This is the ultimate, ideal, definitive list of what to pack for an Inca Trail in 2024, based on our extensive research, experience, and travelers’ testimonials and tips! We certainly hope to make sure you have all Inca Trail packing issues covered!
1.- BACKPACK
A 30-liter backpack is ideal for an Inca Trail; it is spacious and easily accessible from several sides. Remember you will have to carry your sleeping bag. It is very advisable to also have a raincoat, really useful, especially for the rainy season in Cusco (November to March).
2.- CLOTHING
The general idea on what to pack for all clothing is warmth, dryness, cleanliness, and comfort; avoid all cotton garments.
- A cap or a sun hat for daytime; for the nights you may like a warm hood
- Sunglasses
- T-shirts: avoid cotton ones because they absorb sweat and take long to dry; choose polyester ones. Bring both short-sleeve and long-sleeve
- Windproof and waterproof jackets
- Nylon pants for their resistance and fast drying; there are also reversible pants that turn easily into shorts, for daytime
- Polyester underwear
- Resistant and soft socks to avoid blistering, preferably mountaineering ones
- A good pair of hiking boots: comfortable, resistant, and waterproof
- Extra boot laces
- A pair of gloves: it will help in cold weather
- A swimsuit for hot springs
- Rain poncho
3.- FOOD AND DRINK
What to pack here? We provide all main meals, but you may want to have your snacks and beverages at hand. Here are some of the items you can bring:
- Bottled water
- Energetic beverages
- Energy bars
- Chips
- Crackers
- Candies
- Gums
- Mints
- Chocolates
- Sugar or sweetener
- Small coffee can (for daytime)
- Varied tea bags
- Relaxing tea bags (optional for the nights, for slowing down)
For daytime, you may want fresher snacks, for the nights you may want products that provide calories for warming up.
4.- PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS
All Inca Trails except the Short are 4 days or longer, so your comfort needs to bring products that will keep you fresh and comfortable. We provide, sanitized, and easy-cleaning bathrooms and showers, but travelers have also found additional ways to stay neat. What to pack here?
- Alcohol wipes
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and hair comb
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Baby wipes
- Facial cleansing cloths
- Cotton swabs
- Razor and shaving cream
- Boot powder
- Nail clipper
- Flip flops for the shower
- Towels
5.- MEDICINES / DRUGSTORE ITEMS
What to pack to have your health ok on the Inca Trail? We travel with a first aid kit, but you may want to also have your health items. Here are the useful ones.
- Headache pills
- Diamox or similar (for potential altitude sickness)
- Glucose pills (also for potential altitude sickness)
- Digestive system medicines in general (for burn, digestion, diarrhea, inflammation, etc)
- A general antibiotic
- Painkillers
- Allergy pills
- Varied size bandages
- Anti-germ wipes
- Anti-chafing gel
- Cotton
- Sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Water purification tablets
It is very useful to have these items packed inside ziplock bags!
6.- EQUIPMENT
What to pack here? But before, please be warned that the Inca Trails are conducted through places with no electrical power! Thus, any electronic equipment must be fully charged and formatted; recently some hikers have brought portable solar chargers, so we included them on the list.
- Headlamp
- Filming camera
- Photographic camera
- Tripod (optional)
- Visual equipment backpack (optional)
- GPS localizer (optional)
- Extra batteries
- Portable solar cell panel
- Refillable water bottles
- Rubber-tipped walking stick (indispensable)
- Some length of cord (optional but may be useful)
- Map of the Inca Trail
7.- MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Finally on this what to pack list, some things you need to bring or may also want to bring to an Inca Trail.
- Passport
- Extra cash for tips and other expenses
- Varied make-up and beauty items
- Pens
- Notebook or planner
- Head elastics
- Sleep mask
- Ear plugs
- Plastic bags for garbage and such
After reading this top what-to-pack list, all you have to do is contact our professional team at TOUR IN PERU, book your Inca Trail for 2024, and have your top packing when it’s time!
