Be prepared for hiking the Inca Trail using our packing list. Hundreds of elated trekkers have done the Inca Trail with Adventure Life, and we've found following the below guidelines will assure that you are best prepared for the trek.
Sleeping bags, tents, sleeping pads, and other equipment will be provided for you during the overnight camping portions of the Inca Trail.
Porters will carry all of your other supplies including camping equipment, clothes, sleeping bags, etc. We generally ask travelers to bring only the belongings that they will need for the trail and leave any unneeded luggage at the hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. To prevent porters from becoming overloaded, travelers must limit their personal belongings to 15 lbs to be carried by the porters on the trek.
We recommend that travelers carry the items that they will need each day while hiking such as water, snacks, extra layers, and a camera.
Here's the complete list:
• Passport – You MUST bring your current passport. If you renewed your passport after booking your trip you will need to bring a copy of your old passport along with your current passport. (Keep all documents in a plastic bag in case of rain).
• Hiking poles – It is possible to rent hiking poles for the trek in Cusco. Please inquire with your guide before your departure.
• Waterproof, well worn-in hiking boots - Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. 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 plastic poncho is recommended and can be purchased locally for approximately US $1. 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.
• Plastic bags - to keep your belongings and clothes dry
• Toilet paper – It is nice to have your own supply when you need it. Also small plastic bags for rubbish which can then be thrown in the main trash bag provided by the porters.
• Basic personal toiletries – Toothbrush, wet-wipes or face wipes work well for the trail
• Water bottle – bring one large or two/three small water bottles that can be refilled on the trail with boiled water, which will be supplied when possible.
• Warm clothing for night time - Fleece, long pants, hat, gloves, thermal underwear.
• Hiking clothing in layers – e.g. lightweight zip off trousers, T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, fleece, wool socks. We recommend bringing quick dry or wool clothing.
• Personal medication and basic first aid kit - Bandaids, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration sachets
• Camera and spare batteries and memory cards (or film). Consider a solar battery charger, as there is no electricity on the hike.
• 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.
• Flashlight - torch or headlamp and spare batteries.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat or ball cap
• Tropical strength insect repellant – 15-30% deet – use as needed
• Antiseptic hand gel
Please
contact one of our Inca Trail experts if you have any questions about what to pack or how to plan your trek on the Inca Trail.
