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Inca Trail  / Inti Raymi

The Inca Trail Trekking to Machu Picchu: Your Perfect Packing List

Inca Trail Packing List

Gear up for success on the Inca Trail with our essential packing guide. From lightweight gear to high-altitude preparations, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

When preparing for the Inca Trail, packing lightly and efficiently is essential. Start with the basics: a good quality, lightweight backpack, quick-drying clothing, and sturdy hiking boots. Don’t forget essentials such as a water bottle, sunscreen, and high-protein, lightweight snacks. A hat and sunglasses will protect you from the Andean sun, while a good headlamp will be invaluable during early morning or late-night treks. Finally, pack a lightweight rain poncho and a warm jacket, as weather in the Andes can be unpredictable.

There are a few other important items to consider when preparing for the Inca Trail. First, make sure to bring a good quality sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, as you will be camping along the trail. Additionally, don’t forget to pack a first-aid kit with essentials such as bandages, pain relievers, and insect repellent. It’s also a good idea to bring a map of the trail and a compass, in case you need to navigate your way along the route.

Another important factor to consider is the altitude on the Inca Trail. The highest point reaches over 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), so it’s crucial to acclimatize properly before embarking on the journey. Plan to spend at least two days in Cusco or other nearby cities to adjust to the high altitude. It’s also important to stay hydrated and avoid overexerting yourself, as altitude sickness can be a serious issue.

If you’re new to the world of trekking or multi-day hikes like the Inca Trail, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide on what to buy or bring, and that’s where the benefit of a trekking packing list comes in; you might also be asking yourself the following:

  • “Am I packing too much?”
  • “Will I be able to carry it all?”
  • “How do I know if the gear I’m purchasing is reliable?”

This Inca Trail Packing List will help you to prepare for your outdoor adventure in one of the most stunning regions of South America.
“Sunrise Peru Trek” creates this Inca Trail Packing List based on customers experiences in the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu..

What should I pack for the Inca Trail?

On the Inca Trail, you only get what you take. Something as simple as a forgotten matchbox can cripple your cooking plans throughout the trek. So, it’s essential to prepare early and prepare well.

To begin with, make a checklist. While shopping, remember this thumb rule – keep it light. “Every item needs to be light. This ensures that your backpack, on the whole, stays light,”

How much should my Inca Trail bag weigh?

Your backpack for Inca Trail to Machu Picchu should weigh between 8 and 10 kg, unless you want to hire an extra porter who will carry 7 kilos of your, then you’ll have only 3 kilos. To break it down, your sleeping bag plus the roll mattress is around 3 kg; clothes should constitute the other 4 kg and other things like water, snacks and sunblock, rain gear, etc. should weigh 2 kg

How to pack for the Inca Trail Trek?

The thumb rule for this one is to eliminate air spaces. Make sure that everything is packed tightly, especially clothes and jackets, as they tend to take up maximum air space. Put in all the large items first. Then squeeze in the smaller ones in the gaps. This ensures minimum air space.

A good way to pack clothes is by using the Ranger Roll method.

  • Bottom

Sleeping bag: Make this your base layer. Sleeping bags tend to be voluminous, but do not weigh much. They’re perfect for the bottom of the bag.

  • Middle

Heavy jacket: Roll up the jacket in a tight ball and place it in the middle of the backpack, close to your back. The middle region of the backpack should always have the heaviest items.

Other clothes: Roll other clothes and place them in the remaining space, to fill air

See the list of some articles that you’ll need for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Clothes for the Inca Trail

Jacket.

Get a waterproof jackets/coats – preferable of lightweight, breathable and packable, and therefore suitable for hiking in a potentially hot and humid environment. The peaked hood kept your face dry and the long length at the back meant that the jacket didn’t buckle up under your backpack when you walked. It also packs down to pretty much nothing, dries quickly, and doesn’t make you sweat.

T-shirts.

This one is another super lightweight and breathable T-shirts that packs down to pretty much nothing. We recommend 3 – 4 t-shirts for the all trail.
North Face 100 Glacier full-zip fleece

This fleece will look after you so well over the years. It’s really lightweight and packs down quite small, but it still manages to keep you warm when the temperature in the Inca Trail drops. Look, so it does not really going to cut it in freezing temperatures, but for those times when you need a bit of extra warmth to keep the chill at bay, this fleece will do you proud.

Smart wool Hike Medium Crew Socks.

A quick-drying hiking socks is very good, the reason: although your hiking boots may keep your feet dry, the water can (and does) run down your legs and soaks into your socks. So, no matter how waterproof your hiking boots are, your socks will undoubtedly still get wet if it rains. And, as we all discovered, even if you hang your socks up in front of the open fire and leave them there all night long, by morning they will still feel distinctly damp due to the high moisture content in the air.

