Machu Picchu Treks – Information about the Trail

There are varying levels of difficulty, the time required to complete the trek, and the altitude involved when trekking to Machu Picchu. The most strenuous treks include the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and the Lares Trek. For those who are looking for a less strenuous hike and a shorter one, there is a Short Inca Trail that can be hiked in one day to Machu Picchu.

Due to the varying weather conditions in the Andes, travelers should dress appropriately in warm, comfortable, and strong clothes. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

Altitude

High altitude can be one of the most feared challenges by travelers, especially if you are hiking to a place over 4000m. We recommend arriving in Cusco city a few days before the trek's departure, getting a pill for altitude and the most common illnesses, and taking appropriate clothes for cold and chilly weather.

Weather

The weather can be hot during the day, especially in the summer, but the nights are extremely chilly. The weather is moderately good throughout the year; however, the occasional showers can occur. Remember to pack for different conditions and bring rain ponchos and warm clothes even though it is sunny outside.

Weight

You should bring a lightweight day pack with items you may need during the day, such as a drink, rain jacket, etc. Porters or mules will handle the remaining items that you will need to carry. Always travel light and only carry what is necessary for the day’s events so as not to weigh yourself down.

Documents and Permits

Before you embark on your adventure tour to Machu Picchu, the following documents and permits are essential.

Passport

You will be requested to bring your original passport and present it at some checkpoints. For some trekking destinations, particularly the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, your passport details are used to obtain permits you must carry with you.

Admission tickets

If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail to visit Machu Picchu, especially during the high season, you must book the tickets many months in advance. Tickets to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are very limited and will sell out almost 6 months before during peak season.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly advised when going on a trekking adventure in the Andes. Make sure that your insurance will protect you in a medical emergency or situation that involves high-altitude trekking.

Cash and Cards

Take some Peruvian Soles to purchase souvenirs, quick bites, and porters’ tips because there are few ATMs in the different unexplored regions. One thing, unfortunately, you cannot do is rely on credit cards for payments; however, those are accepted in some of the bigger towns; otherwise, it is preferable to have money for such expenses.

What should you wear while trekking to Machu Picchu?

Weather in the Andes can vary significantly from hot to cold, from sun to rain, so one has to be prepared for all kinds of weather all the time. Here’s a breakdown of the essential clothing you'll need:

Base Layers

• Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts (2-3): Buy synthetic or merino wool shirts to keep dry. They will draw sweat away from the body and not stick to the skin.
• Thermal Base Layers are great for the chill of the night and mountaineering. They insulate without weighing you down or making you sweat.

Mid Layers

• Fleece Jacket: A light fleece is used to provide warmth during the day when the weather is cold but not too much to weigh you down.
• Insulated Jacket: A down or synthetic jacket is better for when it is cold and requires warmth, it is also light and compact when travelling.

Outer Layers

• Waterproof Jacket and Pants: Rain is frequent, so make sure you have a rain jacket and windbreaker for the showers.
• Convertible Hiking Pants (1-2 Pairs): These are great pants that can be worn as full-length pants or zipped off at the bottom to be worn as short pants.

Footwear

• Trekking Boots: It is advisable to wear boots that are waterproof, support the ankle, and have a good grip sole. Wear them prior to your trekking to prevent blisters.
• Hiking Socks (4-5 Pairs): Choose the most comfortable ones made from materials that do not hold moisture, such as merino wool or synthetic fibers, to decrease the chances of getting blisters.
• Camp Shoes/Sandals: These include flip-flops or sneakers, which you can wear after a long day of hiking.

Accessories

• Hat for Sun Protection: A hat with a wide brim keeps off the intense Andean sun.
• Warm Hat: A woolen or fleece hat is quite helpful on cold nights, especially when traveling at high altitudes.
• Gloves: Warm and waterproof gloves will help you keep your hands warm in cold climate areas, especially high-altitude ones.
• Buff or Scarf: Useful to protect from the sun, keep warm, or cover your face from dust and wind.

Sleeping Gear for Trekking to Machu Picchu

Hiking requires effort; thus, it is important to take a break for the night when hiking. At TreXperience, we provide comfortable tents and foam sleeping pads, but you need to bring your own sleeping bags and air mattresses if you want extra comfort. Consider the following gear:

Sleeping Bag

Select an ultralight sleeping bag that can be used in a temperature range of -10°C (14°F). Some may become cold at night, particularly in areas with high altitudes, so a warm sleep sack that allows for air circulation is needed. It is advisable to check with your tour operator if they will supply one or, better yet, carry your own for more comfort.

Sleeping Bag Liner

A liner is meant to add some warmth to the sleeping bag and help it stay clean. Liners are not very thick and can be made from silk, cotton, synthetic fiber, or any other material of the user’s choice. It is also essential to state that thermal liners can greatly increase the heat of your sleeping bag.

Sleeping Pad

The inflatable sleeping pad is important because it adds comfort and keeps you warm by preventing direct contact with the cold surface. TreXperience provides a foam mattress, though it is advisable to carry your own air mattress for that extra comfort.

What to put in the daypack?

If you are going on a hiking tour around Machu Picchu, you are expected to carry a very small and lightweight daypack. In this day sack, you will have whatever you need for the day, including water, snacks, rain gear, and warm clothes.

We advise you to acquire a comfortable and spacious daypack with a carrying capacity of 25 to 45 liters. A day pack should have padded shoulder straps so the weight is evenly distributed. 

Hydration (2-3L)

Staying hydrated is crucial. Carry 2-3 liters of water using either:

• Water bottles: BPA-free polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
• Hydration bladders that come with a drinking tube

Snacks

Bring high-energy snacks like:

• Energy bars
• Trail mix or nuts
• Dried fruit or chocolate will assist you in having constant energy while on the trek.

