Machu Picchu Travel Forum

Hi, I'm going to attempt the 4 day Inca Trail Trek in September and wondered what clothing was best to take. I don't want to carry too much, so want to get the balance right. Shorts ? Long Trousers ? Rain wear ? All suggestions welcomed !
Cheers

Gary

Hi there,

The Inca Trail trek is a fabulous experience that I am sure you will love! Not sure if you know, but most of the tour operators that you book the trek with have porters who carry your clothing & personal items from campsite to campsite so you would carry only a daypack with food snacks and water usually.

You will need two pairs of long pants (preferably ones that zip into shorts especially for trekking). You will need thermal underwear (long sleeved) and t-shirts on top (layers so you can take off or put on as necessary). You will also need a warmer fleece and a light rain jacket/thin wind breaker. A lot of people used the rain coats that go over your pack which I thought were really handy. You will need a small travel towel. There is a place to shower on the last night on the trail but noone in my group bothered. You might want to pack your swimsuit also to go to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes at the end of the trek.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Cheers,
Rhianon

Thanks a lot for that, hadn't thought of the long trousers zipped to shorts - a great suggestion. I haven't got my 'tour pack' yet so that might tell me if my group gets the full porter treatment. If we do, it's not such a problem. Didn't know about the spa either - sounds great. If I think of anything else I might just cry for help again - thanks and happy travelling

No worries, happy to help! Cheers, Rhianon

Machu Picchu is written in quichua language and means Old Mountain. Machu Picchu is 2400 meters altitude located. It's very near to heaven and clouds. I suggest you get some winter clothes, some clumsy bermuda shorts with some brandy in the pockets for just in case...
The pictures I watch of Machu Picchu I always see very near clouds too.
Cassio Pinto Viegas

to add to what kiwigal said, a key to potential wet hiking conditions and/or high altitude is moisture management. Try not to pack anything that is cotton. Microfibers and tech wear as the zip off pants mentioned or fleece is good. A light breathable but waterproof shell is a must in any travel and just layer under to get desired warmth.

Thanks Ken, my packing list is changing all the time now, and all these tips are appreciated. Had a look at your Macchu Pichu pages and found them useful too. Thanks for taking the time. I hope I have something useful to add when I've done the trip
Cheers
Gary

welcome to the site. Thats good you are starting to get your homepage set up. Have fun.