Tips & Suggested packing list for the Inka Trail

Have you already booked your Inca Trail? The following is very useful information (tips) on what to pack for your trips to the Andes Mountains of the Inca Trail and the suggested stuff to be brought for bikers and hikers. Have a great time getting ready for your next adventure journey to Machu Picchu Peru!

TOUR IN PERU EIRL – Inka Trail Tour Operator. Local number in Cusco is 51 84 254086 but not necessary to dial the first four numbers once you are in Cusco, the mobiles: 984 757801 or 982 758344.

Packing List (tips) for the Inka Trail: There’s a very good saying that goes ‘Bring twice as much money and half as many clothes as you think you’ll need’! The key to packing for a trip to Peru is to pack for a variety of conditions while keeping the weight to a minimum. Easier said than done when you have to deal with the intense heat of the high altitude, the cold mountain nights and the heat and humidity of the Amazon Basin. The best way to deal with these extremes is to dress using several layers rather than one thick layer. If you forget something, most things can be bought in most Peruvian cities, including excellent and cheap alpaca sweaters.

Weather averages – 66 degress F (19 degrees C) yearly daytime average in Cusco. Rainy season starts in November and continues until late March/early April. Does not mean it rains every day, but the threat of rain is possible. Nighttime temperatures can be low 40’s F (5 or 6 C) Peru airlines include departure tax for domestic and international flights in your tickets at time of purchase.

Andes Mountains suggested packing list - tips for the Inca Trail or Inca Jungle adventures:

• Duffle bag with shoulder straps, backpack or luggage with wheels.
• Day pack – can be used as carryon and overnight bag when needed.
• Comfortable walking boots or shoes with good ankle support. (check shoelaces)
• Clothes: (cotton clothing takes a long time to dry when washed by hand), 2-3 pairs long pants (1 can be “convertible” to shorts) Including the pants in which you travel, (1 of these 3 pants could be warm track pants or sweat pants for sleepwear), 1 pair shorts or convertible pants for jungle/lower elevations, 3 -T-shirts and 1 or 2 tanks for women, 2-3 long-sleeved shirts (1 can be warm), Swimwear (optional), 5-6 Underwear and 5 socks (thermal underwear is highly recommended, being light, warm and makes good nightwear on cold nights).
• Water resistant lined jacket (not windbreaker) or vest (you can pair the vest with thermal or other warm, shirt which can also be worn alone).
• Hat or cap to protect from the sun and gloves. (can easily be bought in Peru).
• Towel or shammy plus small toiletries. (hotels will provide the basics).
• Sun screen, lip balm, sun glasses. (even when the temp is cool, the sun can be damaging).
• Alarm clock, flashlight or headlamp.
• Basic first aid kit (each person should carry pain reliever of their choice).
• Passport Pouch.
• Camera and/or small video camera with large memory card. (There are stores that will unload your memory card to a CD, so you can continue to use it, if necessary).
• Girls/Women – double your monthly supplies, even if you don’t anticipate having a menstrual cycle, altitude can change that! Pharmacies are available and do offer supplies, but if you prefer a particular brand, please bring your own.

Read more on Optional extras, Bikers/Hikers Packing List, Altitude Information here.