Peru Trekking Packing List

Packing Advice

• This packing list is just a recommended guideline for your reference. Everything is optional for you to choose from.
• It’s best to leave all unnecessary valuables and jewelry at home.
• Print a copy of your reservation and place it inside your checked baggage for identification purposes while you are traveling.
• More packing advice >>
• AWR Gear Store >>

• In your day pack, take along water, snacks, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain jacket and pants at a minimum. Add any other items you might need during the day because you may not see the porters until the end of your trek for that day. Your guide can give you good advice on what to pack that day.
• The porters will carry your backpack or duffel with all your other gear.
• Wrap clothing in waterproof plastic bags.
• As with all hiking and camping adventures, you will want to dress in layers — to be able to take an outer layer off when you get too warm…and put a layer on when you get chilled.
• Bring double extra sets of batteries as cold weather shortens their life.
• Carry critical trekking gear on the airplane in case baggage is delayed.
• You may want to bring some older items of warm clothing as gifts for your guides and porters.
• Bring money for tips along with you.

Notes for the Inca Trail

• The Inca Trail has an 8 kg (about 18 pounds) limit for the pack/duffel that the porters carry. Other treks do not have the same weight limit. There is no limit to the weight of the day pack.
• Your hiking poles must have rubber tips, while you are on the trail.
• Small, disposable, plastic water bottles are not allowed.

Printable PDF Peru Trekking Packing List >>

Clothing

You want your inner layer to be wicking — no cotton. Next layer should be insulating and warm, and the top layer should be water proof but breathable. You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for sleeping. Layers are important as temperatures vary greatly.

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferrably moisture-wicking and non-cotton.

• Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
• Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Undergarments
• Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
• Rain jacket and/ or rain poncho
• Sun hat with brim and chin strap
• Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)

Footwear

Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!

• Hiking boots, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support — not too light and not too heavy
• Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
• Hiking socks for warmer conditions
• Wool socks for colder conditions
• Sock liners to wick away moisture
• Gaiters (for mud and scree)

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag (Rated -10 degrees F/-25 degrees C or colder is recommended) — can be rented
• Sleeping bag liner
• A Thermarest sleeping pad is included at no charge

Baggage

• Large duffel bag or backpack with rain cover, for porters to carry (80 liters or larger)
• Day pack and rain cover, for you to carry
• Waterproof plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (ziplocs and garbage bags work)

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible). Remember to set the date and time on your cameras.

• Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
• Camera, lenses, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
• Video camera, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
• Tripod (travel size)
• GoPro, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
• Lens cleaning cloth

Toiletries

• Soap
• Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
• Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Deodorant
• Moist towelettes (handy-wipes)
• Hand sanitizer
• Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Small towel and washcloth
• Toilet paper
• Facial tissue
• Shaving supplies
• Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
• Insect repellent
• Q-tips
• Sewing kit
• Feminine products
• Cosmetics

First Aid

You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

• Prescription drugs
• Malaria pills (if necessary)
• Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
• Band-aids/plasters
• Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
• Throat lozenges
• Vitamins
• Antihistamines
• Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
• Gauze bandages and tape
• Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar)
• Ace bandage
• Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
• Diamox for altitude (talk to doctor)

Documents

• Passport (make sure it is valid 6 months after your trip)
• Visas for all countries as necessary
• Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
• Copy of AWR travel itinerary
• Medical insurance card
• Address book
• Business cards
• Document organizer
• Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers checks’ numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion’s luggage and email them to yourself (or store in Cloud). Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.

Other

• Sunglasses, straps
• Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
• Binoculars
• Pocket knife
• Notebook, lots of pens
• Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
• Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
• Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
• Carabiners for attaching things to your day pack or hanging things to dry
• Matches or lighter
• Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2006 with no tears)
• Guide books, maps, language books
• Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season or even for sun shade
• Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
• Gifts for guides and local children
• Banner/flag/sentimental item to hold up in an important place, santa hats for your holiday photo

• 2-3 Water bottles and/or Camelbak (no disposable water bottles)
  • Bring 3 liters of bottled water for the first day of hiking.
  • Guides will boil water or use steripens for water sanitization for you along the route.
  • To prevent water from freezing on coldest days, keep your water and tube inside your jacket. For Camelbaks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often.
  • Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.
  • A plastic syrup bottle with handle and spout makes a good water bottle. Put a rope or lanyard through the handle, and it fits nicely under your jacket.
  • Write your name on your bottles and bladders to easily identify whose is whose.
• Trekking or ski poles
• Energy bars (also nice to share with other climbers, guides, and porters)