Recommended kit for your Machu Picchu trek
Machu Picchu and the Andes in general are challenging terrain in terms of choosing the right kit. Even when it is raining it is generally quite warm. It is a South American jungle, after all. As you descend to Machu Picchu itself this is particularly obvious (it is lower than much of the Inca Trail) and it gets quite humid on all but the driest days.
To cope with these conditions we recommend you have a good selection of thin layers that will dry quickly. An inexpensive polythene poncho is essential for weathering sudden downpours, and will fold up into a pocket when you don’t need it. Better still, they allow air to move around underneath them while in use, so you won’t get anywhere near as sweaty as you would in a ‘proper’ rain jacket.
Below is a downloadable equipment checklist and printable infographic. You can also use the links in the table below to get kit recommendations.
On the Inca Trail we operate an absolutely strict limit of 5kg per porter for your main equipment bag, which includes your sleeping bag. On all other treks you can take 7kg, as we use pack animals on these routes. This is more than sufficient for your needs on the trek. Your bag will be weighed before you leave the hotel to start the trek and if it is overweight you will have to take items out and leave them at the hotel.
Head
Warm beanie style hat : Go for a version of beanie that is either knitted or fleeced for extra warmth. The North Face, Berghaus and Columbia all make good outdoor beanies
Recommended Options
Neck gaiter or scarf: There are many options here, but the most versatile is Buff or Hoo-Rag Headwear which can be used as a neck gaiter, bandana and beanie.
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Sun hat: Preferably go for a hat that is wide-brimmed for protection, and has a neck cover if you aren't going to be wearing a neck gaiter
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Sunglasses: Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses as sun intensity above 4,500m is very high
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Headlamp (plus extra batteries): You will need a headlamp with good light output for any late night toilet journeys and for doing stuff in camp when the sun goes down. Petzl make market-leading and affordable headlamps
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Basic Equipment
Rucksack or Daypack: Your main gear will be carried by a porter (up to 7kg), but you will need to carry your own daypack. 28-35L is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks.
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Lightweight holdall: To carry your main gear we recommend using a 50L duffle bag or large rucksack (>45L). We recommend The North Face or Helly Hansen
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Sleeping bag: You will need a 3 season or 0 Deg C sleeping bag and compression sack. We recommend Mountain Hardwear or The North Face sleeping bags. You can hire sleeping bags from our team in Peru
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Trekking poles: Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are great for undulating trails, which are common in Peru! Trekking poles with rubber tips only allowed on the Classic Inca trek route to protect the trail.
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Hands and Feet
Gloves: We recommend lightweight, fleece insulated gloves. Berghaus and The North Face make good lightweight gloves
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Trekking boots: We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa, Hi-Tec and Merrell
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Training shoes: To wear around camp after a days trek we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals
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Socks: 2-3 pairs of outer socks and 2 pairs of liner socks. Merino wool is the best material and Bridgedale or Smartwool make good trekking socks
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Upper Body
Thermal base layer: 1 x thermal base layer, ideally made from merino wool. Recommended brand is Icebreaker
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Long sleeve shirt: Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x1). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour make great breathable trekking shirts.
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Short sleeved shirt: 2 x lightweight, moisture wicking short sleeved shirts. Recommend brands include Icebreaker, Under Armour, Columbia, Berghaus
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Fleece or soft shell jacket: A mid-weight polartec fleece jacket is ideal for the Andes. Berghaus, Helly Hansen and The North Face all make great fleeces
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Hard shell outer jacket: A water/windproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements. Goretex material is best. Recommended brands include The North Face, Arc'teryx, Berghaus and Mountain Hardwear
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Light insulated jacket: A good quality and lightweight down or primaloft jacket is required for the cold nights and higher altitudes. Recommended brands include The North Face, Rab, Arc'Teryx and Mountain Hardwear
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Poncho: Sudden downpours are quite common in the Andes, particularly during the shoulder rainy months. We recommend bring a cheap ponch
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Legs
Trekking trousers: Light or medium weight (x1) trekking trousers. Convertible trousers are an option. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia
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Trekking shorts: 1 x pair of standard trekking shorts for the lower reaches of the trek
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Waterproof hard shell trousers: To protect yourself from the elements you need a good pair of waterproof / windproof hard shell trousers. Ideally Goretex. Patagonia, The North Face and Arc'Teryx all make good outer trousers
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Odds and Sods
Water bottles: Capacity to carry 2 litres of water. Options: 2 x 1 litre wide mouth nalgene bottles or 2 litre platypus
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Camera and spare batteries: Unless you are a keen photographer we recommend taking a good quality and lightweight point and shoot camera like the Panasonic Lumix.
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Plug Adapter: A plug adapter for charging your devices in the hotels before and after the trek. The standard voltage and frequency in Peru is 220 V and 60 Hz respectively. The power sockets that are used are of type A / B / C.
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Ear plugs: For light sleepers. Snoring travels in quiet high altitude camps!
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Wet wipes and hand sanitizer: Staying clean on your trek is a challenge. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a huge help
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Personal medicines and medical kit: Recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum
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Personal snacks: Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are all a good shout
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