Essential Machu Picchu Equipment List

Whether you are trekking to Machu Picchu via the rarely visited Tomacaya route which climbs over the 4900m Tocto Pass or taking on the iconic Inca Trail and walking in the footsteps of the ancient chaskis, the messengers of the Inca empire; we’ve got all your equipment needs covered.

Below is our essential packing list, specifically designed for our trip to make sure you have everything you need. 

While travelling to Peru you can pack everything you need including a daypack into a normal suitcase to make travelling easier. When you start the trek everything you don’t need can be left in the suitcase and safely locked away ready for your triumphant return.

The packed weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 7kgs.

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So, here is the list!

Bags

Duffel bag for trek (7kg weight limit)

Day pack – You’ll need a hiking backpack to carry your daily essentials, 25l to 30l combined with a hydration bladder.  We recommend the Osprey Talon 33L if you prefer a specific women’s fit pack, we like the Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail or Osprey Tempest. 

Sleeping Bag

To reduce your packing sleeping bags can be hired, an option we’d highly recommend!  However if you prefer to bring your own, you’ll need a 3 to 4 season sleeping bag, anything with a rating of 0 to -10c will be more than adequate for Machu Picchu.  The best sleeping bags are mummy shaped with an insulated hood and that fits the contours of your body. There are some brilliant mummy shaped sleeping bags. We personally suggest Highlander, Coleman and Mountain Hardwear.

Sleeping Mat

Again this is something that can be hired, plus this option comes with the added bonus of your mat being pre-inflated by the team each night - how’s that for five star service!  If you prefer to bring your own blow-up sleeping mat for your nights in the tent, we like the Thermarest brand as they are light, pack small and designed to retain heat. We also recommend packing a bag pump (or hand or battery pump) to save those breaths while at altitude!

Footwear

Hiking Boots - You will need a good pair of hiking boots which are well worn in and comfortable. The EvertTrek Yeti’s are fond of the brands Meindl, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Salamon and Salewa. 

We also recommend bringing a pair of lightweight trainers or dare we say it,crocs, for wearing around camp after a long day’s hiking. These are also great for throwing on quickly if nature calls during the night. 

Hiking Clothes

  • Trekking Trousers – 2 pairs of lightweight trekking trousers, the Machu Picchu trek can experience hot temperatures so convertible trousers are a good choice for those who like to trek in shorts.  Trekking leggings also work well and pack very small.  Some mornings can be cold depending on the time of year so if you are susceptible to cold you could consider doubling up leggings and trousers, however for most people this isn’t necessary.
  • Base Layer – 2 to 4 base layers, tight to your skin and sweat wicking materials are ideal, a good base layer will keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. At the higher end you will have Merino Wool base layers which we highly recommend although any base layer from brands such as Rab, Berghaus, Montane and Ice Breaker will be suitable.
  • Mid Layer / Outer Layer – The morning and evenings on the Tomacaya Trek can be cold so packing a lightweight fleece or mid layer and down jacket is a smart way to keep yourself warm without adding too much extra weight. 
  • Underpants and Socks x 3 each – We recommend Merino Wool or Bamboo trekking underwear, this is very important as it will help avoid chafing sores and stay “fresh” for multiple wears during your trek.  A top tip from our female yeti’s is to bring a couple of pantyliners.
  • Sports Bra x 2 - Added support and comfort while trekking, much more comfortable than an underwire bra and will help avoid chafing. Our Yeti’s like Under Armour in particular.

Waterproofs

  • Waterproof Jacket – It is always possible that during your trek to Machu Picchu you will get rain, so a lightweight Gore-Tex or similar jacket is essential. This will also act as a wind stopper jacket and is nice to throw on when you stop for lunch. 
  • Poncho - you can never truly predict the weather on the Inca Trail, so we recommend taking a cheap lightweight poncho that can be thrown on quickly if necessary.
  • Waterproof Trousers – A lightweight pair of Gore-Tex or similar over-trousers to put on over your trekking trousers. 
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Essential Accessories

  • Water Bladder 2lt - 3ltr - you will be able to replenish your bladder with boiled water on the trek.
  • Water Bottle 1lt - it's handy to have a bottle in addition to your bladder and we recommend popping any additives such as electrolytes in your bottle as they are easier to clean on the trail.
  • Mosquito Repellent - although the route we trek has a very low risk of malaria, mosquito bites are definitely not something you want to pick up as a souvenir!  A good quality mosquito repellent with a high deet content is definitely something you’ll be glad you packed.
  • Sun Hat – either a wide brim hat or baseball cap to keep the sun off your head and face. 
  • Beanie Hat – For the morning and evenings when the temperature drops.
  • Sunglasses – Essential item for keeping your eyes safe in the bright glaring sun.  We recommend good UV protection glasses.
  • Neck Buff – Very versatile item, great for keeping your neck, head and face warm out away from the sun and dust.
  • Headlamp – For moving around camp at night and finding things in your tent when the sun goes down.
  • Gloves x 2 – A lightweight liner pair of gloves and a thicker insulated pair of gloves. 
  • Trekking Poles – These are great and very helpful for the steep trails, making the climbs easier and taking a lot of the pressure off your knees on the descents. It's worth noting to bring rubber ends to your poles for when you enter the Inca Trail section of the trek. 
  • First Aid Kit – Although our guides carry a full first aid kit we do recommend bringing a small personal kit containing any personal medications, blister tape, headache pills and electrolyte tablets.   We’d also recommend bringing any sanitary items you may need for the trek. - Please notes guides cannot provide diamox or any other medication to you.
  • Sunscreen – If I could offer you one piece of advice, wear sunscreen.
  • Wet wipes – For a cheeky tent wash. 
  • Small trekking towel – For a cheeky tent dry.
  • Zip lock bags – To carry the used wet wipes & tissues ready for disposal at the end of the trek.
  • Ear Plugs – Tents are not good at blocking out snoring. 
  • Snacks - we always recommend bringing something that will give you a boost when you are flagging, be it Haribo, energy gels or protein bars - whatever will help get you through!
Have more questions about the Machu Picchu trek? Read our "Beginners guide to the Inca Trail Hike".

As always, if you ever have any questions or want further advice about what to pack for your trek - just drop us an email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Written By

Andy Moore

Head Yeti & CEO