Tag Archives: Hike Packing Lists

What to pack for Machu Picchu: Inca, Lares, Salkantay + Jungle Trek

What to pack for Machu Picchu Peru

Thousands flock to Peru every year to hike to Machu Picchu. The most popular route is to hike the Inca Trail which requires planning as the dates for the trek fill up fast (hikers should book at least six months in advance). Although famous, the Inca Trail is not the only route, in fact – there are 14 ways to Machu Picchu. This ultimate guide on what to pack for Machu Picchu includes an Inca Trail packing list as well as essentials for the Lares Trek (which we, Gemma and Craig, completed), Salkantay Trek and the thrill-seeking Jungle Trek as well as what to wear on the big day! All Machu Picchu packing lists have been tried and tested by seasoned travellers, so you can trust their advice on what works, and what you can leave behind. Remember, you will be restricted by size and weight specifications and/or what you can realistically carry on your back. Feel free to use the ‘jump to’ section to select your hike of choice.

Know before you go

Most of hotels and hostels in Cusco offer storage for rucksacks and suitcases and the majority of Machu Picchu hike companies provide duffel bags (max weight 5-8kg) which are carried by porters and donkeys. It is advised to fill your own day bag with hiking essentials, first aid items, water and snacks, although most companies provide snacks too. Treks require camping and it gets cold at night so consider this when reviewing our packing lists.

You must wear in your hiking boots/shoes before trekking, there is no time for sore feet although you can hire a donkey if required. Altitude sickness is real! Acclimatise in Cusco before you set off on your multi-day hike to one of the new modern seven wonders of the world! Quick note, the most important item you must pack is your passport or you will not get access to Machu Picchu!

Naturally, we do not advise going away on any trip without travel insurance. I researched which provider to commit to for weeks (I am that annoying customer) and settled with True Traveller because they cover high altitude hiking (not all providers will). I had to use them while in Vancouver, I had one GP visit and two stints at a physio; True Traveller paid out quickly which was ideal as we were on a budget.

What to wear to Machu Picchu Peru

What to Pack for Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (also known as Camino Inca or Camino Inka) is the most popular hike in Peru. The 4-day day hike passes through forest, villages and Inca ruins but due to its popularity, the trail closes every February for cleaning. A maximum of 500 people are allowed to hike per day and this includes 300 porters and guides. Camping is required each night, baby wipes are essentials and there is a 3am wake-up call to hike to Inti Punku to catch the sunrise. So bearing all of this in mind, here’s your Inca Trail Packing List.

Inca Trail Packing List

By  Claudia Tavani | My Adventures Across The World 

Packing for the Inca Trail is easier said than done, and it requires a bit of planning. One essential thing to keep in mind is that walking it is harder than you may think, given the altitude and the almost daily rain. What you pack depends on whether you intend to hire a porter.

There’s a strict, no more than 7 kg of weight that an individual can give to a porter, and that also includes the weight of the sleeping bag.

If you decided to carry your own backpack you can obviously take on more weight, but I advise against it. In fact, my tops are to pack as light as possible, hire the services of a porter, and only take a small daypack with daily essentials along. I have seen various people refusing to hire a porter and giving in on day two of the trail.

Having said so here’s a strictly essential packing list for walking the Inca Trail

Clothes and gear

  • Hiking boots – don’t even consider wearing anything else. Running shoes may be lighter and more comfortable, but you really want all the extra ankle support. Check out Salomon Quest boots US / UK
  • Hiking pants/trousers – best if water-resistant
  • A good rain like Mountain Equipment Rupal jacket US / UK and windproof coat and an extra poncho to wear on top, if necessary. Keep in mind that if walking in the winter, it may get even colder than expected
  • A change of pants/trousers – preferably leggings which can also be worn as pyjamas
  • A thermal shirt – it does get tremendously cold at night
  • One or two extra t-shirts
  • A good sweater, best if a fleece
  • A hat and a scarf
  • A couple of changes of underwear
  • Hiking socks
  • Flipflops – for resting your feet at night
  • A refillable water bottle – read Gemma’s review here
  • A headlamp
  • Snacks – they are typically provided on the trail, but they are very basic (popcorn, some fruit) so if you think you’ll need the extra energy, carry a couple of energy bars and some trail mix
  • Cash – to tip the guides and the porters
  • Camera and/or phone
  • Power bank – there’s no way to change anything during the hike (Two Scots Abroad never travel without by Anker’s packs US / UK
  • Extra memory card

