Hola amigos! I did a lot of research before coming to Peru, specifically about how the weather is in Lima and on the Inca Trail in August. I found that most of the information out there was super generic and so I wanted to write this blog post for travelers like me \u2013 those who like to be overly prepared before embarking on a trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So read on! The first half of this post shows what I wore and packed, and what I\u2019d change based on my experience trekking the Inca Trail. <\/em><\/strong>The second part of this post will show what the travel company recommends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m going to separate this into what I wore during the day, what I put in my daypack, and what I put in the duffel<\/em><\/strong> provided by G Adventures. I think this is the most helpful, so you have an idea about what you will need on a daily basis vs. what you need at camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: Everything I\u2019ve linked below is either something I purchased with my hard-earned money, or a similar product. I am not associated with any affiliate programs currently, so I am giving you my honest, unbiased opinion.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I found it easiest to dress in light layers up top so that you can shed layers easily while trekking. Having light layers also means that you\u2019re not adding too much weight on you or to your daypack \u2013 they recommend only carrying 10% of your body weight on your back<\/strong>. This does make a difference as I carried double the recommended weight one day 1 and it made trekking more difficult (so much so that I got a thigh cramp in one leg and a calf cramp in the other!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Sports bra<\/a>, to wear under a top or on its own; I wore my sports bras as tops twice (2 days).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Cropped tee<\/a> or tank<\/a>, similar to the linked Lululemon options; I only wore these each one time (2 days).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Long-sleeve shirt<\/a>; I prefer Lululemon running shirts, like the one linked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Leggings, moisture-wicking; like Lululemon Luxtreme fabric<\/a>, mine are very old so I linked a cropped pair (I wore this pair twice: on day 1 and day 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Warm packable jacket; I purchased a MUJI men\u2019s down jacket like this one<\/a> a few months ago. The men\u2019s size small was the perfect fit for me as it was loose enough to wear layers underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Ankle<\/a> and knee<\/a> compression brace; I wish I wore one on each leg, so if you plan on wearing at least one, then bring a pair of each. This will help you from overcompensating on either side!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Silk sock liner<\/a>; I didn\u2019t get one blister and I was able to get 2 wears from each hiking sock pair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Wool hiking socks<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Waterproof hiking boots<\/a>; highly recommend boots that support your ankles, have good tread on them, and aren\u2019t too tight as your feet will swell on your trek, especially at high elevation. I got these in my normal shoe size, but in Wide; for reference, I am a true-to-size 8 women\u2019s. Make sure to wear them for a couple of miles before heading out on your journey so that you aren\u2019t breaking in new hiking boots on the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Bandana<\/a> (instead of a scarf like GA recommends); I liked the bandana because I could wear it in multiple ways around my neck, covering my face, on my wrist, or as a headband.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Brim hat<\/a>; I absolutely love mine (I wear it for all of my hikes and outdoor walks) which is packable from The North Face. When it’s packed, you can hang it on the outside of your daypack using a carabiner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Watch; I wore my Apple Watch which lasted most days, except for day 3 (the longest of all travel days).<\/p>\n\n\n\n My waist bag is from Supreme<\/a> and was somewhat water-resistant. I highly recommend bringing and wearing one<\/a> because it makes things very accessible without having to take your daypack off your back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Cash, credit and debit cards; I recommend keeping small change (soles) to use the toilets along the way. We tipped G Adventures staff in USD, but used soles for everything else. I also used my credit card when we got back to Aguas Calientes for lunch and the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Apple AirTag<\/a> kept in my wallet inside this case<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Cell phone; I kept my cell phone easily accessible in the front pocket of my waist bag. This made it really easy to take it out for photos, and for storing it afterwards. Ease of accessibility is important, especially on Day 4 when everyone is trying to make it to Machu Picchu at the same time early in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Sunglasses<\/a>; I recommend polarized ones as they help with the sun while hiking the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Face mask<\/a>; this is required on public transportation and I highly recommend wearing to the toilets along the trail! PRO TIP:<\/em><\/strong> spray the inside with your favorite perfume\/cologne before heading to the toilet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Hand sanitizer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Chapstick<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Pen<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 AirPods; mine weren\u2019t working on the trail, but my girls found theirs useful along the trek, especially when they needed a little energy boost! If you use Spotify, make sure to download a few playlists to help you along your trek. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Passport and vaccination card; I put mine in little plastic zip bags to ensure they wouldn\u2019t get damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Peru health declaration \/ affidavit form<\/p>\n\n\n\n I used an Osprey Sirrus 24 L<\/a> daypack, specifically made for women. I found that it made carrying my things comfortable during the hike, especially because it can be adjusted to fit your body. Also, as of August 2022, the daypack limit to enter Machu Picchu is 25 L.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Waterproof backpack cover; mine came with my backpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Apple AirTag kept in the backpack cover pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Walking poles<\/a>, rubber tipped (rented with GA; they provided Black Diamond poles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 extra face mask, in case you lose the one in your waist pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Tissues, travel size; these are perfect to clear your sinuses and also for wiping after using the toilet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Body wipes, travel size; perfect to wipe down your face\/body after trekking and wiping after using the toilet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Wrist brace as I have wrist tendonitis; I recommend packing whatever injury gear you might need to be with you at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Reusable water bottle; a packable one like this<\/a> is perfect for your electrolyte water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 2L hydration bladder<\/a>; I also recommend bringing an extra straw as I punctured mine and it was spilling the entire trek. You can have a bigger bladder (my friends brought 3L), but our guide recommended only filling to 2L each day and refilling at designated stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Lightweight, windproof rain jacket; mine is from The North Face (linked similar here<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Gloves<\/a>; mine were old running mittens from Lululemon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Ear warming headband<\/a>; mine was an old running accessory from Lululemon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Beanie; thick and warm like this one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Camera, with extra memory cards (if you think you\u2019ll run out of space).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 GoPro and accessories<\/a>, with extra battery and 1 extra memory card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Sunblock \/ sunscreen; this one from SuperGoop is my favorite!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Bug spray<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Tylenol 500mcg; I took one every night to help ease body aches. I also took one during the day (in addition to my altitude meds) if I felt any altitude sickness symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Imodium<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Nuun tablets <\/a>for electrolytes<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Prescription medications and vitamins you are currently taking<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Prescription altitude meds; begin taking these the night prior to arriving in Cusco and stay consistent! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Coca candies; I purchased mine at the San Pedro Market in Cusco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Snacks of your choice; before you start your trek, GA will provide you with one small snack bag including juice, banana, orange, chocolate stick, granola bar, and two packs of cookies — this is for you for your whole trek. I recommend bringing more snacks because I found it helpful to nosh on snacks little by little along the way. I brought snacks I purchased in Lima (chocolate granola bars and balls). I purchased pringles and chocolate on the trek. I would have also liked to have packed trail mix, protein bars, and dried fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Energy gels, like Gu<\/a>; I didn\u2019t pack any, but my friends did and they really helped! I only used about half of one packet across days 2 and 3, but I\u2019m really sensitive to caffeine since I don\u2019t drink coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Basic First-aid kit<\/a> (bandaids, moleskin plasters for blisters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel\/wipes, antiseptic cream, sewing kit)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Headlamp<\/a> with extra batteries (most take 3 AAA batteries, I believe)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Small travel towel for face<\/a> and a hand towel<\/a> to use for drying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Flip flops, like Havaianas<\/a>; it’s great to have these in your daypack so that you can rest your feet at camp during lunch breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Solar-powered battery pack<\/a>; our guide carried it outside of his daypack for us using carabiners so that it\u2019d charge while we were hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Carabiners<\/a>; I brought 3 that were perfect to hang things on my daypack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 For my ladies:<\/em><\/strong> pee funnel<\/a> and pee wipe pad<\/a>; trust me — you will regret not having these! Hang these on the outside of your backpack with one of the carabiners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your duffels will be provided at the briefing that occurs 1-2 days before you embark on your journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Apple AirTag kept in my duffel (I also recommend keeping one in the luggage you\u2019ll be leaving in Cusco).