IMG Machu Picchu Gear List

Note: During the trek, each member will be allowed 7 Kilos (about 15 pounds) of personal gear to be carried by a porter on the Inca Trail. This normally includes your sleeping bag, change of clothes for Aguas Calientes at the end of the trail, insulated parka, extra snacks, limited toiletries, camp shoes and extra hiking socks.

In your pack each day you will carry rain gear (jacket and pants), extra insulating layers, two water bottles, snacks for the day, sun hat, sun glasses, sun screen, warm hat, gloves and camera.

ON THE TREK
FEET:
[  ]	Medium to medium heavy weight waterproof hiking boots — with suitable ankle support; make sure whatever you wear is broken in and very comfortable; if leather, treat the boot multiple times with waterproofing)
[  ]	Wool or wool/synthetic blend socks (2-3 complete changes)
LOWER BODY:
[  ]	Long johns (1 pair, lightweight synthetic)
[  ]	Stretch nylon hiking/climbing pants, Schoeller type fabric.
[  ]	Waterproof/breathable pants (preferable with leg zips)
[  ]	Hiking shorts (nylon hiking style is best... avoid very short ones, as it might offend the locals. Best of all are the nylon zip-off hiking pants. Make sure you have one extra pair of pants on the trek, reserved for your arrival in the town of Aquas Calientes. It is nice to have a clean pair of clothes after checking in to the hotel at the end of the trek!
[  ]	Underwear (2-3 pair for trail use)
UPPER BODY:
[  ]	Long john top (1 lightweight, 1 medium—zip neck is best)
[  ]	Soft shell or fleece jacket
[  ]	Waterproof/breathable rain jacket with hood
[  ]	Down or synthetic parka (REQUIRED, but reasonably light in weight)
[  ]	T-shirt (synthetic is best). Bring at least two, one extra shirt to wear when you arrive at the hotel at the end of the trek.
HEAD AND HANDWEAR:
[  ]	Fleece or wool hat
[  ]	Sun hat or baseball cap
[  ]	Wool or fleece gloves
[  ]	Bandanna
[  ]	Chemical hand warmers (2 sets for cold mornings, only if your hands get cold easily)
SLEEPING:
[  ]	Sleeping bag (down or synthetic, down to 25° with a compression stuff bag). A down bag is usually much lighter and more compact than an equally rated synthetic bag.
[  ]	Sleeping pad. An inflatable, 1½" insulated sleeping pad is provided for each member of the trek. This is sufficient for most, no need to bring another. If you really want extra padding underneath, bring a very lightweight inflatable pad like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir.
MISCELLANEOUS:
[  ]	Pack (medium size, internal frame, in the range of 25 to 45 liters; Note: test prior to use! Try to keep the weight of the pack down. Top loading works best.)
[  ]	Pack rain cover, to protect from mist... and mud! (As an alternative, bring 1-2 large garbage bags for the same purpose)
[  ]	Adjustable ski poles (baskets are NOT required on the poles, but the poles MUST have tip guards (for the Inca Trail only) to help protect the ancient stone steps from wear.
[  ]	large stuff sacks (2; for packing clothes and bulk of personal lunch; to keep things organized and dry)
[  ]	Small stuff bag (for daily lunch)
[  ]	Sunglasses
[  ]	Sun cream (1 full bottle; 35-50 SPF protection)
[  ]	Lip protection (with high SPF)
[  ]	Water bottles (2 wide mouth 1 qt. Nalgene type bottles; a water hydration system can substitute for one bottle)
[  ]	Toilet paper (1 roll in Ziploc bag; plus personal hygiene wipes)
[  ]	Garbage bags (4 large, heavy duty; 30+ gal; use one to line your pack and the others to protect the contents of your duffel; it's an excellent way to keep your gear dry. At camps, put your boots in one. Extra bags are ALWAYS GOOD!)
[  ]	Headlight (LED with fresh batteries, plus 1 spare set). You'll need a headlight, if we decide to walk in the dark to catch the first sun-rays on Machu Picchu.)
[  ]	First aid kit (To cover your personal needs only); Band-Aids, 1" roll of athletic tape, 3" wide Ace bandage, blister pads/moleskin, non-prescription pain meds and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, cough drops (10). Pepto Bismol tablets are helpful for dealing with minor stomach distress. Imodium is an effective over the counter aid for diarrhea. Consult with you doctor about the trip and travel at altitude and bring any recommended prescription drugs in original prescription bottles.