But hiking socks need to be comfortable as well, and be thick enough to offer sufficient protection for your feet whilst hiking.

Footwear

Hiking boots.

The good hiking boots offers better ankle support for rambling over rocky terrain, as well as far better protection from leeches. They should be super lightweight

Equipment

Sleeping back

For the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu you’ll need a mommy style sleeping bag that supports -10°C and roll mattress if you have air mattress is even better, this two item you can rent from “Sunrise Peru Trek’s office”

Head lamp.

This is an absolute essential if you’re hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; you’ll be in a pretty remote location with a limited electricity supply. For obvious reasons the bathrooms at campsites are located away from the area in which the tents are pitched. Finding your way here in the dark will require your own light source.

Waterproof backpack cover.

It will helps to keep dry you bag in cases of rain. For the Inca Trail we highly recommended to put all your things in a plastic bag to avoid to get wed.

A bag pack.

A confortable bag pack is recommendable for the Inca trail; you can get a 20 liters bag if you hire an extra porter, who will carry most of your belongings in duffle bags that “Sunrise Peru trek” will provide. If you don’t hire extra porter then get a bag of 20 to 50 liters where you’ll carry at least 10 kilos of weigh. The bag has to be whit different pockets and compartments.

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Inca Trail Trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru

INQUIRY NOW THIS TRIP

    WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

    Sunrise Peru Trek has over 20 years of experience operating unique adventure holidays on the paths less travelled. We offer our travellers big adventures with a small footprint.

    • Leaders in responsible adventure travel
    • Authentic experiences – our trips start where others end
    • Pioneers in designing ground breaking itineraries
    • Supported by some of the world’s most respected adventurers
    • Great value, high quality trips with all inclusive pricing and added comforts
    • Experts in creating flexible custom adventures



    ESSENTIAL INFO.

    Why Book with Sunrise Peru Trek?...

    At Sunriseperutrek.com, we have an intimate understanding of the unique travel needs and preferences of our Peru-based clientele. We offer an extensive selection of tour packages throughout Cusco, Machu Picchu, and beyond, designed to cater to a diverse range of traveler interests. If you’re seeking flexibility, our dynamic or customized tour and travel packages provide the opportunity to create and design your own unforgettable holiday. For those preferring a pre-planned itinerary, our fixed departure holiday packages offer a thoughtfully curated travel experience. Regardless of your travel style, rest assured that Sunrise Peru Trek can meet and exceed your holiday needs.

    At Sunrise Peru Trek, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and commitment to providing the best possible travel experience for our clients. Our team is made up of experienced travel professionals who are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of Peru with travelers from around the world.

    When you book with us, you can expect personalized attention and support throughout your journey. We understand that every traveler is unique, and we strive to create tailor-made itineraries that cater to your specific interests and preferences. Our goal is to make sure you have a stress-free and unforgettable experience while exploring the wonders of Peru.

    What does Sunrise Peru Trek offer?...

    Sunrise Peru Trek specializes in offering a wide range of tours, including popular Inca Trail Treks, Alternative Treks, Machupicchu Tours, Inti Raymi Tours, Cusco Day Tours,  Tours in Peru. They provide hassle-free holidays where all your travel needs are taken care of, including comfortable accommodation, convenient transfers, varied sightseeing options, and a plethora of activities to choose from. With tailor-made packages for destinations all over Peru, Sunrise Peru Trek caters to various holiday preferences, such as distinctive honeymoon experiences, exclusive tours for women, itineraries for solo travelers, families with kids, and those who are young at heart. They ensure an unparalleled tour experience that leaves a lasting impression.[/su_list]

    How to book a Tour with Sunrise Peru Trek?...

    Booking with Sunrise Peru Trek Travel & Tours is a breeze! Simply visit their user-friendly website and follow these steps:

    1. Use the convenient filters to select your desired city, travel dates, duration, and any specific preferences for hotels or types of holidays.
    2. Browse through the extensive list of Tour Packages that Sunrise Peru Trek offers.
    3. Choose a package that meets your needs, or customize your own package by selecting preferred hotels, adding sightseeing and activities.
    4. Once you have your ideal package ready, you can either book it online by clicking the button or contact their travel experts for immediate support via chat or by dropping a query.

    That's it! With Sunrise Peru Trek, booking your dream holiday tour package has never been easier.

    Arrival Information for your trip

    Upon your arrival in Cusco on the designated program start date, our attentive staff will be eagerly awaiting your presence at the airport. Rest assured, they will be holding a blackboard with your name displayed so that you can easily identify them. A swift and comfortable 15-minute transfer will then transport you to the meticulously selected hotel.

    Once settled into your accommodation, an informative briefing will be conducted. During this time, you can sip on a delightful cup of Coca tea, which comes highly recommended for acclimatization to the altitude. We will provide you with valuable insights about the city, as well as a comprehensive review of the meticulously curated tour itinerary.

    To ensure a seamless experience, please coordinate your flights to arrive at Cusco’s renowned “Alejandro Velasco Astete” International Airport (airport code CUZ) on your program start date. As the adventure reaches its conclusion, your journey ends in Cusco on the program’s scheduled end date. Please note that no activities are planned for this day, allowing you the freedom to depart at a time that suits your convenience.

    Eligibility & FAQ's

    To book your flights, please contact our dedicated fights team on +51 950 313131 who will do their best to get you the best deal on the day; please provide them with your full name as it is stated in your passport.

    –

    Before you make the call please make sure you have your required departure dates, return dates and other details you may require.

    Visas

    • Citizens of the United Kingdom do not require visas to travel to Peru if they are staying for under 180 days. Visa rules may change, so it is your responsibility to stay up to date with the current visa laws of the countries you are visiting and adhere to them.
    • All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
    • It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas for your travels and correct travel documents, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise and any subsequent effects.
    • All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. Citizens of the United Kingdom do not require visas to travel to Peru if they are staying for under 180 days. Visa rules may change, so it is your responsibility to stay up to date with the current visa laws of the countries you are visiting and adhere to them.

    Travelling at Altitude

    This trip goes above 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse effects in their health due to the altitude. Please see further information on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

    Travel Insurance

    On this trip you will be trekking at more than 2,000 meters / 6,561 ft above sea level, you therefore need to ensure you have suitable travel insurance in place.

    Can I Travel Solo?

    Yes, in fact many of our travellers choose to travel solo as our trips offer a fantastic opportunity to meet new people. This is a group trip, so there’ll be other people to share the experience with – you’re never truly travelling alone! You can also travel with a friend or partner, however you choose to participate you’re sure to have an amazing time!

    Can I Opt For My Own Room?

    You can opt for your own room, but it will incur an additional cost. Please note that you’ll be unable to have your own room during nights 3 to 5 when we will be hiking. For more details on opting for your own room, please contact us.

    Responsible travel...

    • Litter collection on our treks

      The 5 Pieces litter collection initiative, where travellers collect 5 or more pieces of plastic or paper litter on the trail each day, is offered on all of our treks. This simple yet effective initiative harnesses the collective power of tourists to keep wilderness trails clean and to educate local communities about the negative impact of litter on their environment and tourism economy.

    • Porter welfare policies

      All porters that we employ receive a good working wage that is regulated by the Trekking Agents Association of Peru and the Labor ministry of Peru, paying as per their guidelines, which are unionized. We are one of the only trekking companies in Peru to provide porters with three meals a day, prepared by our cooks, as well as lodging or tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags. Porters receive income protection and life insurance and have access to the same first aid care that travellers receive including emergency evacuation if required. Porters are provided with a wind and waterproof jacket and over-trousers, leather or canvas shoes and a warm cap, and carry a maximum of 20kgs in provided backpacks.

    • Eco-campsites

      Our series of eco-campsites during our treks contribute to the local economy by providing employment and yearly rent and by bringing trekkers into nearby villages to purchase handicrafts. The campsites minimize our environmental footprint by using biodegradable products.

    GROUP SIZE

    Small Group Service:

    Join our exclusive tour service:

    For Large Groups (04-12 people – maximum of 16): We guarantee two experienced guides to ensure the best experience. If your group consists of 06 people or more, please contact us for an exciting discount. By choosing our tour, you’ll have the chance to meet fellow hikers from around the world, creating unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.

    Large Group Service:

    Join our exclusive tour service:

    (04-12ppl Average – 16 People Max): 02 Guides over 08 people) If you are a group of 06 people or more, please contact us for an exclusive discount. By choosing this option, you’ll embark on an adventure with like-minded hikers from around the world, creating unforgettable memories and forging new friendships along the way.

    Private Group Service:

    Experience the ultimate adventure with our exclusive Private Group Tour. Whether you’re traveling with family, your special someone, or for your honeymoon, we have a special trek program designed just for you. With the flexibility to depart on any day and choose your preferred group size, your experience will be tailored to your preferences. Unlike other tours, we won’t add any people to your group – it will be arranged exclusively for you. Our Private Group Tours include additional services, such as extra porters, horses for riding, and assistance with carrying your personal gear on alternate treks. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with us and create unforgettable memories.

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