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Camping mattress\/sleep mat (rented with GA; 1kg) and sleeping bag (rented with GA; 2.5kg); these will be provided to you at the start of the trek to pack into your duffels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Inflatable travel pillow<\/a>; this one fits perfectly in the head of the sleeping bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 2 extra sports bras<\/a>, to wear under top or on its own. I wore one sports bra twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 extra cropped tee or tank, like the Lululemon options linked in What I Wore.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 extra long-sleeve shirt, like Lululemon\u2019s running shirt linked in What I Wore<\/em>. I alternated my long sleeves throughout the four days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 2 extra leggings, moisture-wicking (like Lululemon Luxtreme fabric linked in What I Wore<\/em>); the 2 that I brought had more cotton in them than the Luxtreme pair, so they trapped in moisture and smelled — do not recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 pair of moisture-wicking and lightweight joggers, like this pair that are similar to mine from Nike<\/a>; I wore mine over my leggings on Day 3 since it was really cold in the morning leaving our Night 2 campsite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 pair of waterproof joggers or hiking pants<\/a>; we lucked out as it only rained on nights 1 and 2, and we were already inside our tents. I did not pack these, nor do I own a pair; however I do recommend them for \u201cjust in case\u201d moments. I\u2019ll likely buy a pair of these upon returning stateside. If you pack a pair of these, then I don’t think you need the lightweight joggers above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 fleece top\/sweater; I mainly wore my PrAna zip hoodie<\/a> to sleep. It is bulky though, so I recommend looking for lighter, more packable options in order to stay under the 6kg limit like this one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 pair of heat tech sleepwear; I purchased leggings<\/a> and a turtle neck<\/a> from UNIQLO. I sized up to a Medium in both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 3 extra pairs of silk sock liners (same as in What I Wore<\/em>); change these daily<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 extra pair of wool hiking socks<\/a> (alternate with the pair from day 1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 At least 2 small packing cubes to store your hiking clothes and sleeping layers; I purchased mine a few years ago from MUJI<\/a>, but there are a ton of options on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 pair of camping shoes; these ReEmber shoes from TEVA<\/a> were perfect! They are fleece-lined so they kept my toes warm at night and you can wear them as slip-ons or shoes. These fit me true-to-size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 shower cap<\/a> to store your camping shoes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 swimsuit and 1 microfiber body towel (meant for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes); we didn’t go to the hot springs because we were told there wouldn’t be enough time. However, a pair of friends who did the Lares Trek said someone in their group went and it was very crowded. If I were to have known this, I probably would not have packed these items as they add more weight to your bag (especially the towel).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Travel journal; I purchased mine from San Pedro Market in Cusco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Travel-sized toiletries: I recommend shower gel, micellar water, exfoliant, moisturizer, face oil, guasha (helps with destressing each night post-trek), face sunblock, flat comb, toothpaste and toothbrush. I stored most of my toiletries in Cadence travel containers<\/a>; they were compact and easily packable, but the magnets made them heavy \u2014 stick with normal travel toiletry containers as they tend to be plastic and much lighter (option 1<\/a> and 2<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Travel-sized makeup: Tatcha eye pearl (a truly sad day as I just found out this is discontinued & it is my holy grail), NARS concealer<\/a>, Charlotte Tilbury contour duo<\/a>, Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pencil<\/a> and gel<\/a>, beautyblender pro sponge<\/a>, contour brush<\/a> (duo sided) and highlighter fan brush<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Extra contact lenses (I wear dailies) and glasses<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Toiletry case, like this one from REI<\/a>; perfect for storing your toiletries, makeup and eyewear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 1 pack extra of each travel-sized tissues and body wipes<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Battery pack <\/a>and chargers; I recommend storing each cord in velcro<\/a>, and then all of them in a larger velcro and into a small case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Quick Covid Test\/Antigen Test; I didn\u2019t need this as I had just recovered from COVID, but I would suggest bringing one, just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat I packed & what I wish I had<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What I wore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Daypack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Waist bag \/ fanny pack<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Backpack<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Duffel carried by porter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you\u2019re told to pack<\/h1>\n\n\n\n