Recommended packing list for the Inca Trail

The golden rule to enjoy the Inca Trail is to travel light and plan carefully

Leave your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and take a small Backpack, this works best. Pack as light as possible but make sure to take a complete set of supplies, but nothing extra. Some tips here:

Be critical of the quality and the proper fit of your clothing. Cotton clothing should be avoided because it dries very slowly and is a poor insulator when wet. Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that "wick" the sweat and moisture away from your skin.

Sealable bags are essential. They will keep your t-shirts dry from moisture and will trap odors from your stinky socks at the end of the day. Your electronics should be in a sealable bag as well. An absolute must is a pair of good and comfortable waterproof hiking boots.

Take what you will use and nothing more. If a package of supplies contains more than a four-day supply, break it down. For example, take travel-sized toothpaste.

Everything on the list can be found in Cusco for reasonable prices. Consider buying supplies locally.

* Consult your doctor regarding prescription medication - acetazolamide - helps with altitude sickness to some degree.

We suggest keeping your personal items to a minimum weight. A good choice is to keep the total weight under 10 kg (21 pounds). Consider to hire a porter for your personal belongings if you do not want to carry them. A personal porter will take the luggage of two people (max. 18 kg / 36 pounds). We have made up the following packing list for the Inca Trail which we think fits best.

Tops

Bottoms
1 pair wind/rain pants (Gore-tex or similar)
1 pair lightweight cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis)
1 lightweight fleece pants
Foot & hand wear
4 pairs wool or synthetic socks
1 pair of (used) trekking boots
1 pair of wool or fleece gloves

Headgear

Miscellaneous

Optional: