So you are thinking about trekking to Machu Picchu via one of the trails? Get ready for an amazing experience!!!  I did the Salkantay Trail in July (Dry Season, Winter) and it was one of the best experiences of my life.

There are a good amount of items that you will need to bring or rent for this trek…After completing the trek, here are my top recommendations:

I’d love to hear about your trekking lifesavers or what you wish you had brought in the comment box below! 🙂

Medicine/Health

Packing List: Health/Medication for Trekking to Machu Picchu

• Ammonium AD
• Ciprofloxacin (“Cipro”)- prescription*
• Diamox (Was prescribed* to me off label for altitude sickness)
• Advil/iB prophin
• Coca leaves (Available in Peru and no, this is not “cocaine”, it’s legal in Peru and has been used for centuries for altitude sickness among other uses not at all drug related)
• Purell
• Bug repellent
• New-Skin for blisters (I’m a former Ballerina, trust me on this one!)
• Knee brace if you have any knee trouble (the downhill parts were no joke, people were blowing out knees left and right)
• (*Please consult a physician for the prescriptions)

Accessories

Packing List: Accessories Recommended for a Machu Picchu Trek

• Sunglasses and strap for around your neck
• Trekking sticks (or rent)
• Sleeping bag (unless you rent one from the company)
• Headlamp
• Water bottle
• Backpack
• Gopro, multiple batteries and cards, chest mount
• Camera
• Solar panel charger

Clothing

Packing List: Clothing for a Machu Picchu Trek

• Trekking sneakers (ankle support)
• Rain coat or rain poncho
• Light clothing for the day and warm for the night
• Hat (picked up a colorful alpaca hat in Cusco as a souvenir)
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Plenty of socks: Smart Wool is great
• LAYERS
• Leggings, Yoga Pants, Hiking Pants (Jeans are not recommended)

Miscellaneous

Packing List: Misc. Items for a Machu Picchu Trek

• Sun screen
• Chapstick with SPF
• Wet wipes: Yup, this is a “shower”
• Limited Make up: Tinted Moisturizer and Mascara (If you must)…Trust me, you aren’t going to are about make-up or looking “cute” after the first day
• Lots of Kleenex/Tp
• SNACKS, BRING PLENTY OF SNACKS: Nutrition Bars, Nuts, Dried Fruit

I hope you enjoy your trekking experience as much as I enjoyed mine! Read about my trekking experience HERE!

XOXO,

RWR

: @ROAMINGWITHRUTH