Peru Packing List: Inca Trail Packing List. Consider reading this interesting travel packing List for Peru if you really want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 Days. or any hiking Adventure in Machu Picchu.

This article includes details of needed items for each month of hiking in Peru from January to December. This travel article is for everyone who loves to be outdoors, Connect with nature and find new experiences around the world the Principal role of a good traveler is not to forget the rules of the tree layers. So, per atención keep learning from this Packing List for Peru.

We cover the most relevant information about Hiking or camping in Peru. We will not give you the beach packing list because this travel article is for adventurous people. So let’s start.

---

Without a Doubt, Travel In Peru Is One of the Most Unforgettable Experiences of a Lifetime, But you should keep in mind that, if you are going to hike for several days in the Peruvian Mountains, you must pack all of your travel equipment carefully.

Below, we have listed all the items that you should take with you on any trip related to Machupicchu or any alternative hikes along the Andes in Peru.

Consider This Peru Packing List for Machu Picchu Hike and The Inca Trail Packing List

Talking about the climate of Peru. You will encounter a variety of weather conditions during your trip to Peru. Also, depending on where or which part of Peru you are planning to visit. Peru has three important ecozones. Coast, Sierras or snow mountains, and Selva ( Amazon Jungle ) please make sure in your Peru packing list items you will consider useful according to the climate and region that you are visiting.

Best Hiking Destination: The Classic Inca Trail Packing List, Along the Inca trail, it’s unpredictable to tell when will start raining, just make sure and pack properly each day. Most important is to listen to what your tour leader is saying about the wheater condition will prepare your packing List every day and enjoy your stay in Peru.

We give you the most relevant information for either the beginner or expert in this travel checklist. By the way, if you are a nature lover and enthusiastic hiker, we are talking about the same language outdoor camping, equipment, traveling, etc.

Related Peru Travel Packing List

1. Machu Picchu Packing List
2. Lares Trek Packing List
3. Salkantay Trek Packing List
4. Inca Trail Packing List

What to Include on Your Peru Packing Lis?

1. Documentation
2. Clothing
3. Headwear
4. Gloves and walking poles
5. Footwear
6. Backpacks & Duffle Bags
7. Electronic Accessories
8. ETC.

Tour Leaders Peru Provides REI Top The Line Equipment

Tour Leaders Peru belongs the right equipment for each trek and hike in Peru with the necessary camping gear. The gear is explicitly selected for each group’s, routes and maintained by our staff to make sure it meets your needs. All our camping equipment is from a Leading USA adventure gear provider, REI. 

If you are planning to explore the Amazon Jungle or even one of our sea-level treks, you will find out the essential packing list for the Peruvian jungle. Keep in mind that you’ll need to vary the list depending on the season while exploring Peru, but here are the essentials Peru Checklist to get you started: 

PERU PACKING LIST By Tour Leader Peru

• All the personal gear you need for your adventure, keeping in mind that we will provide quality REI Camping gear to meet your essential needs
• Walking sticks: Trekking poles or similar support ( you can Rent them in Our Office)
• Headlamp or your preferred type of flashlight (and spare batteries)
• Hiking boots: that are comfortable and fit properly while providing good ankle support and a good tread
• Hiking shoes with a low ankle: since not every part of your hike will demand the boots
• Sandals, so at day’s end, your feet can breathe and air out around camp but still receive some protection
• A hat to protect you from the sun: ideally with a full brim, and that you can tie around your neck, a screen for bug protection when necessary
• Full-length neutral-colored pants with plenty of pockets
• Hiking shorts: with plenty of pockets
• Long-sleeved shirts: with a collar, you can button to your wrists and neck, as well as short-sleeved shirts while making sure that all your shirts can be tucked into your waistband
• Hiking Socks: Not ankle socks. Bring socks of mid-to a long length that will reach under the ankle band of your hiking pants and protect your ankles and lower shins and calves even when wearing shorts
• A light rain jacket or poncho
• A headband or neck wrap such as a Buff to protect your skin and face
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, a fully equipped first aid kit (including antiseptic, wound dressings, anti-fungal cream, hydrocortisone cream, foot powder, and antidiarrheal medicine)

Documentation: (Very Important Consideration Packing List for Peru

Please Keep in mind, that without your original ID, you are not allowed to get into Machu Picchu. Also, remember if you are planning to hike the Inca trail for 4 days you will need to show up your original ID at the main checkpoint of km 82 it must unexpired original passport otherwise ranger will say sorry and you will miss your trip and not responsible for your tour operator.

Passport or Visa

NOTE, USA Travelers:

Your U.S. passport for Peru should be valid for at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of travel. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Travel Visa Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. To learn how to apply for a U.S. Passport including expedited services, Click Here. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has unstamped visa pages.

YOU DON’T NEED VISA FOR PERU TRAVEL, But You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary also please do not forget all your documentation if you are planning to visit Machupicchu including your Machu Picchu tickets, Huayna Picchu entrance, Machupicchu mountain tickets. 3 important Machupicchu tickets are available to ask your tour operator.

SECURE YOUR Travel Neck Pouch Neck Wallet with RFID Blocking – Passport Holder to Keep Your Cash And Documents Safe – Get Peace Of Mind When Traveling

Student ISIC Card for Travel to Peru (30% Discount on each trip)

If you are a student you must consider your Peru checklists. Apply In Discount %30 Card International Studying gets important benefits and discounts while you are traveling around the world. Visit https://www.myisic.com/the-cards/isic-card/

Instead of Buying, Consider Rent Camping Equipment. 

Typically, there are two types of travelers in Peru. For those who like to rent camping equipment, and is easy to find because most of the tour companies in Peru offer it for rent. and the second one is those who have purchased their own camping equipment. Here in this blog post, we hope to provide you with most of the hiking gear necessities. We will also cover all recommended required equipment you should purchase or rent in preparation for your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trip.

Don’t worry If you accidentally forget a few things on your Inca trail checklist. You can usually rent from your tour operator, and buy inexpensive hiking gear in Cusco from the various stores around the city. Remember, if you decide to buy from these shops, they may try to overcharge. It is best to negotiate. It is done all over the world.

Note: As an international traveler, you must know about counterfeit brands or forged tour products. If you want original and quality service, go to authorize travel agencies or outdoor equipment to buy. Don’t Buy a Replica North Fake Jacket. 

Peru Weather in August (windy)

WEATHER: You will Hike in Peru through different climatic zones. In August, the weather can range from warm and tropical at the base to freezing on the top of the mountains. To ensure that you remain entirely comfortable in each microclimate, you must understand the concept of layering with the correct clothes.

CLOTHING LAYERING: Be able to layer up and layer down as the weather changes quickly in the windy month of August. Layering only works if each layer supports the wicking process by allowing moisture to pass from one layer to the next. Layers should, therefore, hug the skin not to be too tight, but equally not too loose, and consist of wicking fabric.

Do not pack in this Checklist: Cotton should be avoided as it is hydrophilic, meaning that moisture struggles to pass through. Wicking clothing “wicks” the moisture away from your skin, which makes you feel more comfortable when you’re active. Wicking clothing is also usually made of a synthetic material that doesn’t absorb wetness.

---

Here Is Peru Packing List you’ll Need for Layering While on Your Day Trips from Cusco – Machu Picchu  

Packing List for Peru: Bottoms

As you approach the Cordillera mountains’ highest campsites, you will need to wear a lightweight base layer, or next-to-skin layer, over your underwear.

You will not need to wear this layer for the first few days on the mountain unless it is freezing. On the Road, trip considers carrying or putting on your checklist for the summits such as the Dead Woman Pass on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or the Condor Pass Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.

Under Armour Women’s ColdGear Authentic Compression Mock

NOTE: If you are allergic to wool, then Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Base Layers are great synthetic alternatives.

For treks less than 8 days, one pair of top and bottom base layers should be enough. For treks, over 8 days you should get at least 2 pairs to avoid smelling terrible by the end of the hike. You won’t use this layer every day, but you will need it on cold nights.

TREKKING SHIRTS

We recommend four short sleeve shirts and two long sleeve shirts to use as trekking shirts. The ideal fabric is breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying polyester, merino, or nylon. Make sure that your shirts are not cotton. 

Note: This Type of Shirt is Very Recommendable for Amazon Tours or Hot weather.

INSULATION LAYER

You should bring one mid-weight fleece jacket or a parka top for the colder trails on the hike and to the summit. This second layer is your insulation layer and should be used in your layering system over your base layer. It can also be used as a standalone that you wear over your trekking shirt when temperatures start to drop. The fleece also is excellent to use at night when it can get freezing out. 

Fleeces that use Polar Tec materials are excellent. Typically, Polar Tec fleeces come in 100s, 200s, or 300s. The 100s are a little light, and the 300 are too heavy. Two hundred provide great warmth and comfort and are perfect for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

RECOMMENDATION: A nice feature to look out for in your fleece jacket is a hoody. This feature can double as an instant balaclava. See the Patagonia R1 Hoody or the Arc’teryx Fortrez Hoody for good examples.

CORE JACKET OR THIRD LAYER

You should bring one mid-weight fleece jacket or a parka top for the colder stretches on the hike and summit nights. This third layer is your insulation layer. It can be used over your base layer, or indeed as a standalone that you wear over your trekking shirt when temperatures start to drop. They also come in great use at night when it can get frigid out of your camping tent. 

Fleeces that use Polartec materials are excellent. Typically, Polartec fleeces come in 100s, 200s, or 300s. The 100s are a little light, and the 300s are too heavy. Two hundred provide great warmth and comfort and are perfect for a Backpacking list in Peru.

Here are I will show you important factors to consider when selecting an appropriate Rain jacket:

The weight of a winter jacket can vary from super light, less than 450 grams, to super heavy, more than 1kg. The lightest winter jackets use a down fill and can weigh as little as 200 grams. Down provides the most significant weight-to-warmth ratio.

Generally, the most lightweight jackets, down or synthetic, give the least warmth and are ideal for moderately cold environments, but not freezing alpine or high-altitude environments. Heavy jackets, down and synthetic, are generally the warmest type of jacket but can be cumbersome to transport and wear while trekking. We suggest a mid-weight winter jacket (~500-700 grams) for the Peru travel Package.

Waterproofing: 

Despite the dominance of down jackets in terms of weight and warmth, they do have a significant flaw, as they are much more susceptible to moisture. When down jackets get wet, they lose their loft and insulation capacities.

Versatility: 

Unless you plan to use your jacket for a particular activity after Peru Travel, e.g., ice climbing, or snowboarding, we suggest going for a jacket that provides as much versatility as possible. Choose one that can be used for many different activities in many different environments.

DOWN JACKET

In terms of a suitable and affordable down jacket, we recommend Hard Wear. It retails for a great price, and it is super lightweight, which makes it easy to travel with and super warm. 

Recommended Hiking Pants

As we mentioned before, you can use this Peru Travel Packing List for The Inca Trail as an international packing list because each place is almost the same terrain, with a little bit of variation. You will use mostly the same clothes for your Peru travel’s upper reaches or possibly Patagonia Argentina, Everest Base Camp, etc.

In Peru, during the cold season in the highest elevation over 1591fs which is the Basecamp Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the temperatures can get very cold, particularly at night. Warm trekking pants are a must.

Here are the key characteristics to look out for in insulated pants: Water-resistant, sun-protective, and fleece inner material with quick-drying polyester outer for warmth. Great winter trekking pants include Crag Hoppers Kiwi Winter Trousers and Regatta Lined Hiking Trousers. Alternatively, some folk prefers to use a hard-shell pair of trousers, similar to ski pants or salopettes. These pants will have a waterproof membrane and insulated inner fabric.

HARDSHELL AND RAIN JACKET

In addition to these items, we recommend taking with you a hard-shell jacket and some lightweight rain gear. In terms of the hard-shell jacket, we recommend the North Face Resolve or similar. 

For a quick rain cover, you might also want to bring a poncho that sits over your body and a daypack, which is ideal for the lower reaches.

---

Peru Travel Packing List for The Inca Trail Clothing

UNDERWEAR

Accessories to Pack for Peru – Dry and wet season

Hat With Neck Cover

You will want to have a good hat or cap while hiking in Peru to protect your face from sunburn and keep your head cool. We like hats that have an adjustable neck cover. Make sure the cap is made from a breathable material.

NOTE: The hat should fit comfortably in your daypack as you don’t want to have to hold the cap every time you want to take it off.

Beanies Headband

A thermal beanie or headband is a must for the highest point or at night. You want to keep your head and ears warm. Make sure the beanie fits snugly and is suitable for cloudy or windy conditions. 

NOTE: Look for an outdoor, lined, and fleeced beanie or headband.

Bandana

Recommended for the dusty route to protect your neck and face from blistering cold temperatures if the wind picks up, the high sun UV during the mid-afternoons at high altitudes, or indeed to cover your mouth and nose from dust. We recommend taking either a hiking balaclava or a neck warmer. This item is entirely optional for each customer or hiker. 

NOTE: Make sure to get something that is lightweight, absorbent, breathable, and quick-drying.

These versatile and seamless outdoor TYTN bandanas, Polar Fleece or Microfiber versions, are super cheap and can be used as a neckband, scarf, bandana, head cover, or wristband.

Headlamp

A headlamp is the best torch for night hiking as you can have your hands free at all times. You will use your headlamp at night at your campsite. Please do not forget your headlamp and carry it every day in your daypack.

Looking for a Good Hiking Headlamp

Light/Brightness Quality: The higher the brightness, the better. Of course, this comes at a cost to battery life. Ideally, you want a max beam distance of greater than 70 meters and a light output of greater than 100 lumens.

Chargeable Battery life: The longer, the better. This feature often means the headlamp needs to hold more batteries, which in turn makes it heavier. We recommend a minimum high-mode run time of 30 hours also is better for the environment.

Weight: As you are carrying this device on your head, or backpack the lighter, the better. Be sure it is no more than 230 grams.

Sunglasses

When it comes to sunglasses and the Cordillera of the Andes Mountains in Peru, there are two considerations you need to take into account. First is the UV intensity, which is very high at just under 5,000m, and can be very damaging to your eyes if you don’t have the right sunglasses.

The second factor is the snow cover, which acts to reflect and intensify visible light. Again, too much visible light is damaging to your eyes (imagine staring into the sun to get a sense of high-altitude trekking without sunglasses).

---

Consider this Packing Checklist as an International Travel Packing Tips

Packing Tips Every Traveler Should Know

Here is a quick list of all the gear you need to pack for your treks in other countries.  Consider The Ultimate Peru Travel Packing List for hiking, sightseeing, camping, walking in the forest, or any other accessible tours. We’ve included links to our personal and affordable gear on Amazon or other recommended platforms.

Gloves and Walking Poles

Walking Poles & Gloves are different for any trip in the cordillera of the Andes. There are two types of gloves you should add to your Packing tips for the travel experts. You will need inner and outer gloves. Also, keep in mind it is an excellent idea to take walking poles while hiking. If you don’t have a set get a first-rate pair, especially if you plan to hike gravel and rocky trails to Machu Picchu

INNER GLOVES provide the next-to-skin insulation that is critical when trekking in cold temperatures. It will get freezing on the highest peaks of the Peru Mountains–Cordillera Blanca Huaraz, Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. Outer gloves are thicker, waterproof, and provide the shell protection needed to prevent freezing hands. In addition to gloves, you will also need to take trekking poles.

Peru Weather in December

Gloves and Trekking Poles Recommendations

Why do we recommend hiking poles and globes in December? because it is the rainy season and most of the trail around Cusco including The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is slippery. Be sure to bring or rent your Trekking Poles from our Tour operator Please. so now you know why you should bring the right equipment in December. Are you ready now to learn more about Peru Travel Packing List?

How is The Wheather in Peru Mainly in June?

The coast of Peru offers sunny days or summer and mild Temperatures in June, which is opposite the southern areas can get cooler and foggier during the winter solstice. traveling the Cusco region you will experience cooler weather or temperature approx 66′ F (19’C) and lows around -1’C

Inner Gloves

In terms of inner gloves, you want to make sure to get a pair that has excellent wicking properties. Synthetics, merino wool, or even silk, are good.

NOTE: Do not go for an inner cotton glove as these will restrict moisture transfer. You should also make sure that the gloves provide an excellent thermal lining and are lightweight. We like using trail running gloves like these from Trail Heads. We also recommend Outdoor Research Sensor Gloves.

Outer Gloves/Mitts

We cannot stress the importance of having suitable outer gloves or mitts. Your hands will be the first to start freezing on summit night. Cold hands are super debilitating and painful.

The perfect outer gloves provide warmth and are waterproof, without being cumbersome or too bulky. Essentially you want gloves that provide some agility while also providing exceptional warmth, water resistance, and durability.

Hiking Poles

Trekking is one exercise that puts a severe strain on your major leg joints and knees. This strain is particularly true on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, where the average trek length is four days, with 8-10 hours of hiking each day. Add in the paved route Inca trail undulates, up and down frequently, and you can see why most people complain of sore legs.

The best way to reduce the impact of long-distance trekking on your knees and joints is by using hiking poles. Good hiking poles can reduce the impact on your knees by up to 25%, as assessed in a 1999 study by The Journal of Sports Medicine.

NOTE: We recommend using trekking poles as a mandatory hiking accessory on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. They offer better balance while you are Hiking and reduce stress on joints during ascents and descents.

Essential Features to Look For In Trekking Poles

Weight: Medium-weight poles (~350 grams) tend to be better at enduring long and sustained treks across rough terrain as they are often more durable.

Adjustability: Good hiking poles should be fully adjustable. There are two main adjustable systems – lever-locking and twist-locking. We recommend lever-locking systems as they are easier to use and more durable (despite being slightly heavier)

Grip: hiking Pole grips are usually made from cork, rubber, or foam. Cork is a good grip material and super durable, but not as good as rubber in terms of insulating warmth (which is the main factor for hiking ). Foam is the least durable type of grip but the best at wicking moisture away from the grip and hands. If we were pushed to recommend a grip type for Inca Trail Hike we would say rubber or form, for their warmth/wicking properties, but cork is still our overall favorite for its durability and lower susceptibility to chaffing the hands and causing blisters.

Material: The Pole itself is usually constructed from lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber (which is lighter than aluminum). We don’t have too much preference here, as long as the structure is sturdy and mid-weight.

---

Footwear For Peru Packing List

Peru Travel Packing List Footwear you take into consideration on the Peru hiking treks is very important for your adventure. In this detailed article, we outline the key characteristics to look for in a pair of best hiking shoes for hiking to Machu Picchu, as well as provide recommendations on a good way and affordable trekking shoes for Women.

Remember your feet are what get you to the top of the mountains until the end of your excursion. So make sure you follow the advice in this article or risk having sore feet, blisters, and lost toenails.

Smart Tips For Your Inca Trail Shoes and Boots

There are different factors and characteristics to look for in a pair of best trekking boots. The first two are fit and quality is decided at the point of purchase. The third factor is entirely dependent on you.

please consider reading about The best Inca Trail Shoes to Machu Picchu you’ll find out my personal tips and experiences when I was a Tour leader along The Inca Trail.

Get any of these three characteristics wrong and you risk getting sore feet, injuring your back, losing toenails, and enduring painful blisters.

Let’s deal with each Characteristic below:

Footwear Fitting and Comfortability

The best way to test a good fit is to place your foot in a boot and slide it all the way forward until your toes hit the front of the boot—make sure you are wearing an average cushioned sports sock. Then take your index finger and slide it down the boot’s back between your heel and the boot support.

A perfect-fitting boot will allow you to squeeze your finger in without too much resistance. If you cannot squeeze your index finger down the back of the boot, then, unfortunately, the boot is too small. If you find that your index finger fits too easily into the back of the boot, then the boot is likely too big. A snug fit, with your index finger in the back of the boot, is just right.

Note: this is not a science, but a good approximation for good-fitting boots is the best.

Footwear Quality

Good quality doesn’t have to be expensive. You can get some affordable trekking boots that are of excellent quality. Good quality boots have the following design features: Medium to high tops for study ankle support. The higher the top, the heavier the boot.

NOTE: The boot’s sole should have a high rubber content and deep lugs for better traction–the deeper the lugs, the heavier the boot.

Medium to heavyweight

Heavy boots are suitable for durability and cushioning, but the boot’s extra weight can be pretty tiring to hike in. We recommend going for medium-weight boots.

Waterproof Hiking Shoes

A waterproof boot is pretty standard today, but it is always good to get boots that use Gore-Tex material for improved waterproofing. Combined with waterproof socks and you can be sure your feet will stay dry. The lacing system should incorporate D-Strings and speed hooks for better ankle support and fast lacing.

Big Mistake – Used Footwear

Once you have got yourself a well-fitting pair of boots with similar characteristics to those set out above, then the task is to break your shoes in. Do not arrive in Peru with brand-new hiking boots that you have never worn under any circumstances.

The best way to break boots in is to wear them as often as possible before your hiking date. During that time, you should undertake 2-3 long-distance treks for 4-5 hours a day in your boots. When the inner soles of the boot start to contour the bottom of your foot, then you can be confident that your shoes are ready to wear while trekking the Peru trails.

Recommended Hiking Boots

Don’t expect long-term durability but you should get a couple of years of good trekking in before they need to be replaced. Key features: Mid-weight with a GoreTex membrane for waterproof breathability. You can be assured of great comfort and durability. The outer material is waterproof full-grain leather. Very lightweight boot.

Other Footwear Items for Peru Packing List

TRAINERS OR TREKKING SANDAL

Each evening, when you reach your camp, the first thing you will want to do is take off your trekking boots and not have to put them back on until the next day. The trouble is you will want to walk around the camp and perhaps do some exploring in the surrounding area.

NOTE: The solution brings your basic tennis shoes or trekking sandals that you can slip on in camp, and that can double as an alternative trekking shoe for flat terrain. Here are some trekking shoes and hiking sandals that we recommend. Excellent and affordable brands include Merrel, Columbia, Keen, and Karrimor.

TREKKING SOCKS

You must bring good quality, trekking socks. You should avoid cotton or cotton-blend socks as these absorb and retain moisture, keeping your feet damp and making them susceptible to blistering.

We recommend 5 x wool trekking socks as these are the best for wicking moisture away from the foot. The best trekking sock manufacturers include COOLMAX, Smartwool, and Bridgedale. All three brands manufacture their socks from really soft Merino wool, which is excellent for comfort and performance. If you are allergic to wool, we will go for acrylic or an acrylic-blend alternative like Wigwam.

Key Characteristics to Look for Include:

• Flat seams. Bulky seams are prone to increased friction, which results in blisters.
• Thick socks as they provide more cushion for the foot.
• Snug, not tight, fit.

THERMAL SOCKS

On higher altitude nights, you will need to wear thermal socks. Ragg Wool is the best material for thermal socks. Some people go with a polypropylene liner to assist with the wicking process.

We recommend 1 x extra thick/heavy thermal socks. The best quality thermal socks are the heavy variations made by SmartWool. We recommend taking 1 x Polypropylene liner socks in terms of liner socks (see Bridgedale Coolmax Liners).
Note: The extra pair of thermal socks can be used as a thermal cover for your water bottle. See other accessories to find out how.

GAITERS

Gaiters are made of waterproof material that extends up from your boot to your calve muscle. They are used to keep unwanted materials out of your boots (mud, water, rocks, etc.). Although the trails are very good for hiking in Peru, if you encounter rain it is possible that your shoes will get wet and muddy. Gaiters can help prevent this.

---

SLEEPING BAGS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES

This article will help you to choose the right items for your exciting trip to Peru. A warm sleeping bag is an absolute must for the Peru Adventure Tours and Package. Regardless of the season and month, you plan to travel to Machu Picchu on vacation, and we can guarantee freezing nights at the highest campsites. One example is the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The first campsite is at 4200m, and without a warm sleeping bag, you will be uncomfortable and cold.

How to Pack a Sleeping Bag and other accessories in a Backpack on the right way

Below we have set out the essential characteristics to look for in the best sleeping bags and provide three recommendations based on price and performance.

It is possible to rent REI sleeping bags or similar in our office or from your Tour Leader Peru Adventure’s operator. But in general, we recommend you bring your own sleeping bag that has been previously used by you in other treks. Of course, if you plan to use your sleeping bag only once, then renting, or borrowing from a friend, is the preferable option.

Suppose you are set on renting a sleeping bag. In that case, it is still worthwhile looking for one with similar characteristics as those set out below, and a good idea to bring a sleeping bag liner (here are some excellent examples) to provide a slightly more hygienic sleeping environment and additional insulation.

How to Choose the Best Type of Sleeping Bag for Camping in Peru

When choosing a sleeping bag, the general rule is to find the shortest length that fits you. You want enough room to move, but you should avoid having a lot of extra space around your feet unless you plan to stow clothes or footwear with you while you sleep. In chilly conditions, your feet won’t be able to heat much air around them — if your bag is too long, you could end up sleeping with freezing feet.

Down vs. Synthetic: Which Insulation is Right for You?

There are two types of sleeping bags, goose or duck down, and synthetic. In general, down sleeping bags are better quality, lighter, and more comfortable. They are, however, more expensive than synthetic sleeping bags. The two key considerations are weight and cost to decide between down and synthetic. The cost calculation is dependent on your budget and, more importantly, the frequency of camping and trekking.

We recommend going with a down sleeping bag if you plan to do frequent unsupported camping and trekking adventures for 2-4 a year and want a reliable product and a long-term investment. If you are Trekking Inca Trail to Machu Picchu as a one-off and might only use the sleeping bag again in a few years for another trek, then it might make sense to go for a cheaper synthetic option, or indeed rent a sleeping bag. 

Warm Sleeping Bag

As we mentioned above, the nights on your high-altitude Peru trip, or indeed on any high-altitude trekking expedition, get very cold. Hence your sleeping bag needs to be able to cope with frigid temperatures. We recommend sleeping bags that have a rating at a minimum of -10 degrees Celsius, 14 Fahrenheit. However, it is better to have a warmer sleeping bag than a colder one – you would rather be too warm than too cold.

SHAPE AND DESIGN

The best hiking sleeping bag design is the mummy shape as it is crafted to fit the human body’s contours, hence providing better insulation than standard rectangular-shaped sleeping bags. Most adult body types fit into a mummy-shaped sleeping bag, but if you have a uniquely short, tall, or wide-body shape, then make sure you pick a size of sleeping bag that will fit your body contours snuggly.

The other two design features to look out for are an insulated hood that can be pulled around your head with a drawcord and a two-way zipping system, which improves insulation and allows for unzipping at both ends of the sleeping bag.

The ultimate sleep improvement checklist

Inflatable Pillow

An inflatable pillow that can quickly be inflated and deflated for storage is useful. Equally, you could just use a pile of clothes.

THERMAL MAT (optional)

Your tour company should provide a thin mattress on which you can set your sleeping bag. If you are concerned about the cold and want additional cushioning, we suggest bringing a Rei thermal sleeping pad that stores as a small roll in your duffle bag.

---

DAYPACKS, DUFFLE BAGS, AND ACCESSORIES

Peru Travel Packing List Daypacks and Duffel Bag explain what you will need to travel to Peru. You need to have two types of bags on your Peru Travel Packing List—a duffle bag and a daypack. The kind of duffle bag you choose is crucial as it will hold all of your gear, including your sleeping bag.

Your duffle bag will be carried by your porter or sometimes on the horse depending on which trek you will take. Who will transport your gear from one camp to the next? Porters carry our equipment on their backs, so it is vital that the bag is soft and weighs no more than 7kg when fully loaded. Some operators limit the weight to 6kg fully loaded.

The Characteristics of a Good Backpack and Dufflebag in Your Peru Checklist:

Greater than the 10-liter capacity

Be sure your duffle bag is constructed from waterproof laminate material to ensure your gear stays dry. We recommend packing your gear into separate plastic bags or packing units—see below—to provide extra waterproofing and easy access to sorted gear.

A strong zipper system that is not susceptible to breaking and can be easily locked. Take a small lock to secure your bag. A hand and shoulder strapping system provides extra versatility. We provide this type of duffle bag.

