Duffel bag
- Sleeping bag – you’ll need a good three-season sleeping bag for the period October-May, but consider taking a four-season bag for the June-September winter season. You can either bring your own sleeping bag from home or hire one in Cuzco. If you do the latter, be sure to have your own silk sleeping bag liner with you.
- Roll mats – these are generally provided by your tour company, but as the campsite pitches may be a little stony it’s a good idea to bring an inflatable mattress or hire one in Cuzco.
- Travel pillow – an inflatable pillow definitely beats a sleeping bag stuff sack full of dirty clothing.
- Clothing – take thermal fleece and trousers for sleeping in, as well as your clean underwear (including socks), base layers, t-shirts and spare trousers for the rest of the trek.
- Toiletries – on the third night of the Inca Trail you have the chance to take a shower, so make sure you pack travel-sized shampoo and body-wash, along with a medium or large travel towel any items you’ll use on the other evenings and mornings.
- Footwear – take sandals or flipflops to wear to the showers on night three.
- Swimwear – just in case you have the chance to visit the hot pools at Aguas Calientes.