Toiletry/medical essentials

You won’t be able to shower at all during the Inca Trail, so spare yourself the weight and just take a small bar of soap and hand sanitizer, a pack of wet wipes, deodorant, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, sunblock and a small moisturizer (take a sample), mosquito repellent, lip balm

  • A small towel
  • A roll of toilet paper
  • Prescription medications and common drugs – paracetamol, Imodium, etc

Lares Trek Packing List

The Lares Trek is one alternative to the Inca Trail and it covers four days/three nights (two nights camping and one in a hotel in Aguas Calientes).

Wake up calls are early, the nights are cold and the hardest part of the hike is reaching 4650m (15255ft) above sea level at the Condor’s Pass. The reward? A hot chocolate at the top, in the snow.

Like the Inca Trail, you can hire porters and donkeys to carry your larger bags (max weight 8kg, usually provided by company). This is the hike that Craig and I did, here’s our packing list for the Lares Trek.

Clothes and gear (male/female)

  • Quality raincoat (I love my Marmot US / UK as it is light and folds into its own pocket)
  • Leggings/walking trousers
  • Waterproof trousers, the packaway ones are fine 
  • Shorts (wore at Machu Picchu)
  • 3 vest tops (you will want a clean outfit for Machu Picchu)
  • A cardigan/fleece
  • Gloves (I bought wool ones from the market for 8 soles, Craig paid 11 soles on the road)
  • 4 x underwear
  • 1 x bra
  • 4 x socks
  • Scarf? (I found useful as a cover too)
  • Hat/headband/bandanna
  • Quality poncho (our company gave us this)
  • Sunglasses (for when you are lucky!)
  • Torch
  • Quality bag cover like Osprey US / UK
  • Walking sticks (you can hire for $15)
  • Camera/phone (cover-up in the rain, one of our team lost her camera to the rain Gods)
  • Money (limited opportunity to buy during trek but needed for tipping and Machu Picchu day as lunch is not included)
  • Passport (needed for Machu Picchu, we learned the hard way…)
  • Swimwear/towel for day one baths

Toiletries and medicine

  • Baby wipes
  • Deodorant (1 x stick / 1 x small spray)
  • Dry shampoo
  • Hair bobble and kirby grips/bobby pins
  • Suntan lotion (vital)
  • Insect repellent
  • Tissues (or steal some toilet roll)
  • Blister pads (you won’t find these in Cusco, invest in Leukotape US / UK before you go which I always tape up with before hikes)
  • Coca leaves/ash or coca sweets for altitude
  • Painkillers

Machu Picchu packing advice

Machu Picchu Shoes

Each packing list stresses the need to have decent walking boots! The second most important tip I can offer (number one is to remember your passport) is to break in your hiking shoes before you touchdown in Peru.

As mentioned above, trainers will not cut it. Multi-day hikes take their toll on your joints, you are already putting your body under tremendous stress by walking at high altitude so do your knees a favour and invest in a decent pair of walking boots or shoes.

I actually prefer trek trainers like walking shoes by Salomon because they are lighter for packing and I don’t like boots touching my ankles after previous Achilles trauma!

Also, pack one pair of flipflops to let your feet breathe at night and give them a rest. You won’t want to put your feet back into your boots once they are off and there’s no way you should be going to the toilet barefooted.