DAYPACKS

In addition to your duffle bag, which our porter carries, you will be carrying your own daypack. You should keep all essential items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, and water in your daypack. You will also need to have your items such as money, passport, or small breakable items like a camera, smartphone, tablet, and the like. Your daypack should be small and lightweight. The lighter, the better.

Qualities of a Good Backpack

Compression straps to reduce weight stress on your back. Side mesh pockets for easy access to your water bottle and other useful stuff. Also, ensure your backpack has a rain cover.

Necessary Bag Accessories for your Peru Travel Packing List

Depending on what time of the year you are hiking, there is a possibility that you will encounter rain on the mountain. You want to avoid getting your daypack wet. A good rain cover is a worthy piece of your kit to have as a precaution.

RAIN COVER

If you are going with the Osprey Talon Backpack, we would also get the Osprey Hi-Visibility Raincover, which retails for the standard backpack rain cover price and is super reliable. NB: select the right size cover—i.e., 19-30 liters.

TRAVEL BAG ORGANISER

A pro tip that we have used to affect travel in Peru is travel bag organizers, which can be used to source and separate your gear for better backing and access. They also provide a great way to separate wet or dirty gear.

DRY BAGS

Encountering rain during your backpacking in Peru is always a possibility, especially in the rainforest section of the hike. If you are concerned with your duffel or backpack’s waterproof capability, then taking a dry bag or two is always a good idea. These bags can fit comfortably inside a duffle bag, are waterproof, and easily double as a source separator, like the travel cubes mentioned above.

Hidratation Accesories

HYDRATION BLADDER

If you decide to go with a daypack that can hold a hydration bladder, then we suggest you purchase the best hydration bladder on the market. There is nothing worse than a leaky bladder!

The Platypus Big Zip Water Reservoir is undoubtedly the best product, hands down! Where the Osprey is strong in backpacks, Platypus rocks the hydration bladder. The Platypus comes in 2L and 3L versions; the latter is ideal for Kilimanjaro.

Water Container

It is common for water to freeze during the night. To avoid having frozen water, make sure that each bottle is well insulated. A good solution involves placing your water bottles inside a thermal sock and then keeping the bottle inside your daypack instead of being exposed to the elements in the mesh pockets that sit on the outside of most daypacks.

Another useful tip is to keep your water bottles upside down as liquid freezes from the top.

WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS

Water in Peru is collected from mountain streams by porters during your trek. You must treat this water with iodine purification tablets to avoid getting an upset stomach. The Tour Leaders Peru Adventure staff will boil and treat your water, but it is worth taking every precaution as an upset stomach can result in ending your Peru travel and hiking early.

We recommend taking a 1x pack of 50 tablets. These Potable Aqua Water Purification Treatment Tablets are suitable.

Hydration Powder (Gatorade)

Iodine makes water taste a little unpleasant. Moreover, just drinking water can result in a rapid fall in plasma sodium concentration, accentuating dehydration.

Add a sports drink to the isotonic or hypotonic solution. This type of drink aids water absorption into the blood and body cells, improves flavor, and provides an energy boost. We recommend Gatorade.

Skin Protection Accessories

WET WIPES

Trekking in Peru is a strenuous exercise. Depending on how long you’re going to be on your trip, you are going to be a bit ‘smelly’ and sweaty. Your tour leaders will provide you with a small bowl of tepid water and soap after each day’s trek as well as first thing in the morning; however, using a bowl of water to clean yourself is not the easiest thing to do. Much easier is using wet wipes to wash your hands and rub yourself down. One pack of wet wipes should be more than enough.

SWEAT-RESISTANT SUNSCREEN

Don’t just get any sunscreen. You are trekking to a high altitude where the sun intensity increases so you will need a high SPF greater than 30. You will also be exerting yourself, so a sunscreen that is sweat resistant is essential.

Make sure to bring sun protection lip cream as well.

Tech Gear Packing List for Peru

Electronic Accessories and Other Requirements (Peru Checklist)

There are various travel packing list accessories that you should take on your trek. We cover these in the checklist at the back of Peru Travel: Trekkers Guide to the Summit.
Here are some of the essential packing tips and accessories for your International Travel Packing List

CAMERA

The landscape during your Peru Travel is extraordinary. Bring a decent camera to capture the experience. Above is pictured an excellent value SLR Camera, or if you want to go super light and capture awesome videos, we recommend taking a GoPro.

Click here to see our review on the GoPro and watch some awesome Machu Picchu Peru travel videos on YouTube

Solar Charger Batteries

We recommend taking spare batteries for your headlamp and camera. Running out of power on your camera just as you want to take that killer summit picture is not fun. 

Esensial Accesories

A spare SD Card for your camera is also a good idea. There are no charging points on the Inca trail trek so you might want to bring one of these backpack solar chargers which are getting popular on Peru Packing Tips.

EARPLUGS

If you are a light sleeper, we recommend taking earplugs. The stillness at night means that sound travels well. Many people stay up late, sharing trekking stories, and those who get to bed early sometimes snore, which can make sleeping difficult. Moreover, your porters and tour leaders are usually up early to get ready for the new day’s hike.

If you want to ensure you get that extra 30 minutes of sleep in the morning, earplugs are a useful addition to your gear.

ZIPLOCK BAGS

Your day pack is going to be exposed to the elements during your hike. Exposure to dust and rain is common. To protect your valuables such as your wallet, money, binoculars, camera, and the like, we suggest taking a few Ziplock bags.

SMALL LOCKS

Porters will carry your duffle bag. Typically, your gear will be safe, but we still recommend taking a bag lock to secure your belongings.

ENERGY BARS

Taking energy bars on your trek is the easiest and most effective way to snack and keep your energy levels up. We suggest taking 2-3 energy bars every day you are on the Cordillera of the Andes mountain. So, if you are doing a seven-day hike, that would mean you bring twenty-one energy bars. High-energy oat bars are good.

Medication include in your Peru Packing List

Many people go wild by taking various medications with them. Others bring virtually nothing. The amount and type of drugs you take are really up to you. We suggest taking these three medical supplies as they are the ones that usually come in handy. 1. Paracetamol for headaches. 2. Gravol for nausea or vomiting. 3. Imodium for diarrhea.

Note: your guide will be carrying a first aid pack that should have most medical supplies in it.

BLISTER PLASTER

Also, carry medications

Many people go wild on taking with them various medications. Others bring virtually nothing. The amount and type of medications you take are really up to you.

Note: your guide will be carrying a first aid pack that should have most medical supplies in it.

INSECT REPELLANT

A basic insect repellant is essential. Make sure to get a reliable brand that has a high Deed content—greater than 90%. Repel makes a great product. Manu National Park or Amazon Tours is a malaria zone. You will not be at risk when you are on the mountain, but you will be at risk if you are going to the Amazon. You should take malaria tablets if you plan to stay in Puerto Maldonado, Amazon Jungle Brazil. 

Trekking Towel (Optional)

A medium-lightweight trekking towel to dry your hair, face, and hands after a rainy day of trekking comes in handy.

Toilet Paper

Toilets on some hikes are notoriously in terrible condition. You can decide to brave the restrooms, or you could request that your tour operator organize a portable loo that will be carried and set up at each camp by a porter.

Whichever you want is entirely up to you. We have used both, and although a portable loo is pleasant, we feel it removes the authenticity of trekking in Peru. Your tour operator can usually include portable loos. You will also need to bring your own toilet paper—one roll should be sufficient. 

Please Note: Some tour operators include a portable loo as standard on their treks. Our recommended operators have portable toilets on all their treks.

What Should Not Pack For Peru?

You should not bring if You Are planning to hike or Camping ❌

Jeans, for obvious reasons. They absorb their weight in water many times and are difficult to trek in, take a long time to dry out, and rapidly transfer heat from the body—must we continue?

Cotton. Wearing cotton shirts on the lower reaches is fine, but we would avoid cotton altogether in general. It absorbs moisture and blocks breathability.

Discover what Peru Travel packing List or Inca Trail gear you need, choose a category… down below.

Make sure to find FAQ Peru Travel. you will find important Answers as well.

If you still have questions about the Trekking Packing List to Machu Picchu, leave a comment below, and we will respond within 24 hours.

June Perfect Packing List for Dry Season in Peru

There are five mandatory headwear accessories that you need to have on your Peru Travel Packing List. June is the hot season, and the sun is intense at high altitudes. Also, consider this list for any trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, or any international vacation with a similar climate. If you have any questions or suggestions, please send us an email or contact us at Info@tourleadersperu.com. Below we have provided detailed descriptions of each item as well as set out some specific brand recommendations.

Travel Insurence

You should have trekking and travel insurance visits to the World Health Organization to travel to Peru. Remember to write down your policy number and ideally carry a copy of your policy on you. If something does go wrong on the trek you will want to contact your insurance company immediately. We have written a detailed guidance article on how to choose the right insurance coverage here.

Alternatively, you can use the quote calculator below to get your insurance.

By Tour Leaders Peru Travel Guide on October 17, 2020

Tour Leaders Peru Travel Guide is an invitation to discover the wonders of humanity and our planet. From city parks to Historic destinations, we equip you with durable and versatile gear to take you beyond your fears and outside your comfort zone.

We believe the experience of the unknown inspires a deeper understanding of each other, a curiosity for the unfamiliar, and fresh perspectives on life. We know the further we travel, the closer we become to each other and to the planet we share.

Thanks for reading Cesar Conde