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WHAT TO PACK

It is recommended not to hike in cotton or jeans in the event of rain as cotton takes a very long time to dry. It is also recommended to bring proper hiking boots or trail running shoes, as regular running shoes do not get very good traction, especially when it has rained.

MUST HAVE

  • Passport (must be valid six months past your final travel dates for most countries)

  • Copies of passport (keep copies separate, give to travel friends to keep, etc.)

  • Tickets, itinerary, emergency contact information

  • Any medications you currently are taking or need/may need (see below)

  • Sleeping bags

  • ​Recommend a sleeping bag rated for 20F/-7C or below for this trek

  • Walking Poles with Intact Rubber Bottoms

  • Sunscreen: the sun is powerful in Cusco

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Hiking shoes/boots with good, grippy tread

  • Sandals

  • Hiking pants/shorts

  • Comfortable hiking shirts

  • Layers

  • Long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights

  • Winter hat

  • Gloves

  • Scarf

  • Thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)

  • Daypack (see below) with rain cover

  • Rain Jacket

  • ​Small quick-dry pak towels and/or compostable wipes for a quick wipe down at the end of the day

  • USD or Peruvian Soles for tipping

  • Tipping porters, cooks, horsemen, and guides

  • Buying items along the trail

  • For in-town emergencies

  • Note: Cash should be in perfect condition (damaged bills of any kind are NOT accepted anywhere in Peru)

  • Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)

  • Insect repellent (especially for Machu Picchu treks) 

  • Hand sanitizer and face covering

  • Lip balm

  • First aid kit, including blister protection (Your guide will have one, you may wish to carry one of your own)

  • Toiletries you might want/need

  • Camera, extra memory cards, batteries, and solar panel/power bank

  • Water bottle or water bladder to refill

  • Power plug adapter

  • Travel lock(s) approved by TSA (or they cut them off – US only)

RECOMMENDED NOT REQUIRED

  • Sleeping Bag Liner

  • Mattress Pad

  • While we provide a mattress pad, being rested is essential for a great hiking experience, and we find that sleep habits are very individualized. Therefore we recommend bringing a pad you know you are comfortable sleeping on.

  • Camp Pillow

  • Microspikes in case of excessive snowfall (rare)

  • Hand warmers if you wish

  • Rain Pants

  • Poncho (available to purchase before the trek)

  • Swimsuit

  • Flip flops

  • Towel

  • Extra snacks (beyond snacks provided by us)

  • Example: if you have a favorite protein bar as Cusco doesn’t sell items like this

Day Pack

Everything you need for the day should be kept in your daypack. The horses do not walk aside us, and the items you leave with your porter will not be available to you until the evening at the campsite. We will provide you with a dry bag for your overnight gear to be carried by horses. Your bag will be waiting for you at every campsite. We do offer luggage storage and most hotels/hostels in Cusco also offer this service.

  • Camera

  • Water bottle or bladder

  • Snacks

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Face mask

  • Cold weather clothing

  • Rain gear or poncho (unlikely in dry season – May to October)

  • Medications

  • Anything you will need before dinner

Medications are optional and depend on your specific needs. Please speak with your physician prior to travel if you have specific needs or concerns.

  • Antibiotics for travelers' diarrhea

  • Antibiotics for UTI

  • Antibiotics for a severe bacterial infection

  • Medication for upset stomach/indigestion

  • Medication for prevention of altitude sickness (may require a prescription from your physician and has contraindications for specific people and potential side effects)

  • Anti-inflammatory medication (some people also find this useful for preventing altitude sickness)

  • Anti-diarrhea medication

  • Anti-nausea medication for motion sickness/altitude sickness

  • Cold/flu medication

  • General pain killer/fever reducer

Medications

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