Machu Picchu Packing List

Packing List

A visit to Machu Picchu means high altitude, changeable mountain weather, and a fair amount of walking, so pack smart and pack light. The citadel sits at 2,430m (7,970ft) in a cloud-forest climate that can shift from warm sun to cool rain within an hour, so layers and rain protection are key whatever the season.

Luggage limit: Space on the train to Aguas Calientes is limited to roughly 5kg (11lb) of hand luggage per person, so pack a small daypack for the visit and leave the rest of your bags at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

On-site rules: Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes make all the difference on the uneven stone paths and steps. Bring your camera — but leave the selfie-stick at home, as they aren’t allowed inside the site. Large backpacks and tripods are also restricted.

Here are the essentials worth having in your daypack for Machu Picchu.

• Your passport — it’s required to enter the site (and for the famous entry stamp)
• Your timed entry ticket and train tickets (digital or printed)
• Layers: a warm top plus a lightweight, packable rain jacket
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat — the high-altitude sun is strong even when it’s cool
• Insect repellent for the cloud-forest midges, which can be persistent
• A refillable water bottle and a few snacks
• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
• A camera with spare memory and batteries
• Some cash in soles for snacks, tips, and the bus up to the site

Planning your visit to the citadel? Our specialists arrange private, tailor-made Machu Picchu tours and can advise exactly what to pack for the altitude and season.