During your Alternative Trek or Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cusco. You will receive a small duffle bag on the evening before your trek at the briefing. You can pack your clothes and sleeping bag for your multi-day trek. Your team of porters or pack horses (depending on trek) will carry your duffels together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters or pack horses will always be ahead of the group. In your day pack containing your personal belongings you should include your camera, water and sunscreen etc.
By Peruvian law the duffle bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (14lbs) this limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack.
Please Note: This packing list is only for 4, 5, & 7 Day Treks.
Passport
You MUST take your original passport, a photocopy is not sufficient. (Keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain).
Sleeping bags
You will need a good warm sleeping bag for the Inca Trail trek. If you prefer, you may bring your own sleeping bag. However high quality ones can be rented from Orange Nation for US$20 per person per trek, they are guaranteed to be warm and clean. If you are planning to purchase a bag it is a good idea to purchase 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.
Inflatable mattresses
It is recommended to have an inflatable mattress for comfort but not required. Orange Nation Peru foam mattresses are included in the package price. If you would like to rent an inflatable high quality Therma-rest- mattress, we have them available to rent for $20 per person per trek.
Walking poles
It is highly recommended that you have walking poles for your trek. Orange Nation Peru has professional expandable poles available to rent for $15 a pair, per person per trek.
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 then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!
Waterproof clothing
A rain poncho is recommended. 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 umbrella, which can be used to protect from drizzle.
Waterproof bags
To keep your belongings and clothes dry, you should wrap everything in waterproof bags. In order to reduce use of plastic, please look for waterproof stuff sacks made from ripstop tarpaulin or goretex.
Toilet paper
Most important! Also small plastic bags for rubbish which can then be thrown in the main rubbish bag available at camp every evening.
Small towel and basic personal toiletries
There are showers available at the Lares hot springs visited which is visited on some alternative treks and the campsite on the third night of the Inca Trail. Bring travel size biodegradable shampoo or shower gel. Also wet wipes are a great idea 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 at each mealtime. Please bring only reusable bottles, not disposable ones.
Warm Clothing For The Night Time
Fleece, long pants, woolen hat, gloves.
Thermal Underwear
Thermal Underwear, if you are trekking in winter or you tend to feel the cold easily.
Walking Clothing – You Need to Layer Up
Dress in layers. You will hike through several different microclimates each day and you will need to be able to adapt your clothing to frequently changing weather patterns in each microclimate. e.g. zip off trousers, fleece, T-shirts.
Personal Medication and Basic First Aid Kit
Band aids, moleskin, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration salts, and any other medication prescribed by your doctor.
Camera and Spare Batteries, Memory Cards or Film
Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the Inca Trail so make sure you fully charge up/or have spare batteries!
Snacks
Chocolates, dry fruit, chips, crackers, granola bars, or energy bars etc. Additional snacks are provided during the trek, but you may like to bring one or two extras, just in case.
Torch (Flash-light)
Flash Light is (Very Important) and spare batteries.
For the Sun
Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat
Tropical Strength
Insect repellant
Swimwear For Aguas Calientes Hot Pools
Towels can be rented for 3 soles.
Flip Flops / Thongs / Sandals
If you wish to have a shower at any hot springs that you visit on alternative treks or on the third night of the Inca Trail.
Please visit the Inca Trail Trek or Alternative trek to Machu Picchu PROGRAM page for more information about each trek and if you are looking for the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, visit this page for information on securing Inca Trail Permits.
