What You Pack Defines Your Experience at Machu Picchu
Traveling to Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience that blends awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural history, and high-altitude adventure. Whether you're exploring the citadel by train or trekking the iconic Inca Trail, what you pack can make or break your journey.
This comprehensive Machu Picchu packing guide is designed for experienced travelers, families, and adventure-seekers planning to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2025. Packed with expert tips, downloadable checklists, and insider recommendations, you'll be ready for every weather change, rule, and trail twist along the way.
Essential Travel Info Before You Pack
- Itinerary Type: Are you doing a day trip, a 2-day hike, or the full 4-day Inca Trail? Your gear will vary accordingly.
- Entry Rules: Machu Picchu has bag size limits and prohibited items (e.g., tripods, drones, plastic bottles). Check official guidelines.
- Season:
- Dry Season (May–October): Ideal for trekking cool and clear.
- Rainy Season (November–April): Expect showers pack waterproof gear.
- Altitude Awareness:
- Cusco: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)
- Machu Picchu: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
How to avoid altitud sickness in Cusco: Consider packing altitude sickness remedies like coca tea or medication.
Machu Picchu Entrance Rules: What You Cannot Bring
According to the Ministry of Culture, the following 17 items are prohibited:
- Large backpacks (over 40 x 35 x 20 cm)
- Food or beverages (including water in disposable containers)
- Alcoholic beverages or drugs
- Aerosols or sprays
- Musical instruments or speakers (or anything that emits loud sounds)
- Umbrellas (rain ponchos are recommended instead)
- Selfie sticks, tripods, or camera stabilizers
- Drones or professional filming/photography equipment
- Walking sticks with metal or hard tips (allowed only for elderly or disabled visitors with rubber tips)
- Baby strollers (you may use baby carriers instead)
- High heels or hard-soled shoes (only soft-soled or trekking shoes allowed)
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Banners, flags, or posters (including advertising or political content)
- Costumes or clothing intended for publicity
- Animals (except certified service animals)
- Smoking or vaping devices
- Any object intended for performance, protest, or ceremony
Tip: Check updated regulations before your trip: Official Guidelines
Machu Picchu Packing List
1. Machu Picchu Packing List for Day Trips
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking shirt (long sleeve for sun protection)
- Lightweight jacket (preferably waterproof)
- Fleece or hoodie for cold mornings
- Convertible hiking pants or leggings
- Cap or wide-brim hat
Footwear
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners
- No sandals or flip-flops
Gear & Accessories
- Small daypack (under 8 kg)
- Passport + Machu Picchu ticket (required)
- 2L water bottle or hydration pack
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+), insect repellent
- Sunglasses (UV-protection)
- Tissues, wet wipes, hand sanitizer
- Basic first-aid kit
2. Packing List for Short Treks (1–2 Days)
- If your trip includes a short trek (e.g., Inca Trail 2D):
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Hiking socks (2–3 pairs)
- Lightweight base layers
- Trekking poles (rubber-tipped)
- Change of clothes for second day
- Headlamp with batteries
- Electrolyte packets or energy snacks
3. Packing List for Multi-Day Treks
- Backpack Recommendations
- 30–50L backpack for multi-day hikes
- Rain cover for your backpack
- Toiletries & Hygiene
- Biodegradable soap & toothbrush
- Quick-dry towel & travel wipes
- Travel-size deodorant & sunscreen
- Toilet paper & resealable plastic bags
- Camping Gear
- Sleeping bag (check if tour includes one)
- Sleeping pad (optional if not provided)
- Flip-flops or sandals for campsite
4. Packing List for Multi-Day Treks
Backpack Recommendations
- 30–50L backpack for multi-day hikes
- Rain cover for your backpack
Toiletries & Hygiene
- Biodegradable soap & toothbrush
- Quick-dry towel & travel wipes
- Travel-size deodorant & sunscreen
- Toilet paper & resealable plastic bags
Camping Gear
- Sleeping bag (check if tour includes one)
- Sleeping pad (optional if not provided)
- Flip-flops or sandals for campsite
5. What to Pack for Families Visiting Machu Picchu
Traveling with kids? Pack:
- Kid-sized daypack
- Light rain jackets & warm layers
- Nutritious snacks & extra water
- Sunscreen & hats for everyone
- Baby carrier (ergonomic)
- Coloring book or quiet toy for train ride
Note: Strollers are not allowed inside Machu Picchu.
7. Seasonal Packing Tips: Dry vs. Rainy Season
Dry Season (May–Oct)
- Colder mornings and nights
- Layers are essential
- Less mud but more sun exposure
Rainy Season (Nov–Apr)
- Pack extra socks & rain gear
- Waterproof shoes recommended
- Mosquito repellent is a must
8. Bonus: What NOT to Bring to Machu Picchu
- Besides the official prohibited items, avoid:
- Heavy guidebooks (go digital)
- Expensive jewelry
- Flashy or promotional clothing
- Plastic bags (bring reusable bags instead)
FAQs: Packing for Machu Picchu
Can I bring a drone if I don’t plan to use it?
No. Drones are strictly prohibited, even if you don’t fly them.
Do I need a water filter?
Not necessary for day trips. For multi-day hikes, a portable filter or purification tablets are a smart addition.
Are walking sticks allowed?
Yes, but only with rubber tips. Metal tips are banned to protect the trails.
What if I forget to pack something?
You can easily buy essentials like sunscreen, rain ponchos, or bug spray in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
Is altitude sickness medication required?
It's not mandatory, but highly recommended especially if you’re flying directly into Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft). Bring coca tea, soroche pills, or consult your doctor for acetazolamide.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Comfortable, non-slip trekking shoes or hiking boots with good grip. Avoid sandals or hard-soled shoes.
Can I bring snacks?
No food is allowed inside the archaeological site, but you can eat outside before entering. Small energy bars are typically fine for hikes but be discreet and leave no waste.
Is there a place to store my bag?
Yes. Bag check services are available at the entrance for items that exceed the size limit (40 x 35 x 20 cm).
Is a passport required to enter?
Yes. You must show your passport along with your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Some travelers also get a passport stamp at the site as a souvenir.
It's important to prepare for one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life while packing for Machu Picchu, not just what will fit in your backpack. Being organized will make all the difference, whether you're trekking the Inca Trail, on a luxurious day trip, or exploring with children. Your comfort, safety, and enjoyment all depend on what you bring because of the Andean weather, UNESCO laws, and terrain that varies from misty jungle to steep stone steps.
At Andean Travel Experience, we specialize in crafting tailor-made journeys to Machu Picchu and beyond. Whether you're an adventurous trekker, a family with kids, or a traveler seeking comfort and culture, we'll handle every detail so all you have to do is show up, fully prepared. Contact us Today.