Inca Trail Packing List

Underwear

The first and most important thing is ensuring you have enough underwear. We recommend bringing 4 to 6 pairs of high-quality athletic underwear to stay comfortable during the journey.

We recommend using products that wick away sweat during exercise and high-intensity sports.

Base Layer

The inner shirt, also known as the base layer, is essential at the trail's highest points, such as the Dead Woman's Pass, where temperatures are much colder.

The best base layers fit snugly to the body (reducing air pockets and enhancing airflow) and are made from highly absorbent materials to facilitate moisture transfer. We recommend getting two upper layers and one lower layer for extended durability.

Trekking Shirts

We recommend taking 4–5 trekking shirts for the Inca Trail. Polyester, nylon, or Lycra shirts are suitable for the hike.

Don’t bring cotton shirts—these absorb moisture and make you very uncomfortable. A mixture of short and long sleeve shirts is recommended for the differing climates.

Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear

You never know when it’ll suddenly start to rain in Peru, especially in the rainy season (Oct-Mar). We recommend you take a hard-shell jacket for ultimate protection when it’s wet.

It’s also worth taking a compact rain poncho that you can quickly put on should you encounter a light downpour.

Insulated Jacket

The third or outer layer should be windproof, waterproof, and, most importantly, a warm jacket and trousers. You’ll need these for the higher sections of the Inca Trail where it gets cold.

We highly recommend getting a high-quality jacket as it’s one of the few key items that’ll ensure your warmness and comfort along the route.

Fleece Jacket

This is used for the second or insulation layer and should always be made from a fleece material. We recommend insulated jackets, which offer an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and allow for effective moisture transfer.

Trekking Pants and Shorts

You’ll need to pack hiking shorts and pants, too. We recommend buying convertible pants, as they will save you money since you won't have to buy them separately, and they are also very comfortable.

Take two pairs of pants and one pair of shorts.

Pajama Pants

In the evenings, you’ll want to unwind at camp and feel cozy in your bed. We suggest you take pajama pants or sweatpants that are warm and comfortable.

Inner Gloves

Inner gloves are like your hand’s next-to-skin layer. You should pack a lightweight, quick-drying inner glove, ideally made from fleece material.

Hat for Sun Protection

Throughout the Inca Trail, you'll be at a reasonably high altitude, which means that the sun's UV rays are much stronger. You should bring a hiking hat to shield your face and parts of your neck from the glaring sun.

We recommend looking for one that can be easily folded to store in your backpack and has a neck cover for added protection.

Head Band or Beanie

The temperature can get pretty cold in the evenings and early morning, especially at higher altitudes.

We recommend a warm fleeced beanie or fleeced headband to keep yourself warm.

Neck Gaiter or Balaclava

If you tend to feel very cold, we recommend a neckband or balaclava that can keep your neck and face warm.

Buffs are super adaptable and can be worn as headbands, beanies, neck gaiters, and wristbands, as shown in the image.

Hiking Boots

This is another essential hiking item. After all, your feet are the ones that will carry you from the beginning to the end of the Inca Trail. If you wear ill-fitting or new hiking boots, they can cause toenail damage, blisters, and foot pain.

Trekking Shoes/Sandals

After an extensive day of hiking through the Inca Trail on uneven terrain, your priority will be slipping into a comfortable pair of shoes. We recommend opting for trekking shoes, athletic sneakers, or sandals.

Hiking Socks

You must bring 5 to 6 mountain socks and 4 or 5 high-absorption socks liners.

Avoid cotton socks, as they can cause uncomfortable blisters and sweating.

Sleeping Bag

You'll need to bring a warm sleeping bag to stay comfortable during the cold nights. The most suitable types of sleeping bags are made with duck or goose down, but they are also usually the most expensive. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, choose a synthetic one with a minimum temperature of -10°C.

Look for a mummy-shaped sleeping bag with an insulated hood and drawstring to contour to your body. Two-way zippers are excellent for better control.

*If you don't have a sleeping bag, Salkantay Trekking offers this and other camping equipment rental services so that you can use them during the Inca Trail.