Camera or Smartphone

Take pictures of the beautiful scenery with a camera or a smartphone to capture fleeting moments, but don’t forget to bring a power bank so they won't get discharged.

Sun Protection

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+): Apply often, especially at high altitudes, in areas with very strong sun rays.
• Lip balm with SPF: Keep your lips protected from the wind and the sun so as to avoid having dry and cracked lips.

Toiletries and Personal Hygiene

During a multi-day trek, people often find it hard to wash themselves, although, with the right gear you can maintain your hygiene at its best. Here's what you'll need:

Biodegradable Soap and Shampoo 

This way, do not pollute the water by washing. These products are most appropriate to be used when doing a trek.

Quick-Dry Towel 

A quick-dry towel is small, folds easily, and dries very fast. It is useful after a rainy day to dry or at the camp to clean up. 

Toilet Paper 

It is advisable to bring one or two rolls of toilet paper in a waterproof sack. It is not guaranteed that it will always be present, so one should be ready for that. 

Hand Sanitizer 

Always ensure that you have a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you to clean your hands, especially when you are unable to use soap and water, such as before eating a meal or after using the toilet. 

Wet Wipes 

Wet wipes are ideal for cleaning up when there is no access to water or a shower. They can also be used to wipe off sweat and dirt after a long day of hiking. 

Toothbrush and Toothpaste 

It’s good to carry a small toothbrush and some tooth paste for cleaning your teeth during the trek. These small items are useful in keeping one fresh and clean at all times.

First Aid Kit

Hiking around Machu Picchu might be challenging, and this is why a first aid kit is a must. Here’s what to include:

Personal Medications

If you are taking prescription medicines, carry sufficient medicines in a zip-lock bag to prevent them from getting wet. Bring some extra in case there may be some form of delay.

Altitude Sickness Medication

To avoid altitude sickness, the doctor may prescribe you Acetazolamide (Diamox); therefore, it is advisable that you take it. Some of the things that one can do to prepare for this trek include spending a few days at high altitude before the trek. 

Pain Relievers

For medical issues, take Ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol to reduce pain, especially if you are having a headache or muscle aches during the trek.

Blister Kit

Blisters are usual when one walks long distances, especially during hiking. Some items that should be included in the pack are moleskin, blister pads, and antiseptic wipes to treat blisters and prevent further rubbing.

Band-Aids and Antiseptic Cream

To treat minor injuries, ensure that you carry supplies such as Band-Aids and antiseptic solutions for cleaning wounds. You should also have sterile gauze pads and tape for bigger wounds or cuts.

Trekking Poles and extra hiking gear

Trekking poles, as well as a few items that you should consider carrying along, are beneficial, especially when you are hiking on steep and rocky terrains. Here’s what to consider: 

Trekking Poles 

Trekking poles must be collapsible or foldable, and each must be adjusted to the appropriate length depending on the user’s height. They help lessen the stress on the knees and enhance stability in hilly or rocky terrain. Poles are most helpful when one has to carry something or when walking on rocks. 

Sunglasses (with UV Protection) 

The Andean sun is hot, no matter how high you are. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes and reduce glare. It is advisable to wear good, well-fitting sunglasses during the trek. 

Headlamp with Extra Batteries 

A headlamp is essential for navigating the camp at night or beginning your hike before dawn. It keeps your hands free and ensures safe movement in the dark. Be sure to carry extra batteries or fully charge your headlamp before setting off.
 

Electronics and gadgets

Trekking is an excellent time to avoid gadgets; however, some may come in handy and help you in an emergency. 

Power Bank 

There are no electricity sockets along the trails, so a power bank is necessary for charging electronic gadgets. One should aim to get one that can charge the phone 2-3 times or get a solar-powered one to charge the power bank when hiking. 

Camera/GoPro 

Pack a camera or a GoPro to take pictures of the gorgeous scenery and instances that one encounters during the hike. In case you are using a smartphone, ensure that you have cleared the storage space and ensure that your power bank is well charged. 

Travel Adapter 

If you are staying at lodges or hotels before or after the trek, you should know that Peru's electricity is 220V. It is advisable to pack a universal travel adapter to charge your gadgets in your accommodation.

Some Items to Consider

While not required, these items can add extra comfort and convenience to your trek:

Book or Journal

It can be quite therapeutic to read a book or a journal, especially when one is free from normal camp activities. A book can give you a much-needed break, while a journal will provide you with a way of documenting the events, feelings, and everything else that you went through on the trek.

Travel Pillow

An inflatable travel pillow, on the other hand, can help you sleep better during camping and make the nights comfortable. It is light and compact and can be used instead of clothes to support the head. It also provides more comfort than using clothes.

Binoculars

It's a good idea to carry a pair of binoculars, which can be very useful during your trek. They will help you spot wildlife and enjoy the beautiful features of the distant mountains more clearly.

Things you should not take!

There are several things that you should not take with you when planning to go for a trek to Machu Picchu in order to ensure that your pack is not bulky and heavy. Here’s what to leave behind:

Heavy Makeup or Jewelry

It is not necessary to wear much makeup and jewelry for a trek. They occupy physical space and add certain amounts of weight without giving anything back in return. It is advisable not to carry around things that are dear to you, as they can easily be lost or damaged.

Too Many Clothes

Try to limit the number of clothes packed, especially the ones that are not so practical, such as fashion accessories. Instead, one should wear something useful, something that does not stick to the body, and is easy to wear.

Bulky Electronics

Some of the things that one should avoid carrying with them include large electronic gadgets such as laptops or any other heavy gadgets. These will only add weight that is of no use at all. Instead, one should carry gadgets like a smartphone or a camera, which are more convenient for recording the beauty of the trek.

Machu Picchu Trek: Below are the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Topic of Packing