Getting Your Pack Ready for the Short Inca Trail Hike
Thinking about doing the Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu? It’s a totally awesome trip! This guide is here to give you the lowdown on what you need to know. We’ll cover how to get your backpack organized and what hiking the famous Inca Trail is really like. This trek is often called one of the best hikes in South America, and for good reason. Read on to get all the details so your trip is smooth and you don’t get surprised by anything.
The Short Inca Trail is located in Peru, leading up to Machu Picchu, which sits around 2,430 meters (that’s about 7,972 feet) high.
Choosing the Right Backpack
First things first for the Short Inca Trail: picking a good backpack. This pack is gonna be with you for the whole hike, so finding the right one is key to being comfortable.
How Big Should It Be?
Most people find a backpack that’s about 30 to 40 liters is just right for the Inca Trail. It’s enough space for the stuff you absolutely need without making your back ache too much. If you have a bigger pack, try not to stuff it full. Carrying too much extra weight just makes the hiking tougher, especially going uphill.
Other Things to Think About
- Can it handle rain? Weather can change fast out there, so getting a backpack that’s water-resistant or bringing a rain cover is a smart move. You don’t want soggy gear!
- Easy to get into? Look for a pack with different pockets and sections. That way, you can quickly grab your water or a snack without having to empty everything out onto the trail. Trust me, this matters.
- Is it light? Even the right size pack should be made of light stuff. No need to start your hike carrying extra weight just from the bag itself.
What Clothes to Pack
Here’s a list of clothes you should bring. Layering is super important because temps change a lot!
- Sun hat or baseball cap: Gotta keep the sun off your head during the day.
- Wool hat: For when it’s cold, especially in the early morning or if you’re hiking higher up.
- Scarf: Helps keep your neck warm and protected from wind.
- Gloves: Your hands will thank you on chilly mornings or in higher spots.
- Waterproof jacket: Essential! Keeps you dry if it rains and blocks the wind.
- Warm layer: Like a fleece or thermal shirt. Great for staying warm when it gets cooler.
- Hiking pants: Comfy and tough. Lightweight ones that let you move easily are best. Water-resistant is a bonus!
- Comfy underwear: Pick ones that dry fast and breathe well.
- Socks: Get hiking socks that breathe and help keep your feet dry. Wet feet can mean blisters, and nobody wants that on a hike!
Quick Tip: Definitely bring something for the rain, like a simple poncho. Pack smart – bring what you need but don’t go crazy with too much stuff.
The Right Shoes Are a Must
Your feet are doing all the work, so good shoes are critical for the Inca Trail.
Hiking Boots
These are your main shoes for the trail.
- Make sure they are sturdy, waterproof, and support your ankles. The trail can be uneven and rocky.
- Walk around in them before your trip to make sure they are comfy for long distances. Break them in!
- The bottom (sole) needs good grip. The path can get slippery if it’s wet or muddy. You don’t want to slide around.
Lighter Shoes for Camp
Once you stop hiking for the day, it feels amazing to get out of your boots.
- Bring some lighter, easy-to-wear shoes like sandals or comfy slip-ons for hanging out at the campsite.
- These are just for short walks around camp or letting your feet relax and get some air after being in boots all day. It’s a game changer!
Don’t Forget Your Papers
There are some really important documents you need for the Inca Trail. Don’t leave these behind!
Your Original Passport
This is the most important one. You need your actual passport to book the Inca Trail permits, and you must show it to get on the trail itself. Check that it’s valid and looks okay before you travel. No valid passport, no hike. Simple as that.
Student ID (If You Have One)
If you’re a student and want to maybe get a discount, you need a valid student ID. It has to show your name, photo, and a clear date it expires. Also, you usually need to be under 25 years old for the discount. If the ID is expired or doesn’t have an expiry date, they won’t accept it, so double-check this if you plan on using it.
Useful Things to Pack (Accessories)
These little things can make a big difference on the trail.
- Camera: To get those incredible pictures of the views.
- Cell phone: Also good for photos, but don’t expect great signal everywhere.
- Portable charger (Power bank): Super important! There are no plugs out on the trail to charge your phone or camera. Make sure it’s charged up before you go.
