Inca Trail Packing List

At INCAS EXPEDITIONS, we have designed the ideal Inca Trail packing list for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with the aim of preparing you for any eventuality. This guide focuses on essential items that balance comfort and sustainability, allowing you to walk with confidence without carrying unnecessary weight.

Whether you’re facing the intense Andean sun or snuggling up in the cool mountain nights, our expert recommendations will ensure you’re prepared for every stage of your adventure.

The Classic Inca Trail is a unique experience through the majestic Andes, offering trekkers an unrivalled combination of adventure, history and stunning natural beauty. To make the most of this iconic 4-day trek in 2024, it is crucial to carry the right equipment. With variable weather conditions and altitude challenges, being well prepared is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.

Before Packing for the Inca Trail 2025…

It is essential to understand the logistics and luggage limitations before packing or purchasing anything. First, you will leave most of your luggage in a secure storage area at your hotel in Cusco, arranged by the tour company. Everything needed for the Inca Trail will be transferred to one of two bags before you leave Cusco:

• Your small backpack, which you will carry during the hike.
• A bag provided by the travel company, which you will not carry with you.

Our travel agency has full support for your luggage that you will need for the Inca Trail , including porters responsible for cooking and camping equipment, as well as food supplies for the four days.

Porters will also carry a certain amount of luggage per trekker, a service included in the tour price. We will provide you with black duffel bags in Cusco, you can carry up to 6kg of equipment in each one.

These porters are responsible for carrying the bags along the trail, leaving them at the tent at the end of each stage and collecting them again in the morning. This 6kg limit is standard, but confirm with your tour company in advance.

Therefore, when preparing your luggage for the Inca Trail, you can be sure that you won’t have to carry most items during the trek. You will only need the essentials in your backpack, while the rest will be carried by a skilled Peruvian porter. The tour company will also provide your tent.

How to Pack Clothes for the Inca Trail in 2025

The best way to pack your clothes for the Inca Trail is in layers. This will allow you to carry less stuff, but if you pack smartly, you will be prepared for each day of the trek. Here are some suggestions for what to bring:

• Underwear and base layers : For women, it is recommended to bring a couple of sports bras.
• 3 short-sleeved shirts .
• 1 long-sleeved T-shirt (avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry; opt for polyester).
• 1-2 pairs of hiking or comfortable trousers and shorts (ideally 2-in-1 trousers with zips to turn them into shorts).
• Warm jacket, preferably with a hood (useful for protecting your ears on cold nights).
• Rain gear or poncho (although there is little chance of rain in the dry season, it is best to bring one just in case, as it takes up little space and can be very useful).

Headgear for the Inca Trail

The sun in the high mountains is strong and can cause severe sunburn. It is crucial to protect your head from the sun during the day and stay warm at night. Here is a quick checklist to protect your head:

• Sun hat.
• Cap.
• Sunglasses.
• Headlamp (useful at camp where there is no electricity, for preparing your bed or finding toilets).

Inca Trail Packing List

Remember to include the following items in your packing list:

• Hiking Shoes : You’ll be walking 6-9 hours a day, so make sure you’re comfortable enough to enjoy your hikes without foot pain.
• Walking sticks : These help with balance, reduce weight on the legs and are useful for going down steep stairs. Available for rent at the agency.
• Hiking boots : Wear old, comfortable boots to avoid blisters.
• Water bottle : We recommend a reusable bottle to reduce plastic pollution on the Inca Trail. Check out our article on the ban on disposable plastics in Peru.

Clothing for the Inca Trail

If you make the wrong choice of clothing, you could end up feeling uncomfortable at some point on the trail. Be prepared for some rain and be comfortable with the fact that you will be wearing several items of clothing along the way. We recommend:

• 1 waterproof jacket (with hood).
• 1 light fleece.
• 3 hiking vests/shirts (avoid cotton and opt for moisture-wicking materials).
• 2 T-shirts to change into at camp and for the return trip to Cusco.
• 1 long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt.
• 1 warm hat or cap for cold nights; you can also wear wide-brimmed hats to protect yourself from the sun.
• 1 pair of lightweight hiking pants or tights.
• 1 pair of lightweight shorts.
• 3 good socks for hiking.
• 4 pants (underwear).
• 2 sports bras (for women).
• 1 set of thermal layers (essential for cold nights, especially in the dry season).
• 1 sunglasses.