Trekking Poles

Investing in high-quality trekking poles can work wonders for your knees and ankles. They reduce impact by up to 20% and are excellent for descending and cushioning the impact. We recommend getting lightweight hiking poles (around 350 grams per pair) that are adjustable, as they are very versatile and easy to carry.

*If you don't have trekking poles, don't worry! At Salkantay Trekking, we offer the rental of this and other camping equipment so that you can use them during the Inca Trail.

Sunglasses

When you’re hiking at such a high altitude, you need to protect yourself as much as possible from harmful UV rays that glare from above and reflect off snowy peaks.

You should bring a decent pair of UV protection sunglasses (minimum of 80% light reduction).

Flashlight or Headlamp

Although you won’t be trekking at night, you may well need to use the bathroom or like to read before going to sleep. Many of the campsites are dimly lit or have no electricity at all, so extra lighting is very helpful.

Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder

Altitude can take a toll on your body, and dehydration is common. It's necessary to drink between 2 and 3 liters a day; otherwise, you risk suffering from heatstroke, dizziness, and even having to stop the rest of the hike.

You can carry water in a regular-sized bottle or in hydration packs or vests.

Camera

We're confident that the incredible landscape of the Inca Trail will leave you amazed. The Andean scenery is breathtaking; we're sure you'll want to capture it all in HD. If you don't have a good camera, now is the time to invest.

Here are some recommended and affordable digital SLR cameras. Make sure your camera is lightweight yet capable of capturing high-quality images.

Notebook / Journal & Pen

You don’t have to take this item, but it's a great idea to jot down things as you go to help you remember this incredible journey as vividly as possible.

• Swimsuit

  This is necessary if you plan to dip in Aguas Calientes hot springs.

• Trekking Towel

  A small to medium-sized hiking towel can be very handy.

• Cash

  It’s a great idea to have extra cash (S/300–S/400) in an emergency.

• Toilet Paper

  You might need to go to the bathroom during the day. You’ll need toilet paper as most toilets don’t usually provide this.

• Portable Power Pack

  There are no places to charge your devices on the Inca Trail, so this accessory is a great idea to charge anytime, anywhere.

• Small Locks

  To protect your belongings in your backpack or duffle bag.

• Waterproof Ziplock Bags

  These are useful for storing essential/valuable items like your money, passport, and electrical equipment.

• Isotonic Powder

  Can be used to flavor your water and helps replace electrolytes, improving energy levels and aiding water absorption.

• Diamox

  Also known as acetazolamide, it can be used as a prophylactic (preventative) solution for altitude sickness. It does not cure altitude sickness and should never be used to continue ascending to high altitudes. It can, however, help prevent the onset of altitude sickness and is commonly used by high-altitude climbers and trekkers.

• General Medications

  We advise taking paracetamol or aspirin for headaches (a common altitude sickness symptom on the Salkantay Trek) and Imodium for diarrhea.

• Sunscreen/Lip balm

  No one wants burnt skin or cracked lips. Be sure to bring 1 x sunscreen (SPF 50+) and 1 x lip balm.

• Bug Spray/Repellent

  As you get closer and closer to Machu Picchu, you’ll come across more insects that like to bite! You’ll need this to keep them at bay.

• Baby Wipes/Body Wipes

  For quick and easy wet washes when no showers are in sight—they won’t be on the Inca Trail! Bring 1 x baby wipes or body wipes.

• Blister Plasters

  The dreaded blisters! We recommend using dressings to relieve pain and speed up healing instantly.

• Hand Sanitizer

  Great for disinfecting hands before and after eating or when they get dirty during the hike.

We’ve already stated how important it is to take a lightweight backpack to carry the necessities during the day. But what exactly should you put in there? Don’t worry. Check out this backpacking checklist of what to put in your daypack.

• Rain jacket/poncho
• Fleece
• Sunhat/beanie
• Water bottle
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Personal medication
• Toilet paper
• Cash
• Passport
• Camera