Machu Picchu Day Trip Packing

Visiting Machu Picchu and hiking the famous Inca Trail is on many people’s bucket lists. This beautiful and historic citadel is located high in the Andes Mountains in Peru and provides some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see. When visiting this site, however, you should make sure you’re properly prepared with essential supplies to make your trip a memorable one.

Suitable Footwear

Machu Picchu is high in the mountains, which mean you should be prepared to be hiking on uneven terrain with varying levels of incline. It’s best to wear quality hiking boots or trainers that can support different levels of activity while keeping you comfortable for extended periods of time.

Light Breathable Clothing

An important thing to know about Peru is that it has a very humid climate. When taking a Machu Picchu day trip, don’t be surprised to break a sweat even though you’re at a higher elevation. To stay cool and dry, wear breathable clothing that keeps you comfortable with the temperature outside. In most cases, it’s better to wear light layers of clothing that you can take on and off as needed.

Sun Protection

Remember that at higher elevations, you’re exposed to much more sunlight than you might be used to. Due to this fact, make sure you pack plenty of sunscreens and protective eyewear. This will ensure you enjoy your hiking adventure without getting burnt.

Backpack

Including a backpack while planning your Machu Picchu day trip packing is almost non-negotiable. You’ll be walking and climbing for extended periods of time, and making sure you have snacks, water and of course your camera supplies are necessary. With that in mind, find a backpack that gives you the storage capacity you need without the extra weight of heavy fabrics. Even a small carrying case can be suitable so long as you stick to only bringing the essentials.

Passport

Last and most important, you absolutely NEED YOUR PASSPORT to enter Machu Picchu. There are no exceptions to this rule and you’ll need to make sure your Passport and other standard forms of identification are available when you check. If you forget everything else on this checklist, don’t forget this one.

Bug Spray

Bug spray (with DEET) can keep you itch-free and provide you with spray-on protection from bugs and gnats as you explore the area. They can be particularly bothersome, and even if you aren’t usually “bugged,” you may still want to bring some just in case. It would be a shame to have your trip interrupted by the constant pestering of the local insect population!

Machu Picchu is a wonder to behold and you’ll not regret your visit. By ensuring you’re prepared with these essential supplies, you will make the most of your trip and have memories that will last a lifetime. To learn more about what you need for Machu Picchu day trip packing, get in touch with Alpaca Expeditions. Alpaca Expeditions is a Peruvian travel operator with a main office in located in Cusco, Peru, and we are the top-rated tour operators of the Inca Trail.