Packing list for the Inca Trail

Underwear

Proper underwear helps keep your skin dry, reduces friction, and prevents discomfort during several days of continuous hiking. Choosing technical, comfortable garments is key to daily well-being on the Inca Trail.

• Quantity:
  • Underwear: 5
  • Sports bras (women): 2 to 3
• Material: Polyester or other quick-dry technical fabrics (avoid cotton)
• Brands (reference): Decathlon, Nike, Adidas

Base layer shirt (1st Layer)

The base layer plays a fundamental role in thermal regulation, keeping the body dry and helping retain heat in cold and high-altitude areas. Choose a garment that fits close to your body without being restrictive.

• Quantity:
  • Upper layers: 2
  • Lower layer: 1
• Material: Technical polyester or merino wool (quick-drying with good moisture management)
• Brands (reference): Patagonia, Decathlon, The North Face

Hiking shirts

Trekking shirts provide comfort and moisture control during daily hikes. Choose a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts.

• Quantity: 3
• Material: Polyester or other quick-dry technical fabrics (avoid cotton)
• Brands (reference): Columbia, Patagonia, Decathlon

Insulating jacket (2nd Layer)

The second layer is responsible for retaining body heat and providing thermal insulation, especially during cold mornings and at higher elevations on the Inca Trail. Choose a second layer with a good warmth-to-weight ratio and effective moisture management.

• Quantity: 1
• Material: Technical fleece or synthetic thermal insulation (lightweight and breathable)
• Brands (reference): Patagonia, The North Face, Rab

Waterproof jacket (3rd Layer)

On the Inca Trail, especially on rainy days, the sensation of dampness increases due to constant physical effort and temperature changes. For this reason, a high-quality technical waterproof jacket is essential, offering effective rain protection without sacrificing breathability.

• Quantity: 1
• Material: Waterproof and breathable fabric (technical membrane)
• Key features: Sealed seams and adjustable hood
• Brands (reference): The North Face, Columbia, Decathlon

Hiking pants

Although the Inca Trail receives regular maintenance, there are sections where vegetation is dense and constantly brushes against your legs, as well as stone steps and uneven surfaces. For this reason, it is important to wear technical trekking pants that provide protection and mobility during long hiking days.

• Quantity:
  • 1 convertible pant (long / short)
  • 1 spare long pant
• Material: Polyester or other lightweight, quick-drying technical fabrics
• Brands (reference): Columbia, Patagonia, The North Face

Rain poncho

Since weather conditions on the Inca Trail can be unpredictable, it is recommended to carry a lightweight, packable waterproof poncho. This will provide quick protection for both you and your backpack in the event of sudden rain.

Gloves

Gloves help retain warmth in your hands during cold mornings and at higher elevations on the Inca Trail, where wind chill can drop quickly. As the layer closest to the skin, they should provide lightweight insulation while allowing finger mobility so you can comfortably hold your trekking poles.

• Quantity: 1
• Material: Merino wool or fleece lining on the inside, with leather or wind- and water-resistant synthetic materials on the outside
• Brands (reference): Black Diamond, Mountain Hardwear, Arc'teryx

Sun hat

During the Inca Trail hike, you will be walking at considerable altitude, where solar radiation is stronger and prolonged exposure can cause fatigue. Choose a foldable, easy-to-pack hat with neck protection.

• Quantity: 1
• Material: Nylon or technical polyester
• Brands (reference): Columbia, The North Face, Decathlon

Thermal beanie

At night and in the early morning hours, temperatures can drop significantly. A thermal beanie helps retain body heat.

• Material: Wool or synthetic thermal material
• Brands (reference): The North Face, Patagonia, Decathlon

Bandana / Buff

A bandana or sports buff provides thermal protection for the neck and face in cold, windy, or low wind-chill conditions. In exposed sections of the Inca Trail, it is recommended that it also offer UV protection, as it can be used as a barrier against the sun.

• Use: Neck, face, head, or as a lightweight hat
• Brands (reference): Buff, Decathlon, The North Face

Hiking boots

Footwear is one of the most critical pieces of gear, as the Inca Trail combines stone steps, uneven terrain, and wet sections. Proper trekking boots help prevent blisters, foot pain, and injuries—provided they fit well and have already been broken in.

