Packing List for the Inca Trail
You’ve booked your Inca Trail trek and are ready to pack your duffel bag. But what should you bring? Here is a list of essentials.
Duffel Bag Packing List
- Large, resealable plastic bag to keep your things dry
- Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support (broken in)
- Sleeping bag (can be rented), liner, and pad (often provided by agency—ask what type)
- 2 hiking pants (ideally convertible to shorts)
- 2–3 breathable short-sleeve and 2–3 long-sleeve T-shirts
- 1 medium and 1 thick fleece
- Protective sun hat or baseball cap
- 1 lightweight, packable down coat
- 1 set of warm comfortable clothes to change into at campsite or your sleepwear
- 1 set of thermals to sleep in
- 1 pair of warm sleeping socks
- 3–4 pairs of hiking socks
- 3 pairs of hiking liners (prevents blistering)
- Warm gloves and wool hat
- Comfortable sneakers or shoes (to change into at the end of the day—hiking sandals with socks work great as they can back up your trekking shoes as well)
- Flip-flops (to use the cold shower on the last day)
- Toiletries, including prescription medicines, pain relievers, face and body wet wipes, feminine products, toothbrush, and toothpaste
- 1 set of clothes to change into if you stay in Aguas Calientes after trek (you can get laundry done fast)
Gear for Day Pack
You will want a small day pack with back support to carry with you as you hike.
- Wear 1 set of layered clothing
- 1–2 water bottles or water bladder
- Hiking poles (can be rented or cheap wooden ones purchased; metal poles must have rubber tips)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection
- Waterproof jacket and pants and backpack cover
- Bug repellent
- Toilet paper, tissues, and hand sanitizer
- Moleskin and Band-Aids for blisters
- Headlamp
- Camera
- Snacks (your operator will also provide snacks)
- Medicine (altitude sickness, antidiarrhea, etc.) and first-aid kit
- Small towel
- Cash for tipping porters and staff
