What to pack for the Inca Trail and Andean treks
After years of sending travelers up the Andes, we have learned that the happiest trekkers are not the ones with the most gear — they are the ones who packed the right things and left the rest behind. Here is the list we actually give our own guests, with no filler.
Part of our complete guideThe complete Inca Trail guide →The golden rule: pack light, layer smart
On every multi-day trek, horses or porters carry a duffel with your main gear up to a weight limit (usually 7 kg per person), while you carry only a small daypack. The Andes swing from frosty dawns to strong midday sun in a single morning, so the secret is layers you can add and remove, not one heavy jacket.
The three layers that matter
- Base layer: moisture-wicking shirt (merino or synthetic, never cotton).
- Insulating layer: a fleece or light down jacket for camp and high passes.
- Shell layer: a waterproof, windproof jacket — non-negotiable in any season.
The essential packing list
| Category | Bring | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Footwear | Broken-in hiking boots, camp sandals, wool socks | Never trek in brand-new boots |
| Clothing | Base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket, hiking trousers, hat, gloves | Quick-dry fabrics only |
| Daypack | 20–30 L with rain cover | Carries water, snacks, camera, layers |
| Sun protection | Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, brimmed hat | UV is intense at altitude |
| Health | Personal meds, blister plasters, hand sanitizer | Tell us of conditions in advance |
| Documents | Original passport, trek voucher | Passport is required at checkpoints |
| Extras | Headlamp, refillable water bottle, power bank | No reliable charging on the trail |
On the Inca Trail and any route that enters Machu Picchu, your original passport is checked against your permit. Pack it where you will not lose it — not in the duffel that travels on the horses.
What you can rent in Cusco (and skip packing)
There is no need to fly across the world carrying bulky kit you will use once. In Cusco you can rent good-quality sleeping bags and trekking poles cheaply, and we can arrange both before your trek. That alone frees up most of a checked bag.
What to leave at home
- Cotton clothing — it stays wet and cold once you sweat or it rains.
- Heavy jeans and bulky towels.
- Valuables and jewelry you would hate to lose.
- More than you can comfortably fit in the 7 kg duffel allowance.
Picked your trek yet?
Browse our Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao and Ausangate routes and start planning.
Frequently asked questions
On most treks the horses or porters carry up to 7 kg of your personal gear, sleeping bag included. Anything beyond that you carry yourself in your daypack.
You can bring your own, but most travelers rent a clean, warm sleeping bag in Cusco. We can arrange this for you so you do not have to pack one.
Yes, especially on the long descents of the Inca Trail and Salkantay. They save your knees and improve balance. You can rent a pair in Cusco.
Sturdy, already broken-in hiking boots with ankle support and good grip. New boots are the leading cause of blisters on the trail.