First Aid Kit

  • Painkillers (headaches with altitude)
  • Malaria tablets (if taking)
  • Coca leaves/sweets
  • Others had prescribed altitude sickness tablets – discuss with your doctor
  • Update: I never travel without these hydration tablets US / UK now (mostly as a hangover cure!)

Snacks

  • Plastic bags for rubbish/wet clothes
  • Cereal bars (one box)
  • Bananas (green ones ripen in one day)
  • Tangerines
  • Water
  • Skittles/candy

Salkantay Trek Packing List

By Owen Ter | My Turn to Travel

Salkantay differs slightly to the Inca and Lares because the hike can last from three to five days and optional activities are offered along the way such as zip-lining, horseback riding and hot spring dips! The highest point is 4600m above sea level. Owen from My Turn to Travel went for the long haul and hiked for five days and four nights. Here’s his Machu Picchu hike packing list.

Bags

  • 1 day pack for essentials
  • 1 day pack/duffel bag carried by mules (depending on your agency, it might be provided and maximum weight is 5-7kg)

Clothes and gear

  • Towel (showers are available on the final day hotel at the Agua Calientes)
  • Bathing suit for Santa Teresa hot spring

Hiking t-shirts split into followings:

  • 1 or 2 t-shirts for high altitude trek (cold)
  • 1 for humid weather (cloud forest hike)
  • 1 for a hot (trek from Santa Teresa to Agua Calientes)
  • 1 for Machu Picchu outfit (photo opp!)

Hiking pants long and short for different climate at different sections of the trek

  • Wear long pants if doing ziplining. There are TONS of blood-sucking insects

Necessities

  • Underwear for 5 days trekking
  • Thermals (USA / UK) for first night campsite at >3900m and second-night campsite 2900m
  • Fleece jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Insulated jacket (recommended to wear layers as internal heat generated keeps trekkers warm)
  • Gloves (it can get very cold at campsite and Salkantay pass)
  • Cap/hat
  • Beanie for cold weather
  • Sleeping bag/pad -10 degrees C (Available to rent from company)
  • Refillable water bottle (min 1L)
  • Trekking poles (optional, can hire from company)
  • Small locks for the duffel bag on the mules
  • Waterproof ziplock bags

Trekking shoes

  • Trekking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Socks for five days (two days cold, three days warmer) + extra socks in case of rain

Toiletries and medicine

  • First aid kit
  • Hangover remedy US / UK is recommended – cheap drinks at Santa Teresa’s campfire)
  • Insect repellent and itch cure
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
  • Toilet Paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp
  • Passport for Machu Picchu
  • Camera
  • Charging cables for phones and camera (charge at Agua Calientes hotel)
  • Snacks

Money for

  • Fruits/additional food and drinks
  • Beer and drinks available at various campsites
  • Bus to hot spring (15 soles)
  • Hot spring entrance fee (10 soles)
  • Ziplining (100 soles)
  • Photos for ziplining
  • Exploring Aguas Calientes (food, drinks, souvenirs)

Do remember

  • Payment receipt – Important!
  • Train ticket/receipt if included
  • Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain ticket if included
  • Passport!

Lastly, prop for Machu Picchu money shot… Check out Owen’s guide to the Salkantay Trek.

Salkantay Trek packing list

Inca Jungle Trek packing list

By Patrick Muntzinger | German Backpacker

The Inca Jungle Trek is a great way to reach Machu Picchu since it’s a nice mix of trekking and fun activities such as zip-lining, mountain biking and rafting. Your accommodation will be guest houses (no camping equipment needed) and your guide will also take care of all your meals.

An important note: don’t book the trek online in advance – you’ll pay most likely four times as much as people who book the trek directly in Cusco.

There’s always enough availability (even in high season), so walk around Cusco, compare different offers and make sure to get a good deal – 150$ for the four days, including all accommodation, activities, meals and entrance to Machu Picchu is a fair price.

After this is sorted, it’s time to pack your bag! Here’s the ultimate packing list for the Machu Picchu Jungle Trek

Clothes and gear

  • 1 x pair of long pants (especially in winter, it cools down in the night)
  • 2 x pair of shorts (good for hiking)
  • 1 x swimming trunks (you’ll go rafting)
  • 4 x t-shirts
  • 1 x sweater (for these cool evenings)
  • 1 x rain jacket (especially in the rainy season!)
  • 4 x underwear and socks
  • Hiking shoes (comfortable for a lot of walking)
  • Flipflops (for the guesthouses and rafting)
  • Passport and documents
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp or torch (you’ll start climbing up to Machu Picchu when it’s still dark)
  • Powerbank
  • Chargers and adapter
  • Camera and phone
  • Candy and snacks

Toiletries and medicine

  • Toiletries
  • Toilet paper (always good to have in South America)
  • Travel towel
  • Mosquito spray
  • Sunscreen

Generally, it’s recommended and possible to pack very lightly for the Inca Jungle Trek. Since you’ll have a guide with you, everything is basically organised. Make sure to take only a small daypack which is comfortable to carry on your back (remember there is biking), and you’ll be fine!

What to wear to Machu Picchu

It is likely that you will visit Machu Picchu early in the morning to miss the crowds so you will need a warm layer until the clouds lift. Thereafter, your outfit will really be weather dependent so pack a raincoat in your day bag and be conservative with your dress code.

You can wear shorts and vest tops but dresses may be questioned (check out Follow Me Away’s story). 2017 rules allow cameras but tripods and drones need to be left in Cusco. Suntan lotion is also recommended, even if it’s misty you can still get burnt.

Machu Picchu trek packing list overview

Personally, I feel we packed efficiently for our trek. We advise you to carry snacks, your first aid kit, sunglasses, camera, phone, hats, gloves and most importantly, your passport in your Machu Picchu daypack and remember to collect your stamp at the entrance!

Now, this might sound crazy but I am seriously considering a hammock for future hikes/camping trips.

Naturally, this would only be seriously considered in warmer climates with a low mosquito count, but every time I see someone with a hammock (even in the airport, genius!) I am super jealous. This cause also helps out homeless people – win-win!

Lares trek to Machu Picchu packing list
Warning – dressing in the dark causes funny mistakes.

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What to pack for Machu Picchu

Have we missed anything?
Please leave any comments or questions below.


» Read next: our international hiking packing list


 

West Highland Way Packing List

West Highland Way Packing list

The West Highland Way is a 96-mile hike  which starts just outside of Glasgow in Milngavie and ends in Fort William (many then go on to hike the Munro, Ben Nevis).

The trek takes you along the West Coast of Scotland and this West Highland Way packing list will advise you on what best to take in your backpack and day bag.

We divided the hike up over six days, if you are aiming to complete in less or more time, adapt this guide accordingly.

To reduce the stress of the hike, we (hi, my name is Gemma and I hiked with my friends for our 30th birthdays) paid a West Highland Way baggage transfer company to take our backpack bags from one location to the next.

There are several companies who do this for a fee.

Don’t forget your travel insurance; my Achilles went for the first time and I’ve been very active all of my life.

For ease, most recommended products are available on Amazon Prime. Check out their free 30-day trial clicking here for US Prime or here for UK.

West Highland Way Packing List

Here is a West Highland Way checklist for what to wear hiking in Scotland

  • 1 x raincoat (decent quality – see below).
  • 1-2 fleece tops or as many as you require, sweat can smell.
  • 2-4 Icebreaker Merino wool base layer USA / UK.  They are not the cheapest so I would possibly go for 2 merino and 2 not. I really do love them and think they are worth investing in as they keep you cool if hot, warm if chilly. They also came with me to Snowbombing ski/music festival in Austria.
  • 1 t-shirt for every 2 days.
  • 2 x walking trousers. The drying options in our B&Bs weren’t great and if you are camping you’ll struggle even more.
  • Waterproof overtrousers USA / UK – by the last day, I just wore leggings and pulled these waterproofs on top when it rained. This is my staple hiking outfit while travelling to save space (worked for trekking to Machu Picchu, Peru!) They often come with a wee pouch which you can stuff the wet trousers in and have slit access to trouser pockets if worn underneath
  • Gaiters – material that goes over your shoes and covers your ankles. I never had these but will consider them now I wear trek trainers instead of walking boots (see here for this story). My friend, Gemma T, liked her gaiters, click these links USA / UK for the variety of prices, they are inexpensive
  • Pants (as in knickers).
  • Sports bra and ‘normal’ bras.
  • Socks: very important 6 pairs of clean cotton socks and 4-6 pairs of walking socks.
  • Midge nets: you will 100% need these if hiking during midge season, the West Coast midges are horrors.
  • Midge hat: if you don’t want to wear a face net over your head, try the hat with a net. 

Evening Clothes

Once you’ve removed your soggy clothes, you will want to change into something clean, or dry at least.

  • Lounging, comfortable clothes to dine drink in.
  • 1 x padded coat, like my Rab Alpine down USA / UK.
  • Socks and pants if you want clean ones after a shower.
  • Shoes/flip flops (my trainers ended up being my saviour).
  • PJs (bed socks? Some hotel rooms were cold, others toasty).
  • A towel (although all of our accommodation options provided them for free).

West Highland Way Footwear

This is the most important part of hiking gear – boots/shoes must be broken in or you will be in the world of pain!

  • 1 x well broken in walking boots/shoes are essential. Now, I hike in Salomon Quest boots US / UK.
    but have previously worn Salomon Ellipse trek shoes US / UK which I trekked with to Machu Picchu. I had a disaster with footwear during the WHW. Not anymore!
  • 1 x shoes for evening wear (trainers saved me on Day 5)
  • 1 x flip-flops. Always Havaianas US / UK  for me, have had them for five years!) to let your feet breathe/ popping on for shared shower use
  • Leukotape US / UK  is post-WHW discover which I now use for hikes. I tape up my feet to avoid blister, this worked extremely well for my most recent hike, the West Island Way on the Isle of Bute

West Highland Way Day Bag

A small day bag is an essential part of your walking gear for hiking in Scotland as the weather can be pretty temperamental! You’ll need access to a raincoat, hat and of course, snacks.

Here is my day packing list for the West Highland Way

  • 1 x water bottle like the Tree Tribe’ US / UK which has a hook on it for attaching to your backpack (Scottish tap water to great).
  • Trail mix snacks
  • Packed lunches – bought at accommodation for approx. £5, for accommodation options, see our guide to West Highland Way accommodation.
  • Clean socks – cotton socks as well as and walking socks.
  • Gloves.
  • Hat/woollen headband.
  • Plastic protective case for phones and cameras (or plastic sandwich bag) to keep dry.
  • 1 x phone and charger like the Anker battery pack – US / UK. I always pack one when I travel/hike/leave the house for more than 3 hours.
  • Camera.
  • Suncream.
  • Lip salve/chapstick.
  • Tissues.
  • Baby wipes.
  • Plastic bag (for litter).
  • Notebook and pen.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Map…. and printed directions/accommodation information (signposts signal the way).
  • Hiking sticks/Walking poles (my heroes)
  • Torch and batteries (used once to get to hostel in Glencoe from pub).
  • 1 x day bag cover like the Osprey US / UK to protect belongings from the rain.
  • Music playlists, I took this JBL clip speaker US / UK on the West Island Way Hike this summer.
  • Hiking games like A to Zs of 90s bands, celebs names which sound like food (Salami L Jackson, Andy Murray Mint, you are welcome)

First Aid Kit

  • Blister pads, second skin is best (loads of it, go wild on eBay).
  • Ankle support (I needed both supports by Day 4).
  • Plasters.
  • Avon So Soft US / UK for those damn Scottish midges! April was good for minimal midges activity.
  • Bandages.
  • Pins (so you can burst her blisters, sexy, refrain from this for as long as possible).
  • Antiseptic.
  • Paracetamol.
  • Biofreeze US / UK for aches and pains.
  • Wine (red or white, if you are not picky about it being chilled).

Travel Insurance

Naturally, being a Scot, I get access to free healthcare through our National Health Service but I am aware that many of my readers are not actually British so word of warning – get travel insurance before you leave for the UK.

I never travel without insurance when heading further afield. I even had to claim to Vancouver and the cost of visiting the GP alone was $100 never mind the two trips to the physiotherapist which followed.

Luckily my extensive research had paid off (literally) as our insurer, True Traveller, refunded us speedily and without fuss. Heading to Scotland to hike? See if True Traveller works for you by searching their rates here.

You can read our insurance comparison guide here.


Details – West Highland Way Kit List

Quality Raincoat

I did not have the best hiking gear for walking the West Highland Way. My £25 Trespass from TK Maxx was poor quality, selected because of the colour.

I now have two of these ‘alright’ quality raincoats, I will never again scrimp on cost (as I ended up buying two anyway). My advice is – splurge, buy one decent one, named brand. I was envious as the other girls all had coats where the raindrops balanced neatly on top of the material whereas they doused mine.

For Iceland, I invested in a Mountain Equipment Rupal US / UK and it is one of the two best hiking gear decisions I’ve made. The second is purchasing Salomon Quest boots.

The Rupal is made from GORETEX which makes it waterproof, not just showerproof like cheaper coats. It is flattering and comes in decent colours.

The back of the coat covers my bum which is great in wet weather. There are two large pockets on the front of the coat which store phones, maps and even a small camera.

For long-term travel hikes, I pack a Marmot PreCip Jacket US / UK because it is water-resistant, thin, light AND folds away into its own pocket.

Although I do think something heavier like the Rupal would be better for the WHW. When it rains it pours!

Footwear

I killed my Achilles on Day 4 and I blame heavy overly supportive walking boots and my ineptness for not breaking them in.

Hiking for beginners biggest rule – do not buy boots one week before the trek, you have to break them in and mould them to your feet. In saying that, my companion, Julie’s boots were years old but she still suffered.

Helen has had her boots since she was 19 years old and she had no issues. They are leather walking boots like Scarpa US/ UK (which Craig wears).

You are mainly walking over farmlands and much of it is flat, trek trainers with gaiters over the trouser’ would suffice.

My top pick for walking boots now has to be Salomon Quest as mentioned above.

They are comfortable, waterproof and look great. My only complaint is that sometimes the lace loop catches on the tie bracket and causes me to trip.

I did the Devil’s Staircase in Nike trainers (as I could not get the boots over my ankles). What a boss I hear you say, not.

Since the West Highland Way, I’ve broken in a pair of  Salomon Ellipse trek trainers over mountains, volcanoes (even sledging down it using my feet as brakes!) and through rainforests.

I honestly wish I had them during this hike then maybe I would not have had Achilles issues? Heading elsewhere in the UK for trekking? Check out this UK hikes packing list.

Salomon Quest Ladies Boots

Socks/Vaseline/Boots Rule

Lube your feet up, seriously. Get in between the toes too. An alternative is to vaseline your feet but not your toes then tape up your toes with sports tape (which I ended up doing by the end of the week, I had comical blisters on my toes but never on my feet). And cut your toenails!

Once you are slimy put on cotton socks, walking socks and then boots.

West Highland Way Equipment List

To pole or not to pole, that is the question. I borrowed walking poles from my Mum’s friend who highly recommended them.

I could not have done it without them as they became crutches on the day of doom! Others in the group did not bother with them. Personal preference.