The weather varies along the trail, so be prepared for morning chill, midday heat, and evening chill. We recommend hiking in vests and shorts, and changing into warm clothing at night. When leaving camp early, start in hiking pants/ leggings and fleeces, and change into vests and shorts as you sweat.

Optional Items

• Plastic rain poncho : Your guide may recommend an additional poncho to protect you and your backpack. You can buy one in Ollantaytambo for less than $1 or bring a more sustainable, foldable, lightweight poncho.
• Packing Cube : Use packing cubes to keep your clean clothes organized while hiking.
• Extra clothing : If you have space, bring a nicer set of clothes for the photos on your last day in Machu Picchu.

Footwear for the Inca Trail

We highly recommend wearing high-quality, waterproof hiking boots for the Inca Trail.

Although porters usually wear Converse or old sneakers, the contours of the trail and the difficult slippery conditions in some sections can be tricky for most participants. Some members of our group wore sneakers or running shoes and, thankfully, the conditions were fairly dry.

However, to ensure the best experience and avoid slipping, sturdy and waterproof hiking boots are the ideal choice.

Andrew purchased a pair of Merrell boots earlier this year and has been very pleased with their performance. Emily, meanwhile, used an old pair of Peter Storm boots and was impressed by their quality, despite their affordable price. She plans to replace them with a matching pair when they wear out.

Waterproof hiking boots are lighter and offer less ankle support compared to traditional boots, but are suitable for the trail and most hikes in Peru.

Merrell boots , but switched to more robust boots for better support.

It is crucial to wear your boots on pre-trip hikes to reduce the chances of blisters and discomfort.

Optional Items

• Flip-flops: We didn’t bring spare shoes, but bringing sandals to wear after the hikes would have been helpful. They’re not essential, but if you have the extra space, consider bringing them.
• Trekking poles: These are not essential, but can make the hike easier and reduce pain. They can be purchased or rented in Cusco or through your travel provider.

Sleeping Bag

Nights can be chilly in tents, especially at altitudes of up to 3,800 meters. A good sleeping bag is essential to stay warm. We recommend the Rab Neutrino 200, which are lightweight and compact, though expensive. If you prefer to rent, the bags available in Cusco are bulky and heavy, taking up space in your duffel bag.

Headlamp

A headlamp is essential on the Inca Trail, as the camp will be dark after dinner. We recommend Petzl headlamps , although a small flashlight can also be an option.

Toiletries

To avoid carrying too many toiletries, select the essentials:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste (toothpaste tablets are more environmentally friendly).
• Cleanser (micellar water) and reusable bamboo discs.
• Sunscreen.
• Deodorant.
• Lip balm with sunscreen.
• Toilet paper or tissues.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Insect repellent (Incognito is a good option).

Avoid non-biodegradable wet wipes; instead, opt for biodegradable wipes and a travel towel if necessary.

Travel Water Bottle with Filter

To reduce plastic use, invest in a water bottle with a filter like Water -to-Go or Lifestraw . These remove 99.9% of bacteria and are ideal for travel.

Snack of the Day

Bring energy bars, trail mix, chocolates, beef jerky, electrolytes, candy, and optionally water purification tablets or a filter.

Travel Power Bank

Since there are no chargers on the Inca Trail, a power bank (like the one from Anker) is useful to ensure your phone has enough battery. For photographers, bring spare batteries and plenty of SD cards.

Passport

Bring your passport, as it is required to enter the Inca Trail. A portable safe can help protect it.

Basic First Aid Kit

Although the tour company will carry a first aid kit, consider bringing:

• Blister plasters.
• Antiseptic cream.
• Paracetamol.
• Pills for diarrhea.
• Rehydration envelope.
• Personal medications.

Money

Carry cash, preferably in small bills and coins, for additional expenses.

Inca Trail Packing List Backpack

Carry a small backpack (less than 25 liters) for your daily essentials. Make sure it has good support and adjustable straps.

Positive Mental Attitude

Finally, remember to have a positive mental attitude. This will be crucial to overcome the challenges of the Inca Trail and enjoy the experience.

We hope this list helps you prepare for your Inca Trail adventure. If you have additional questions or want to share your experience, leave us a comment!