• Quantity: 1 pair
• Material: Leather or synthetic materials for durability, waterproof, high-ankle design
• Key features: Good traction, stability, and a comfortable fit
• Brands (reference) Salomon, Merrell, La Sportiva

Trekking sandals

After long days of hiking, trekking sandals allow your feet to rest, breathe, and recover at camp. They are a lightweight and practical option.

• Quantity: 1 pair
• Material: Synthetic or natural rubber
• Brands (reference): Adidas, Nike, Decathlon

Hiking socks

Technical hiking socks play a key role in blister prevention and moisture control during long hikes. Choose models designed specifically for trekking with an anatomical fit.

• Quantity: 4 pairs
• Material: Merino wool, polyester, or nylon (avoid cotton)
• Brands (reference): Adidas Terrex, The North Face, Merrell

Sunglasses

In Cusco, altitude increases the intensity of solar radiation, which can cause fatigue and visual discomfort. Sunglasses protect your eyes during prolonged sun exposure.

• Quantity: 1 pair
• Protection: UV filter (UV400 or equivalent)
• Brands (reference): Oakley, Julbo, Decathlon

Water bottle or container

For the Inca Trail, only reusable water bottles or hydration systems (such as hydration bladders or reservoirs) are allowed. Plan ahead to ensure proper hydration throughout the hike.

• Quantity: 1
• Recommended capacity: 2 liters
• Brands (reference): Camelbak, Nalgene, Hydro Flask

Sleeping bag

At night, temperatures on the Inca Trail range between 0 °C and 8 °C (32 °F to 46.4 °F), so an appropriate sleeping bag is essential for good rest and recovery.

• Quantity: 1
• Recommended comfort rating: Down to −10 °C / 14 °F
• Material: Down or synthetic fiber insulation
• Recommended design:
  • Mummy shape
  • Drawstring hood
  • Two-way zipper
• Brands (reference): The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Decathlon

Trekking poles

Trekking poles help improve stability and reduce impact on knees and joints, especially during long descents and uneven sections of the Inca Trail.

• Quantity: 1 pair
• Recommended weight: Approx. 350 g per pair
• Type: Adjustable and foldable
• Material: Aluminum or lightweight technical material
• Brands (reference): Black Diamond, Leki, Decathlon

Headlamp

A headlamp is essential in campsites with limited lighting and for early activities such as pre-dawn hikes or nighttime movement. It allows you to keep your hands free and move safely in the dark.

• Quantity: 1
• Type: Headlamp
• Power source: Batteries or rechargeable battery
• Recommendation: Bring extra batteries or a power bank
• Brands (reference): Petzl, Black Diamond, Decathlon

Duffle bag

The night before the start of the Inca Trail, you will attend an orientation meeting at our office, where a duffle bag will be provided to store the clothes and items you will use during the trek. The maximum allowed weight is 5 kg (11 lb). This bag will be transported by our porters along with food and camping gear, and you will only have access to it at the end of each day, once you arrive at the campsite.

Our private camp setup also includes:

• Dining tents
• Sleeping tents
• Portable toilets

What not to bring on the Inca Trail?

• Heavy cotton clothing: Dries slowly, is heavier, and not comfortable for trekking.
• Too many clothing changes: Prioritize a few technical, reusable garments.
• More than one pair of hiking shoes: Extra footwear adds unnecessary weight. One pair of hiking shoes plus lightweight sandals is enough.
• Full-size hygiene products: Bring travel-sized versions, not large bottles.
• Unnecessary electronic devices: Avoid carrying extra gadgets and use the trek as an opportunity to disconnect digitally.

Prohibited or restricted items

• Drones: Not allowed on the Inca Trail or in Machu Picchu.
• Trekking poles without rubber tips: Only poles with rubber tips are authorized to protect the trail.
• Alcohol: Bringing alcoholic beverages into the Inca Trail is not permitted.
• Bladed weapons: Knives or sharp objects are prohibited.
• Disposable bottles and single-use plastics: Bring reusable bottles to reduce environmental impact.

These restrictions are enforced at the Inca Trail access points, so it is important to check your backpack before starting the hike.

Respect the environment

Do not litter, cut or damage trees, or alter Inca constructions or the trail. Preserve the natural and cultural heritage around you.