Everything I Need to Hike the Inca Trail in Peru 

Alison Karlene Hodgins

June 14, 2024

When I first decided to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, I had little idea what I was getting myself into. 

Overnight treks require good planning, lightweight gear and having a suitable fitness level, but for this experience, most of the logistics and legwork will be taken care of by our tour operator, Alpaca Expeditions. 

Porters will help us carry our gear, food and shelter over the four-day, three-night trek that hits 4,200 metres above sea level. My biggest worries are altitude sickness and blisters. 

For the past 10 weeks, my hiking buddy Keturah and I have been training, testing gear and planning what to pack. With the help of Alpaca, I’ve expanded and then narrowed down my packing list. 

I feel confident in everything I’m bringing to hike the 40-some-kilometre trail with approximately 1,000 metres of elevation gain. 

Here’s what I’ll need for this iconic hike in Peru: 

Personal Items: 

• Passport 

• Travel insurance 

• Peruvian Soles, USD 

• Snacks 

Clothing: 

• 3 moisture-wicking shirts: MEC T0 Base Layer Short Sleeve Top, Lululemon Cinched Hem Hiking T-Shirt, Smartwool Active Mesh High Neck Tank 

• 1 long-sleeve shirt: The North Face Winter Warm Essential ¼ Zip 

• 1 fitted fleece: Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody 

• 1 waterproof rain jacket: MEC Synergy Gore-Tex Jacket  

• 1 down jacket: Kathmandu Heli R Hooded Jacket 

• 1 rain pants: Mountain Warehouse Pakka Overpants 

• 2 hiking bottoms: MEC Wanderwall Pants, Alder Take a Hike Shorts 

• Base layers: Smartwool Crew and Bottom 

• 4 pairs of socks: Smartwool and Darn Tough 

• 4 pairs of underwear: Huha Mineral Undies 

• 4 sport bras: Smartwool Intraknit Strappy Bra 

• Hiking boots: KEEN Ridge Flex Waterproof Boot 

• Shoes for at the campsites: adidas Terrex Soulstride Ultra 

Gear and Accessories: 

• Day pack: Gregory Sula 16 H2O Daypack 

• Fanny pack: On the Trail Hip Belt Bag 

• Water bottle: HydroFlask 32 oz Wide Mouth 

• Headlamp: Light ‘Em Up Headlamp 

• Neckwear: BUFF Original  

• Sun cap: MEC Logo 6 Panel Hat  

• Gloves: MEC Goto Fleece Gloves   

• Ear plugs: EARPEACE Sleep 

• Toque: Explore Embroidered Toque 

• Quick-dry towel: Easy Dry Camping Towel 

• Headphones: Apple AirPods Pro 

• Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T5i 

• Phone: iPhone 15 Pro Max 

• Watch: Apple Watch Ultra 2 

• Battery charger: Logiix Piston Power 20 

• Sunglasses 

• Book 

Medical Necessities and Toiletries: 

• Altitude illness medication: Diamox 

• Sunscreen: KOA SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen 

• Lip balm: Sunbum SPF 30 

• Bug spray: Ben’s 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent 

• Wet wipes: Trader Joe’s Cucumber + Citrus Face and Body Wipes 

• Blister bandages: Moleskin, Blistwool 

• Pain relief: Muscle Rescue Rub 

• Medication: Gravol, Imodium, Tylenol 

• Deodorant 

• Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste 

• Toiler paper  

• Hand sanitizer 

Rental Gear Provided by Alpaca Expeditions: 

• Tent 

• Sleeping bag 

• Air mattress and foam pad 

• Hiking poles 

• Backpack rain cover 

• Plastic rain poncho 

Alpaca Expeditions provides a thorough packing list. Without the personal porters, who will carry up to seven kilograms (15 pounds) for each of us, I highly doubt I’d be able to complete this multi-day trek. I am so thankful for the people who will be helping me complete this once-in-a-lifetime journey. 

I’ll update this list when I’m home if there’s anything I wished I brought or added last-minute. I can’t wait to experience Machu Picchu, trekking into the 15th-century Incan society at sunrise. 

Have you hiked the Inca Trail? Leave your tips, stories and comments below! 

READ MORE: Adventure, Hiking, Travel