[  ]	Prescription Medications to Highly Consider: Antibiotic for respiratory and GI problems (azithromycin "Z-Pak") Diamox (acetazolamide) for acclimatization (125mg tabs recommended; enough for a 10-days; normal prescription is 125mg twice per day. Don't bring the 500mg tabs; they are not for altitude use.) Asthma medication and/or EPI pen, if any history For serious illness on high altitude expeditions/long high altitude treks, standard treatment protocol is immediate descent and if necessary: Nifedipine for Pulmonary Edema (we suggest 30mg time release tablets — bring a couple tablets), and Dexamethasone for cerebral edema (bring a few 4mg tablets) Over the counter laxative Avoid sleeping pills of any kind while on the trek or climbing extensions
[  ]	Water purification tablets, Iodine or Chlorine Dioxide (1 bottle or approx. 20 tabs) for backup water treatment. Your trail cook will boil all drinking water issued to the group and your guide will carry a portable water filter just in case.
[  ]	Insect repellant (a high concentration of DEET is most effective. The bugs, in general, are not bad, but best to be safe!)
[  ]	Travel toothbrush and paste
[  ]	Lightweight day pack. Optional, but recommended for air travel and general walking in town and touring the grounds of Machu Picchu—lightweight with few frills, 20 liters or less.
[  ]	Lunch (for on and off mountain, to supplement provided lunches). Please bring a variety of non-perishable foods weighing in total no more than 5 lbs. You can supplement this some with local foods, candies, and fresh fruits. 3 bars/items per day X 4 trekking days is sufficient. Lunch ideas include: string cheese, beef jerky, dried fruit, candy bars (chocolate may melt), energy bars, hard candies, nuts, electrolyte replacement drink mix (several quarts repackaged into a Ziploc bag). Salty snacks are often appreciated.
IN TOWN
[  ]	Passport/Visa
[  ]	International shot record and proof of Covid vaccination
[  ]	Money ($200 for the local staff tip pool, plus $500+ for misc. drinks, some meals, travel, gifts and extras. Bring some smaller bills, like $5's and $10's) ATM's are available (but limited) in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Dispensed money is in local currency.
[  ]	Credit cards (alert your card carrier that you will be traveling out of country)
[  ]	Money belt/neck pouch
[  ]	Running/tennis shoes (use as camp shoes)
[  ]	Socks; cotton or synthetic, for travel (3)
[  ]	Small vial of liquid biodegradable soap (for clothes)
[  ]	Underwear (3-4)
[  ]	Toiletries (be sure to keep it light here)
[  ]	Cotton pants or synthetic travel pants (2)
[  ]	Dress/sport shirts (1-2)
[  ]	T-shirts or short sleeve travel shirts (2-3)
[  ]	Small to medium size duffel bag, lightweight but durable (for air travel and porter carry during the trek; with small combination TSA lock)
[  ]	Large duffel bag or suitcase (for air travel and to store gear at hotel; small combination TSA lock)
[  ]	Ear plugs (for the tent)
OPTIONAL
[  ]	Smart phone for quick photos and music
[  ]	Camera(s), extra storage media cards and extra batteries
[  ]	Binoculars, smaller style

Clothing Notes: Easy-wash travel-clothing is convenient, as are jeans and non flashy shirts. Avoid bright colors or logos that mark you as a tourist. Cusco and the Inca trail are "tourist friendly," so being a tourist doesn't create any problems—but it's a good idea to dress-down, nonetheless. Cotton for trail use, however, is generally discouraged.

Gear Donations: If desired, you can donate your worn out clothing and gear to our local guides and staff after the trek—and make your bag lighter for your flight home. It is a good way to "unload" some of your older gear that you no longer need or want and help out someone who can put it to good use. Extra trek food can also be left for the Peruvian staff after the trek.