Midge nets. Either a face covering or hat (see here) with a net to protect your face is a must if you are hiking during midge season which starts mid-May to mid-late September.

I experienced the West Coast midges at their worst during a recent trip and I was so thankful for having face nets. 

At one spot they didn’t leave after dusk! You’ve been warned. 

Final Words

The West Highland Way was certainly an endurance test for me. It was my first multi-day hike, the first time my Achilles played up, and the first time I had to sit out of a challenge for one day to recover. Would I do it again? Sure thing, but only now I have a decent raincoat and walking boots moulded to be my feet!

Planning Your WHW Hike?

  • West Highland Way route – Day by day: starting here
  • Accommodation guide: here
  • West Highland Way map: here

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West Highland Way Packing list Scotland

Oh, the fun you will have, I am actually jealous of you.
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Colca Canyon Trek Packing List

Colca Canyon trek packing list

The Colca Canyon is one of the most under-rated hikes in South America. Overshadowed by treks to Machu Picchu, this Peruvian hike is never high on any itinerary, until travellers make it to Peru and hear how rewarding the 2/3 days hike is. Fancy swimming and then sleeping in a canyon? You can in Peru, here’s the Colca Canyon trek packing list.

Colca Canyon Trek Packing List

Day Bag

Since you are the one responsible for carrying your bags (no donkeys like the Inca), a small day pack will suffice.

Clothes (Gemma)

  • 3 x vest tops
  • 1 x cardigan
  • 1 x thin jumper (bed wear)
  • 1 x shorts
  • 1 x leggings (very cold at night)
  • 1 x bra (didn’t need sports bra)
  • 3 x pants
  • 3 x socks (didn’t wear hiking socks)
  • 1 x bikini (pool on day 2/hot springs day 3)
  • 1 x raincoat (my beloved Marmot, a downpour on day 2)
  • 1 x rain poncho (folded and attached to bag)

Shoes (Gemma)

  • 1 x walking shoes (Salomon)
  • 1 x flip flops (give feet a rest at night/good for showering)

Clothes (Craig)

  • 1x three quarter length shorts
  • 2 x vest tops
  • 1 x denim shirt
  • 1 x swim shorts
  • 2 x boxer shorts (yuck!)
  • 4 x socks (this boy can’t pack)

Shoes (Craig)

  • 1 x walking boots such as Salomon Ellipse trek shoes US / UK which are lighter for packing.

Toiletries

  • Face wash (didn’t end up washing face!)
  • Deodorant (1 x stick/1 x small spray)
  • Dry shampoo
  • Travel hairspray
  • Hair bobble and kirby grips/bobby pins
  • Soap
  • Sunscreen lotion (vital)
  • DEET or Avon Skin So Soft US / UK
  • Baby wipes
  • Painkillers (headaches with altitude)
  • Malaria tablets (if taking)
  • Hydration tablets 
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Water filter bottle (you can read our review here)
  • iPhones
  • Earphones
  • Battery packs like this US / UK  to keep camera and phones charged
  • Travel notebook & pen
  • Bandana (Craig)

Extras

  • We hired towels (3-5 soles each)
  • Plastic bags for rubbish/wet clothes
  • Nuts
  • Cereal bars (one box)
  • Bananas (green ones ripen in one day)
  • Tangerines
  • Water
  • Skittles
  • Coca sweets (done thing in Peru!)

There are plenty of ‘shops’ on the way over (day one and two only) aka local women that sell fruit and drinks (aqua/water ranges from 3 to 8 soles). Some of the shops sell sweets like Snickers etc. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are filling but you need snacks to keep you going. I’d quite happily not eat a cereal bar again!

What We Wished We Had Packed

  • Craig regretted not bringing flip-flops
  • I wish I had a large scarf to double up as a blanket for the bus (I’m always cold)

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Colca canyon trek packing list Peru

What are your trek packing tips?