Here’s the lowdown on stuff you might be tempted to leave behind for the Inca Trail hike. Seriously think about squeezing these into your backpack if you can. Trust me on this.

Clothing Essentials

Two Pairs of Good Hiking Pants

Yeah not just one pair but two pairs of hiking pants that are waterproof but also let sweat out. I brought only one real pair and some yoga pants, and man I wore those hiking pants way too much over the 4 days. You’re hiking through different weather and temps every day, eating snacks while walking, sweating like crazy, and using some basic bathrooms along the way. Putting on the same dirty sticky pants the next morning? Not fun. But since the weather on the Inca Trail – which climbs super high, hitting passes like Dead Woman’s Pass at about $4,215$ meters ($13,828$ feet) – can change fast and I was sweating buckets I always wanted those specific pants. Really wished I had a second pair to switch out.

Comfy Pants Just for Sleeping

Speaking of pants you need a separate pair just for chilling and sleeping in the tent. Something loose and comfy. Nights got crazy cold then super humid then it poured rain. So your sleep stuff needs to handle anything.

Cozy Sweater or Sweatshirt for Camp

Like the pants situation my hiking jackets weren’t what I wanted to relax in at night. I only had basic long sleeves and my big jackets. Pack a simple pullover sweatshirt or something cozy just for evenings that you’re not hiking in during the day.

Must-Have Gadgets and Gear

A Strong Headlamp

My buddy and I just brought regular flashlights. Big mistake. First night we knew it. You’re out in the middle of nowhere really dark no campfires no city lights nothing. Need to find the bathroom brush your teeth or just walk to another tent? Holding a flashlight is just annoying. Get a headlamp a decent one. You won’t regret it.

Water Bottle with a Covered Mouthpiece

My Camelback mouthpiece was exposed. Let’s just say after dropping it at the airport on the muddy trail and maybe even near a trail bathroom I really didn’t want to drink from it. Get a bottle where the part you drink from has a cover. Simple.

Decent Rechargeable Battery Pack

I had this tiny cheap battery pack gave me like one phone charge. Totally useless. Spend a bit more get a good brand that holds a long charge and can charge your stuff multiple times.

Carabiner Clips

These little clips would’ve been awesome. For clipping on layers you take off a small towel your water bottle hand sanitizer whatever. If you have some just clip ’em onto your backpack. You’ll definitely find a use for them. Never thought to bring these but saw others using them.

Comfort Items

Extra Lotion

With the weather going up and down my skin got SO dry. I didn’t pack enough lotion and those baby wipe showers didn’t help. Seriously I was craving lotion like never before. Pack extra.

Your Own Blanket

Okay I DID pack this and I was so happy I did. Almost everyone else wished they had one. It worked as a better pillow and gave extra warmth in the tent. Totally worth the space if you can manage it.

Inflatable Sleeping Pad

Your tour guide will probably ask the day before the trek if you want to rent one. Just say yes. Seriously say yes. It makes sleeping on the ground way better.

Sleeping Bag Liner

Yeah they give you sleeping bags usually but having your own liner just feels cleaner and cozier. If you have your own sleeping bag and space to bring it that works too but I didn’t have room others did.

Sunglasses Neck Strap

You don’t wanna lose your sunglasses when you’re outside most of the day. You’ll be taking them on and off constantly looking at views taking layers off snapping photos. I kept putting mine down or stuffing them in pockets. Would’ve been way easier just hanging them around my neck. Total rookie mistake.

Earplugs

Saved me. Blocked out random noises and people talking in the next tent. When you’re hiking that hard all day sleep is super important.

Practical Stuff

Trash Bags

BRING THEM. You’ll use them for everything. Bag for dirty clothes makeshift rain cover for stuff holding your actual trash in the tent or when using the toilet spots. Things get grimy out there fast. Bring bags.

Instant Coffee Packets

One person on our trip was a hero. She brought single packets of instant coffee different flavors! I had a chai latte! This was just before the final push to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) which sits around $2,720$ meters ($8,924$ feet) overlooking Machu Picchu (at $2,430$ meters / $7,972$ feet). It was a total game-changer that morning she was the MVP for sure. The porters usually give you hot water so this is easy.

Two Hiking Poles

I run a lot and stay active so I thought one pole would be fine didn’t want to be weighed down. WRONG. Get two poles. Your body is working hard all day long especially going downhill on rocky steps with roots everywhere. Two poles would have been way safer and much easier on the knees.

Biodegradable Toilet Paper

Buy some TP at the little stops before or maybe early on the trail if guides point it out. We ran out and I was seriously saving napkins from dinner. Not cool. Make sure it’s the biodegradable kind though gotta respect the trail.

Nail Clippers

OMG this one is huge! Long story short we didn’t have any clippers and after 4 days of hiking your fingernails and toenails get long and just plain gross and dirty. I swear I would have paid $100$ bucks just for clippers by the end. Pack a small travel pair. Thank me later.

Closed-Toe Shoes (for After)

Bring a pair of comfy closed-toe shoes that AREN’T your hiking boots for after you finish the trail. Once we were done I did NOT want to put my boots back on. I actually bought some cheap flats in Cusco (around $3,399$ meters / $11,152$ feet) because my feet needed a break.

Waterproof Backpack Cover

My OSPREY pack didn’t come with one surprisingly. It was water-resistant sure but when it really started pouring I would’ve felt much better knowing my stuff was totally covered. Check if your pack has one if not get one.

Money Matters on the Trail

You’ll definitely need some cash, specifically soles in small bills and coins. Don’t just bring large bills. Here’s why and some other potential costs: