Inca Trail Packing List: Essential Guide for Your 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu

Curious About Our Experience? Check out our detailed 4-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu blog post. Learn about our journey, highlights, and tips for making the most of this unforgettable trek!

Affiliate Disclosure

I want to be completely transparent with my readers. This post contains affiliate links to products that I personally purchased, used, and recommend. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my blog and allow me to continue sharing my experiences and recommendations with you. Thank you for your support!

The Inca Trail is a trek of a lifetime, offering breathtaking scenery, rich history, and a memorable adventure. Proper preparation and packing can make all the difference in ensuring your trek is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Here’s an in-depth look into what you should pack and why each item is essential.

Essential Documentation

Inca Trail Permit

This is mandatory. To hike the Inca Trail, you need a permit issued by the Peruvian government, and these permits are only sold to licensed tour operators. Independent hikers cannot obtain permits on their own. We booked our tour with Alpaca Expeditions and they handled everything around securing our permits.

To ensure you secure a spot on the Inca Trail, it is highly recommended to book your trek well in advance due to the limited number of permits issued daily by the Peruvian government. Only 500 permits are issued per day, which includes trekkers, guides, and porters. The Inca Trail is one of the most popular treks in the world, attracting hikers from all over. The demand for permits far exceeds the supply, especially during peak travel periods. This limited availability makes it essential to secure your permit well in advance.

Booking early also ensures you have ample time to arrange travel logistics, such as flights, accommodation in Cusco , and any additional tours or activities you might want to include in your itinerary.

Machu Picchu Entry Ticket

Required for entry into Machu Picchu at the end of your trek. Again, your tour company will most likely handle purchasing your entry ticket and having them ready for you when you enter the park.

Passport

When you book your trek, your tour operator will use your passport information to obtain the necessary permits. The permit includes your passport number, and you will need to show your original passport to verify this information at the start of the trail and at various checkpoints along the way​. The passport you provide at the checkpoints must match the passport used to secure your permit. So make sure you don’t use a passport that is about to expire when booking.

While you cannot use a copy as a substitute for your original passport, carrying photocopies or digital copies on your phone can be useful in case your passport is lost or stolen. This can help expedite the replacement process.

Insurance Documentation

Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency evacuation can be lifesaving in case of severe altitude sickness or accidents in remote areas. We have travel insurance through our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, which is one of the many travel benefits that come with the card.

Clothing

Layered Clothing

The Inca Trail presents hikers with a variety of climates, from warm, humid subtropical lowlands to cold, windy high altitudes, making layered clothing essential for comfort. Base layers wick away sweat to keep you dry, mid layers provide insulation, and outer layers protect against wind and rain, ensuring you stay comfortable regardless of the weather.

Daytime temperatures can be quite warm, reaching up to 20-25°C (68-77°F), especially when the sun is shining. However, nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, often falling to 0°C (32°F) or lower, particularly at higher altitudes. The trail itself spans various elevations, from around 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) at Machu Picchu to over 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) at Dead Woman’s Pass. Higher altitudes are generally cooler and windier, necessitating warmer layers.

Additionally, the weather on the Inca Trail can be unpredictable, with rain showers possible at any time, even during the dry season. Layering allows you to quickly adapt to wet conditions by adding waterproof outer layers. This flexibility in clothing helps manage the diverse and changing conditions encountered on the trek.

• Base Layers: These are crucial for wicking moisture away from your body to keep you dry and warm. Good options are made from merino wool or synthetic materials. We used these thermal pants from Meriwool .

• Mid Layers: Fleece or synthetic jackets provide insulation. They trap heat close to your body and are easy to remove if you get too warm.

• Outer Layers: A waterproof and windproof jacket and pants protect you from the elements. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain or wind.

  We were very lucky to not have any rain during our trek, but we did carry a rain poncho in our backpacks the entire time just in case.

• Trekking Pants and Shirts: Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics are essential as you’ll be sweating during the day and need to stay dry.

  The FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Cargo Hiking Pants were perfect for the trek!

• Warm Hat and Gloves: Temperatures can drop significantly at night and during early mornings, especially at higher altitudes.

• Sun Hat: A sun hat is equally important for daytime hiking to protect your head, face, and neck from intense UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and heatstroke.

• Buff or Neck Gaiter: This multifunctional fabric tube can act as a scarf, headband, mask, or even a cap, protecting you from sunburn, wind, and dust. We used this Merino Wool Ski Neck Gaiter from Meriwool.

• Sleepwear: Comfortable and warm sleepwear is important for a good night’s rest, which is crucial for recovery.

• Underwear and Socks: Opt for moisture-wicking, quick-drying materials to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters. Wool or synthetic socks are ideal. I highly recommend Injinji wool toe socks , which were incredibly comfortable and kept my feet warm. Additionally, pairing them with Injinji liners provided extra comfort and protection.

Footwear

Footwear is arguably your most critical gear on the Inca Trail . Your feet will be your primary mode of transportation through rough, uneven, and often slippery terrain. Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support reduce the risk of injuries, provide necessary traction, and keep your feet dry and comfortable.

Switching to camp shoes or sandals after a long day of trekking gives your feet a break and helps them dry and recover for the next day’s challenges.

Trekking Boots and Accessories

• Hiking Boots: Ensure your hiking boots are waterproof, offer good ankle support, and are well broken-in to provide essential traction and stability on uneven and slippery paths.

  While traditional boots are great, I’m a big fan of Vibram Five Finger toe shoes for outdoor activities. I’ve worn them for over a decade on all my hiking adventures. For the Inca Trail, I used the V-Trek Insulated Hiking Shoe , and they were fantastic! I had no blisters or foot pain throughout the trek. Although these shoes aren’t waterproof, they dry quickly, even while walking. If you’re new to Five Finger shoes, buy them well in advance to test and ensure they work for you.

• Camp Shoes/Sandals: Bring lightweight, breathable footwear for relaxing around the campsite.

  We used Havaianas with wool toe socks . Another excellent option would be Tevas with wool socks.

• Gaiters: These optional accessories can be very useful for keeping mud, water, and debris out of your boots, particularly during rainy or muddy sections of the trail. We didn’t bring gaiters and were fortunate to have great weather, but I can definitely see their value in wet and muddy conditions. If you’re considering them, these gaiters from Ldafava are a great option.

Gear

Backpack and Accessories

• Trekking Backpack: A 20-30 liter pack is ideal for carrying personal items, layers, and snacks. It should have a good support system to distribute weight evenly and a rain cover for waterproofing.

  We used the Osprey Talon 22L Men’s Hiking Backpack with the 2.5 liter water bladder . We did not bring out own waterproof cover as our tour operator (Alpaca Expeditions) provided those for us.

• Daypack or Waist Pack: For carrying essentials like water, camera, sunscreen, and snacks within easy reach.

  We have the Osprey Arcane Waist Pack that we use almost every day!

Sleeping Equipment

• Sleeping Bag: Should be rated for temperatures around -10°C (14°F) to ensure warmth during cold Andean nights.
• Sleeping Bag Liner: Adds extra warmth and keeps your sleeping bag hygienic.
• Inflatable Pillow: Lightweight and space-saving but adds comfort for a better night’s sleep. This Trekology Camping Pillow is super lightweight, and really helped have a more comfortable sleep.

We opted not to travel to Peru with our sleeping gear, so we rented our sleeping bags, sleeping bag liners, and sleeping pads from our tour operator.

Trekking Poles

• Adjustable Trekking Poles: Help reduce the stress on your knees and provide stability on uneven terrain. Rubber tips protect the trail and provide better grip. Most tour companies have trekking poles you can rent, but we do a lot of hiking, so we always travel with these Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

Personal Items

Toiletries and Hygiene

• Toiletry Bag: Keep all personal hygiene items organized. Must contain biodegradable soap to minimize environmental impact.

• Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: Useful for cleaning hands and face when shower facilities are unavailable.

• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF is necessary due to strong UV rays at high altitudes, preventing sunburn.

  For sunscreen, we have been using BLUE LIZARD Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 50+ for the past couple years and we love it!

• Insect Repellent: Important to protect against mosquito bites and other insects, especially in the lower, more humid parts of the trail.

• Quick-Dry Towel: Compact and fast-drying towels are convenient for limited bathing opportunities.

First Aid Kit

• Basic First Aid Supplies: Including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister pads, painkillers, and antihistamines to handle minor injuries or illnesses quickly.
• Personal Medications: Ensure you have enough for the entire trip, along with prescriptions. Consider bringing extra in case of delays.
• Altitude Sickness Tablets: Acetazolamide (Diamox) can help prevent and treat altitude sickness, a common issue on high-altitude treks.

Food and Hydration

Snacks and Supplements

• Energy Bars and Snacks: High-calorie snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or energy bars provide quick energy boosts during the hike. We visited the San Pedro Market in Cusco , where they offer dried fruits and nuts in bulk, and made our own trail mix. It was perfect! Additionally, we brought Nature’s Valley gronla bars that we purchased at a local market before the trek.
• Electrolyte Tablets or Powder: Replenish lost salts and prevent dehydration, especially important in high-altitude conditions where dehydration is more likely. We usually use Ultima Replenisher Daily Electrolyte Drink Mix – Passionfruit and really enjoy the taste.

Water and Purification

• Water Bottles or Hydration Bladder: Ensure at least 2 liters of capacity to stay hydrated throughout the day. Hydration bladders allow easy sipping while walking.
• Water Purification Tablets or Filter: Ensuring safe drinking water is crucial on the trail. Purification tablets or a portable filter can make natural water sources safe to drink. Although our tour operator provided purified water for us to refill our bottles and bladders multiple times a day, we brought water filtration straws just in case. It’s a good idea to have them on hand for unexpected situations.

Electronics

Tech Gear

• Headlamp with Extra Batteries: Necessary for pre-dawn starts and navigating the campsite at night. This Black Diamond head lamp was great, and has a red light option for close range so you don’t blind people around you!
• Camera and Extra Memory Cards: Capture stunning landscapes and memories without worrying about running out of storage.
• Portable Charger/Power Bank: Keeps your electronics charged for navigation, communication, and documenting your journey. We were able to charge our phones and watches using the GOODaaa Solar Power Bank . I clipped it to the outside of my backpack so it could charge while we were walking. It lasted the entire trek and still had power left in it.
• Plug Adapter: Needed for recharging devices in lodges or guesthouses that may have different plug types.

Miscellaneous

Additional Essential Items

• Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife: Useful for a variety of tasks, from food prep to minor repairs.
• Journal and Pen: Document your daily experiences and thoughts, which can be a meaningful keepsake.
• Small Travel Locks: Secure your backpack zippers and tent to keep your belongings safe.
• Plastic Bags or Dry Sacks: Organize your gear and keep it dry, especially useful in the humid Andean environment.
• Cash: Bring small bills in the local currency (Peruvian Sol) for tips, snacks, and purchases along the trail. ATMs are rare in remote areas. You’ll probably want around 500 - 1000 soles.

Conclusion

Packing for the Inca Trail requires foresight and careful planning to ensure you’re prepared for variable weather, physical exertion, and basic needs. Each item on this list serves a critical function, whether it’s for safety, comfort, or convenience. By thoughtfully selecting and packing your gear, you can focus on enjoying the trail and the incredible experience it offers.

Safe travels and happy trekking from the McCoops!