- Cash (Peruvian Soles): Bring some local money. You might need it for small things, and cards don’t work in many places because there’s no signal.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun at high altitude is strong! Protect your skin and eyes.
- Flashlight or headlamp: You’ll need this for getting around the camp at night.
- Water bottle or hydration pack: Stay hydrated! You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Rain poncho: Easy to carry and perfect for sudden rain showers.
Snacks for the Hike
Bring some energy! These are good to have in your pack to munch on during the day.
- Energy bars
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Candies (for a quick sugar boost)
- Cookies
- Chocolate
Keeping Clean and Healthy
Basic hygiene stuff is important even when you’re hiking.
- Toilet paper and wet wipes: This is key because trail bathrooms often don’t have supplies.
- Hand sanitizer: Use this before eating or after using the bathroom when water isn’t available.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: Travel sizes are best to save space.
- Deodorant: Stick or cream is usually easier than spray.
- Lip balm with SPF: The sun and wind at high altitude can really dry out and burn your lips. Protect them!
- Small comb or brush: Just something quick to tidy up if you want.
A Few Extra Items
These aren’t must-haves for everyone, but some people find them helpful.
- Earplugs and sleep mask: If you’re staying at campsites, these can help you sleep better if it’s noisy or light out.
- Microfiber towel: These are light, pack small, and dry really fast.
- Small personal first aid kit: Bring some pain relievers (like Advil or Tylenol), maybe something for upset stomach, and any specific medicines you need yourself. Better to have it just in case!
How to Have a Great Time on the Trail (Tips!)
Doing the Short Inca Trail is an adventure, and following these tips makes it way better. These aren’t just random ideas; they really help you enjoy the hike safely and respectfully.
- Walk at your own speed: Don’t try to go too fast. Find a rhythm that feels good so you can enjoy looking around without getting totally wiped out too soon. It’s not a race!
- Always listen to your guide: Your guide knows the trail super well. They have important info about the route, the history of the Inca sites you see, and keeping everyone safe. Pay attention to them before and during the hike. They are the experts out there!
- Stay with the group: Don’t run way ahead or fall way behind. Staying together means you won’t get lost on these old paths, and if something happens, help is right there.
- Be cool to nature and the rules: The Inca Trail is a really old, protected place. Don’t leave any trash – pack it out! Don’t touch or climb on the old stone structures. Stay on the marked path. We need to keep this amazing place nice for everyone.
- Drink water and eat snacks: This is HUGE, especially because of the altitude. Drinking water often helps prevent altitude sickness. Eating your snacks keeps your energy up. Barriga llena, corazón contento (Full belly, happy heart) applies even on the trail!
- Give your body time to get used to the altitude: Cusco is at 3,399 meters (about 11,152 feet), which is pretty high. It’s a really good idea to get to Cusco at least two days before your hike starts. This lets your body adjust slowly and lowers the chance of feeling sick from the altitude. It can make a big difference in how you feel on the trail. Oof, that altitude is no joke!
- Just enjoy it! This isn’t just about walking. It’s an amazing chance to see cool history and nature. Take time to look at the views, think about the Inca people who walked here before, and just be in the moment. It’s tough sometimes, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Hiking the Trail: What It’s Like
Walking the Inca Trail means hiking for a couple of days on ancient paths through incredible mountains and nature. Yeah, it’s challenging – you’ll go up and down hills! But it’s also a totally unique experience. The trick is to keep a steady pace, listen to your guide, and just soak in every bit of the journey. You’ll hike through different types of landscapes, see cool plants and animals, and discover old Inca spots that not everyone gets to see up close. It’s true, your legs might be tired, but seeing the amazing stuff along the way makes all the effort worth it. And then, finally, you reach the goal: Machu Picchu. Seeing it appear after the hike is seriously a moment you’ll remember forever. Ready to give it a shot? It’s worth every step!
The Inca Trail is waiting. Are you game to explore it? Get in touch with us now and let’s start planning your trip! Check it out, your adventure in Peru is super close! Contact us and start living that unique experience you’ve always dreamed of. ¡Ajá!