Inca Trail Packing List
Luggage storage and load limits
During the Inca Trail Trek your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco. As you will have a packing limit for the trail, you should bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water, snacks, and sunscreen etc. Optionally, you can receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (which will be held the evening before the trek) so that you can pack your clothes and sleeping bag for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food supplies and equipment that will be taken on trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group. By Peruvian law the duffle bag must not weigh more than 5 kilograms (11lbs) which is to include your sleeping bag – this limit is set to protect the health of porters-. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 5 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra amount together with your day pack.
Suggested Inca Trail packing list:
Sleeping bag: You will need a good warm sleeping bag for the Inca Trail. Where possible we recommend you to bring your own sleeping bag, however adequate ones can be hired locally (for approx. US$12) but we can take no responsibility for the standard. If you are planning to hire a bag it is a good idea to bring a silk sleeping bag liner to use inside for added warmth and comfort. A four season (or -10) bag is recommended for the winter months. At other times you will probably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5) bag although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only. Foldaway mats are provided on the Inca Trail however for greater comfort and warmth, Thermo style mattresses can also be hired in Cuzco for US$10. If you are travelling in winter and you do not wish to invest in a 4 season bag you may want to consider purchasing a 3 season bag alongside a sleeping bag liner as well as additional clothing.
Passport: On the trail you need to carry your original passport (a copy may not be sufficient). Keep it in a plastic bag to protect it from the rain.
Silk sleeping bag liner: Especially recommended if you plan to hire a sleeping bag but can also give your own bag added warmth.
Waterproof, well worn-in walking boots: Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in as well as feeling lightweight on your feet. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!
Waterproof clothing: A rain jacket or poncho are recommended and can be purchased locally for approximately US$2. Some trekkers also like to bring waterproof trousers, however a poncho will usually be sufficient if it covers your bag, body and your legs.
Small lightweight umbrella: Light umbrellas which pack away to almost nothing can be useful to keep away drizzle.
Plastic bags: to keep your belongings and clothes dry (make sure to wrap everything in plastic bags).
Toilet paper: Most important! Also small plastic bags for rubbish which can then be thrown in the main rubbish bag provided by the porters.
Small towel and basic personal toiletries: There is an opportunity for a shower at the campsite on the third night so bring travel size shampoo and shower gel if you would like to use it, plus wet wipes for the rest of the trek.
Water bottle: Bring one large (1.5 liter) or two or three small water bottles that can be refilled on the trail with boiled water, which will be supplied when possible.
Warm clothing for nighttime: Fleece jacket, long pants, woolen hat, socks, gloves
Thermal underwear: If trekking in winter or if you feel the cold (thermal underwear is highly recommended, being light, warm and makes good nightwear on cold nights).
Walking clothing in layers: 2 pairs of long trousers (lightweight) 2 T-shirts: 1 short-sleeved, 1 long-sleeved, 1 pair of shorts, zip off trousers.
Personal medication and basic first aid kit: Band aids, Imodium, Alcohol, Panadol, Aspirin, rehydration sachets.
If you have any prescribed medication or you are under treatment, please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before taking demanding activities at high altitudes or different environments.
Camera, spare batteries, memory cards, power bank: Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the trail so make sure you fully charge your phone or camera and have spare batteries! A power bank will most definitely come in handy in order to always have your phone charged.
Snacks: High calorie snacks: chocolates, chips, biscuits, energy bars. Snacks are provided during the trek but you may like to bring one or two extras just in case.
Day pack: 50 or 65 liters (recommended)
Torch (flash-light): (Very Important) as well as spare batteries.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and sunhat, tropical strength insect repellant, antiseptic hand gel
Swimwear: for Aguas Calientes hot pools: Towels can be hired there for 3 soles.
Flip-flops / thongs / sandals: For use in showers and hot springs.
Cash: For gratuities, to buy any extra item and in case of emergencies.
Salkantay Trek packing list:
Luggage storage and load limits
During the Trek your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco. As you will have a packing limit for the trail, you should bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. Additionally, optional duffle bags can be provided during the evening before the trek to pack clothes and sleeping bag for 3-4 days. The horses will carry these bags together with food supplies and equipment for the trail (the maximum weight allowed is: 5 kilograms or 11 lbs per person. Extra costs apply if you exceed this amount). Note that the belongings in this bag will not be available until the end of each day as the porters will always hike ahead of the group. If you require more than 5 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra amount together with your day pack.
Suggested Salkantay Trek packing list:
Sleeping bag: You will need a good warm sleeping bag for the Salkantay trek. Where possible we recommend you bring your own sleeping bag, however adequate ones can be hired locally (for approx US$12) but we can take no responsibility for the standard. If you are planning to hire a bag it is a good idea to bring a silk sleeping bag liner to use inside for added warmth and comfort. A four season (or -10) bag is recommended for the winter months. At other times you will probably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5) bag although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only. Roll mats are provided on the Inca Trail however for greater comfort and warmth, Thermorest style mattresses can also be hired in Cuzco for US$10. If you are travelling in winter and you do not wish to invest in a 4 season bag you may want to consider purchasing a 3 season bag plus a sleeping bag liner and bring additional clothing.
Silk sleeping bag liner: Especially recommended if you plan to hire a sleeping bag but can also give your own bag added warmth
Waterproof, well worn-in walking boots: Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!
Waterproof clothing: A rain jacket or poncho are recommended and can be purchased locally for approximately US$2. Some trekkers also like to bring waterproof trousers, however a poncho will usually be sufficient if it covers your bag, body and most of your legs.
Small lightweight umbrella: Light umbrellas which pack away to almost nothing can be useful to keep away drizzle.
Plastic bags: to keep your belongings and clothes dry (wrap everything in plastic bags).
Toilet paper: Very important! Also small plastic bags for rubbish which can then be thrown in the main rubbish bag provided by the porters.
Small towel and basic personal toiletries: There is an opportunity for a shower at the campsite on the third night so bring travel size shampoo and shower gel if you would like to use it, plus wet wipes for the rest of the trek.
Water bottle: Bring one large (1.5 liter) or one small that can be refilled on the trail with boiled water, which will be supplied when possible.
Warm clothing for nighttime: Fleece jacket, long pants, woolen hat, socks, gloves.
Thermal underwear: If trekking in winter or if you feel the cold (thermal underwear is highly recommended, being light, warm and makes good nightwear on cold nights).
Walking clothing in layers: 2 pairs of long trousers (lightweight) 2 T-shirts: 1 short-sleeved, 1 long-sleeved, 1 pair shorts, zip off trousers.
Personal medication and basic first aid kit: Band aids, Imodium, Alcohol, Panadol, Aspirin, re-hydration sachets or energy sachets
If you have any prescribed medication or you are under treatment, please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before taking demanding activities at high altitudes or different environments.
Camera, spare batteries, memory cards, power bank: Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the trail so make sure you fully charge your phone or camera and have spare batteries! A power bank will most definitely come in handy in order to always have your phone charged.
Snacks: High calorie snacks: chocolates, chips, biscuits, energy bars. Snacks are provided during the trek but you may like to bring one or two extras just in case.
Day pack: 24 or 30 liters should be sufficient
Torch (flash-light): (Very Important) and spare batteries.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and sunhat, tropical strength insect repellant and ntiseptic hand gel
Swimwear: for Aguas Calientes hot pools: Towels can be hired there for 3 soles.
Flip-flops / thongs / sandals: For showers and hot springs.
Cash: For gratuities, to buy any extra item and in case of emergencies.
