Knowing what to bring for the Inca Trail makes the difference between a hard trek and a great one. On the classic 4-day route you walk about 42 km, climb to 4,215 m at Dead Woman’s Pass, sleep in tents and go from cold mountain nights to warm, humid cloud forest. This guide lists what to bring for the Inca Trail: clothes, gear, health items, documents and what you can rent in Cusco, plus the rules you need to know before you pack.
Before you pack: how the Inca Trail works
- Altitude: from about 2,700 m at Km 82 up to 4,215 m at Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), then down to Machu Picchu at about 2,430 m.
- Temperature: nights can be near 0 °C at the high camp; days in the cloud forest are warm and humid.
- Who carries what: porters carry the tents, food and kitchen. You carry a daypack with what you need during the day. Ask us about an extra porter for your personal items.
- Light is better: every kilo counts on the steep stone steps. Aim for a daypack of 6 to 8 kg.
What to bring for the Inca Trail: documents and money
- Original passport: the same one used to buy your permit. It is checked at the start of the trail and at Machu Picchu.
- Student card: if you booked a student rate, bring your university student ID (ISIC is not accepted).
- Cash in soles: for bathrooms, snacks, drinks and tips for the porters and cook.
- Travel insurance details.
Clothes for the Inca Trail
- Hiking boots with good ankle support and grip, already broken in.
- Sandals or light shoes for the campsites.
- 2 to 3 quick-dry T-shirts and 1 long-sleeved shirt for sun and mosquitoes.
- 2 hiking pants (convertible pants are practical).
- Thermal base layer for sleeping.
- Fleece or warm sweater and a down or synthetic jacket.
- Rain jacket and poncho: it can rain in any month, especially from November to March.
- Warm hat, gloves and a sun hat.
- Hiking socks (one pair per day) and underwear.
Inca Trail gear: what to bring and what to rent
- Daypack of 25 to 35 liters with a rain cover.
- Sleeping bag rated to about -5 °C or colder (rental USD 15).
- Trekking poles with rubber tips; poles with metal tips are not allowed at Machu Picchu (rental USD 15).
- Headlamp with extra batteries: camp nights are dark and day 4 starts before dawn.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (2 liters). Single-use plastic is restricted in the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
- Power bank: there is no electricity on the trail.
- Dry bags or zip bags to keep clothes and electronics dry.
- Small towel and toilet paper.
Health and personal care
- Sunscreen (SPF 50), lip balm with SPF and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent: mosquitoes and sand flies are common on days 3 and 4.
- Personal medicines, plus pain relief, blister plasters and medicine for stomach problems.
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and biodegradable soap.
The first part of the trek is at high altitude. Spend 2 days in Cusco before you start and read our guide to altitude sickness in Cusco.
Food and snacks
All meals are included on the trek, cooked by our team. Still, bring some energy snacks for the climbs: nuts, chocolate, dried fruit or cereal bars. You can buy more snacks and drinks at small stands on the first two days.
What not to bring
- Large suitcases: leave them at your hotel or in our free luggage storage in Cusco.
- Jewelry and expensive items you do not need.
- Drones: they are not allowed on the Inca Trail or at Machu Picchu.
- Backpacks over 20 liters inside the Machu Picchu citadel: large bags stay in storage at the entrance.
Inca Trail packing checklist
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Documents | Original passport, student ID, cash in soles, insurance |
| Clothes | Boots, sandals, 2–3 T-shirts, long sleeves, 2 pants, thermal layer, fleece, jacket, rain jacket, poncho, hats, gloves, socks |
| Gear | Daypack 25–35 L, sleeping bag, poles with rubber tips, headlamp, water bottle, power bank, dry bags |
| Health | Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, repellent, medicines, blister plasters, wipes |
| Food | Energy snacks |
Choose your Inca Trail
- Classic Inca Trail 4 Days (from USD 740): the full route with 3 nights of camping.
- Short Inca Trail 2 Days (from USD 510): one day of hiking and a hotel night in Aguas Calientes; pack much lighter.
- Salkantay and Inca Trail 6 Days (from USD 1,150).
Check the Inca Trail availability before you book, and read more about Inca Trail logistics. For the weather on your dates, see SENAMHI, Peru’s national weather service.
FAQs: what to bring for the Inca Trail
Do I need a sleeping bag for the Inca Trail?
Yes. Bring one rated to about -5 °C, or rent one from us for USD 15.
Are trekking poles allowed?
Yes, on the trail. At Machu Picchu they must have rubber tips.
How heavy should my daypack be?
Try to keep it around 6 to 8 kg, including water.
Do I need my passport on the Inca Trail?
Yes, the original passport used to buy your permit. It is checked at the start of the trail and at Machu Picchu.
Is there water on the Inca Trail?
You can buy drinks on the first days and refill boiled water at camp. Bring a reusable bottle.
Can I charge my phone on the trail?
No. There is no electricity, so bring a power bank.
