Cuzco Travel Forum

hi am doing the inca trail on 26th of july and was just wondering what il be wearing? i know its meant to be very hot during the day and very cold at night. does this mean shorts for the day and trousers fleeces and thermals for night? also i have a pair of trecking shoes is it worth bringing them or are ordinary trainers enough?

I'd say that you are right on the money with your hiking outfit. Sometimes it isn't really "hot" during the day (not like Mexico), but the hiking can make you very hot. It does get quite cold at night. I always slept in a sweat pants and long sleeved top (with a t-shirt under that).

Treking shoes are a recommended- your feel will probably feel much better at the end.

Spot on, shorts and t shirt daytime and thermals at night - and make sure you have long sleeves/leg cover at dawn and dusk for those mozzies. Proper walking boots far better than trainers, there are lots of places you need ankle support.

When I was hiking I found a pair of pants that could turn into shorts with zippers were ideal as the temp would heat up in the day and it was very quick and easy to stay cool. It will get quite cool at night so that above advice is correct. As far as shoes go, make sure that you shoes are broken in well. A new pair of shoes will probably leave you climbing the trail full of blisters on the 2nd day. A good comfortable pair of hikers should do it.

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I agree about those zipper pants that turn into shorts, they were great for the trip. You also should get a shirt or two that wicks away moisture (non-cotton), in case it rains. It will dry much faster then cotton.

For shoes, I brought two pairs and was happy that I did because I was starting to get a blister and I switched into the other pair and didn't have a problem. If you have an extra pair of comfortable hiking/running shoes you might want to bring them along just in case.

This wasn't part of your question, but one thing that really came in handy on the trip was a headlamp light, at night time that became my most prized possession. Enjoy!