerky, trail mix, etc., to stay energized during your trek.

Passport, Itineraries, Money

Make sure to pack your important papers and keep them close by at all times!

Re-closeable plastic bag

Keep your passport and other important papers safe from the elements in a waterproof, plastic bag.

Playing cards

Bring a deck of playing cards to entertain yourselves come nightfall.

Kindle

If you enjoy reading, it’s also a good idea to bring along a Kindle or iPad. Why not purchase Peru guidebooks and learn more about Peru’s history and culture?

Machu Picchu Packing List

There you have it, everybody! That’s our Machu Picchu Packing List. Be sure to cross everything off this list as you prepare for your trip, and make sure to purchase everything you need for the trek well in advance.

We wish you all a beautiful vacation in Peru!

Have you trekked to Machu Picchu before? What would you add to this Machu Picchu packing list?

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