What To Pack for the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
The Inca Jungle Trek, is the best alternative trek to Machu Picchu in Peru after Inca Trail sold out, also is the main trip to go to this wonderfull city of incas, and the trekking is hard in some parts of the route. On this blog we’ll give you some recommendations to do Inca Jungle Trek. First you should bring as little as possible, yet be sure you pack the essentials. Then, Store your extra luggage at a hotel or hostel in Cusco while you’re off on the Jungle Trek.
The things that you need to bring:
Warm Weather Trekking Clothes
You should remember, this trek is in the jungle, the weather is warm and humid. The Inca Jungle Trek goes through a completely different altitude and environment than the Inca Trail. Hence, lighter clothing is recommended. It does cool off at night, but while trekking during the day, you’ll want light dry-wicking clothing. To minimize the number of clothes you carry with you, we recommend bringing just a single warm outfit that you can wear each night after you’re clean and when it’s cooler out. But definitely pack clean trekking clothes for each day of your hike.
Rain Gear
If you are attempting the Inca Jungle Trek during the rainy season, be sure to prepare for rain. A thin poncho may not cut it during a heavy downpour. Bring a proper rain jacket like this and also consider rain pants. It’s also a good idea to have a rain cover for your backpack to prevent all your belongings from getting soaked.
Shoes
Boots are a good bet to give you ankle support but can be big and bulky to travel with. We most definitely recommend hiking boots
Bathing Suit
You’ll need something to wear in the water while whitewater rafting and in the hot springs.
A Travel Towel
Towels were not provided at any of the places we stayed at during the Inca Jungle Trek. You’ll want one to dry off with after you shower, after river rafting, and while at the hot springs. We recommend a lightweight quick-drying travel towel like this.
Mosquito Repellent
We often advocate natural mosquito repellent since repellent containing DEET can really harm the environment if you swim with it on. But there were lots of mosquitos here, so you may want to consider a stronger DEET repellent like this to prevent yourself from being covered in bites. Just don’t wear it in the water.
Flashlight
You’ll need a flashlight to navigate the trail to Machu Picchu in the early pre-morning hours. You should use this Mini LED Flashlight or the most powerful flashlight for its small size and price. Trek to Machu Picchu handsfree with this headlamp.
Sun Protection
The sun can be pretty brutal out here. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen is a must. You’ll find good brands of sunscreen in Cusco, so stock up before you do Inca Jungle.
The Usual Toiletries
Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, tampons, whatever. You know what you need. Don’t forget to pack your essentials.
Toilet Paper
Most of the bathrooms along the way do not have TP. Be sure to pack a roll.
Hand Sanitizer
Some of the remote toilets don’t have running water. Pack some travel-sized Purell. Consider baby wipes too. This will help you clean up.
Pain Reliever
Whether you’re sore from a day of trekking or have a headache from the higher altitude, pack something to help you deal with any pain that may arise.
Snacks & Water
It is good to have snacks to hold you off and give you energy. There are plenty of corner stores in Cusco to load up on your favorites. There are opportunities to buy snacks along the Inca Jungle Trail too, but the selection is more limited and prices are higher.
Cash Money
There are no ATMs until you reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), so you’ll need enough cash to be able to buy plenty of bottled water, extra drinks, the hot springs entrance, snacks, the cable car, shuttles, etc.
Passport
You must bring your passport with you to get into Machu Picchu. Don’t forget it!
Are you ready? You can book this like Inca Jungle here.
