10 essential things to pack when hiking Inca trail to Machu Picchu

Apart from regular hiking gear like comfortable hiking pants and layering with tshirts and a fleece jacket which you can put on or peel off depending on the weather, here are 10 essential items you might not have thought of packing for hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.

Also check out: Packing for General Hiking Trips | Packing for Ski Trips | More Packing Tips

1. Sunhat and sunglasses

The Andean midday sun can be quite harsh and intense. You will welcome the warmth in the early mornings when you start hiking at the break of dawn. But as the sun steadily rises up in the sky and you continue climbing up countless stone steps, you will feel much better with a sturdy sunhat (that ideally covers your neck as well) and a pair of sunglasses (with UV protection).

2. Rainproof jacket or poncho

The fact that you should carry a sturdy sunhat and good quality sunglasses along with a rainproof jacket and/or poncho tells you something about what to expect on the Inca trail. There’s no other way to say it – be prepared for the unpredictable! The Inca trail goes through a range of ecosystems from dense, damp tropical jungles to sparse alpine meadows and freezing mountain passes. You could go from sweating it out in the jungle to getting caught in a rain shower to having to brave a freak snowstorm – all depending on what time of the year you’re hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. A poncho will help keep you, your backpack and camera safe and dry.

3. Hiking poles

There are many who swear by hiking poles and I’m one of them. Some say it hampers movement while others take comfort in the steady support they provide. All said and done, they are priceless when it comes to saving your knees when trekking in the Andes. Having poles to hoist yourself up onto very high steps and using them to steady your descent down steep stone staircases will save your knees and help you move at a steady pace. But always remember, the Inca trail is not a race, the hike is as much of an experience in itself as is the final destination of Machu Picchu.

4. Waterproof shoes

Nobody enjoys hiking on slick wet trails, so it’s always good to be prepared for anything. Especially on the Inca trail, where early morning fog or mid-afternoon drizzle can dampen the trail. You’ll also be hiking alongside rivers and creeks and wearing waterproof shoes will keep your feet warm and dry. Buy shoes with ankle support since the trail is strewn with jagged stones and boulders.

5. Prescription medicine for altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is no fun but there are ways to preempt it. Most people get a prescription from their doctor for Acetazolamide or Diamox (trade name) which they start taking a day or two prior to going on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Several folks in our hiking group took this medicine and were better off for it. The thing is, there are no definite predictors for altitude sickness, since it can affect anybody. Being fit helps you combat the symptoms better.

6. Biodegradable body wipes

There’s nothing better than reaching camp after a long tiring day of hiking, and soaking into a hot water bath. But that won’t be happening on the Inca trail! The second best way to stay fresh is to carry your own set of biodegradable body wipes which will leave you smelling and feeling as fresh as a daisy. These handy wipes are a great way to clean up at camp after a long sweaty day of hiking on the trail.

7. Silk sleeping bag liner

Chances are you will be renting your sleeping bag from the guide/company with whom you’re hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Even if you decide to get your own sleeping bag, a thermal silk sleeping bag liner provides both comfort and warmth. The nights in the Andes are bone-chillingly cold and even with multiple layers and an all-weather sleeping bag, you will appreciate every extra bit of warmth.

8. Hand sanitizer

You will need plenty of this! It’s a great alternative to washing hands with soap and water, and hand sanitizers help prevent spread of germs and infection. Make sure to use sanitizer on your hands before handling or eating food. The travel-sized ones which you can clip onto your backpack are handy and accessible whenever needed.

9. Blister prevention kit

You won’t think of it until it happens, but a blister on your foot can take away the joy from hiking. Sore muscles and tired feet can be handled, but blisters are quite painful and only get worse when one is supposed to hike on the trail day after day. Keeping a Blister Medical Kit handy is the best way to preemptively treat any problem spots. Most importantly, break-in your hiking shoes long before the actual hike.

10. Camelbak Hydration system

It’s absolutely important to stay well hydrated when doing the 26 mile Inca trail hike! Easy access to a CamelBak ensures you can sip water when hiking along the trail instead of having to stop often to fiddle with water bottles. CamelBaks come in different sizes, so carry one which is the right size and comfortable for you. Dissolving a couple electrolyte tablets like (Nuun, Gu, Emergen-C Vitamins etc) in the CamelBak will help keep you fully hydrated and feeling energetic.

Did I miss anything that you absolutely consider a must-have when hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Hiking!

~ Trupti

All product photos are from Amazon