Underwear

Bring around 5 or 6 undergarments. You should always bring an extra set, as you might use more than 1 in the day if it gets wet. One or two different ones will be enough, as you must save room for others. Sports underwear is better; bring sports bras.

Thermal base layers (top and bottom)

Think of these as your second skin for cold nights and early mornings. Go for lightweight base layers that provide warmth without adding bulk. One for the top should be enough, but it’s a good idea to bring a bottom layer, too, just in case temperatures drop more than expected.

Moisture-wicking shirts

Long-sleeved shirts are recommended for this trek; they must be made of lightweight, breathable, and quick-dry material. Bring two short-sleeved shirts and three long-sleeved shirts; cotton is not recommended.

Long-sleeve shirts

Bring at least one long-sleeve shirt if for extra protection from the sun, insects and unpredictable weather. If the last days of the trek are cooler, you might even prefer it over a short-sleeve shirt. It’s always good to have options!

Fleece or down Jackets

You will need a fleece or down jacket for the cold evenings and higher altitudes. Both provide great insulation, but if you go for fleece, Polartec materials are a solid choice. Just make sure whatever you bring isn’t too bulky—you want to stay warm but not overheat and end up sweating.

Reliable brands like Columbia, The North Face, and Patagonia are worth considering.

Waterproof and windproof jacket

A waterproof and windproof jacket is a must for the Inca Trail, especially since some sections can get really windy and pretty cold.

You can go for a soft-shell or hard-shell jacket; just make sure it’s lightweight so it doesn’t add too much weight to your pack. If you bring one with a hood, you might not even need a rain poncho. Some good brands are Columbia, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear.

Quick-dry hiking pants

Pack 1 or 2 hiking pants and at least one pair of shorts. If you want to save space, convertible (zip-off style) trousers are a great choice for sunny days.
Wespornow has affordable ones on Amazon, but if you’re looking for something more durable, Columbia has plenty of good models for both men and women.

For ladies, leggings are also a popular and comfortable option on the trail.

Hat or cap for sun protection

Bring a sunhat with a neck cover; neck gaiters will be very helpful to cover your neck and prevent sunburn. Also, bring good sunglasses.

Beanies and Gloves

Bring a fleece beanie and gloves; waterproof gloves are suitable for rainy days.

Gaiters (optional)

Gaiters are optional for the Inca Trail but can be helpful in providing additional protection from mud, water, dust, and small rocks that can get into your hiking boots.
 

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are an absolute essential on your Inca Trail packing list. Look for ones with rubber soles and ankle support to keep your feet stable on rocky terrain. Make sure you have worn them before arriving on the Inca Trail—blisters and sore feet are the last thing you want on the trail!

Go for mid-weight boots that aren’t too tight or too loose. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit a finger snugly between your heel and the back of the boot. Good brands are Salomon, Merrell or even Hi-tec.

Hiking sandals or comfortable shoes for evenings

After a long day on the Inca Trail, you'll want to give your feet a break and allow them to breathe. Hiking sandals or comfortable shoes are perfect for relaxing at camp in the evening. 

Wool or moisture-wicking socks (4-5 pairs)

You should have thick hiking socks to wear with the boots and some light socks at the campsite. We recommend 4 pairs of thick wool socks and 3 pairs of lightweight socks.

Sleeping bag

For the Inca Trail, a mummy-style down sleeping bag is the best recommendation. It should be light, comfortable, and rated for temperatures around -10°C (14°F). Down sleeping bags are the warmest and lightest option, but they can be a bit pricey. If you’re not planning on doing more treks in the future, a synthetic sleeping bag is a more budget-friendly choice.

If you don’t want to bring your own, you can rent one from us. We provide warm down sleeping bags with liners and pillows on all our trekking tours.

Trekking poles (with rubber tips)

You'll be hiking on uneven and challenging terrain, so good trekking poles can make a huge difference. From experience, we know that the wrong poles—ones that slip, vibrate, or hit your hands—can be more of a hassle than a help, so choosing the right ones is key.

Go for lightweight, adjustable trekking poles with rubber tips for better grip and stability. If you don’t have your own, you can rent Black Diamond poles from us.

Inflatable Mat (optional)

If you want a good night’s sleep on the trail, this is something to consider. Most tour providers, including us, provide a foam mattress, but if you’re looking for extra comfort, bringing your own lightweight inflatable sleeping mat is a great option. Therm-a-Rest mats are a good choice.

If you’d rather not carry extra weight, you can rent an inflatable mat from us for better insulation and comfort. 

Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)

You should also bring a headlamp for the trek—it’ll make it much easier to move around camp and head to the bathroom at night. You can bring a flashlight, but a headlamp is better since it keeps your hands free.

A good affordable choice is Energizer, but if you want something more durable, Petzl is a great option. Don't forget to pack extra batteries!

Hydration bladder or water bottles 
(2 liters capacity)

Bring a blader that fits your backpack or a reusable water container for at least 2 liters of water; anything bigger than 2 liters on the Inca Trail might be too heavy.

Sunglasses and sunblock (SPF 30+)

You will be hiking out in the open space at a high altitude; good sunscreen is essential. Bring water-resistant sunscreen and lip balms.

Electronics

Take cameras, cellphones, or Go-Pros to capture the best moments. Remember that you will be camping out in the mountains without electricity.

Portable charger/power bank

Bring a good power bank or extra batteries. A 10,000 mAh power bank should do the job.