Machu Picchu Packing List

When preparing for a trip it is always difficult to decide what to bring, especially if we do not know much about the destination and its climate.

Machu Picchu is located in the middle of the mountains between the Amazon Rainforest and the Andes Mountains, so it has a humid and warm climate, unlike Cusco, which has a dry and cold climate. The rainy season starts in November until March, so it is recommended to wear warmer clothes. The dry season is from April until October. Keep in mind that Machu Picchu is in the jungle so in the dry season there may be small drizzles.

That is why we will give you a list with some recommended elements to make your stay in the Inca Citadel one of the best experiences.

1. Identification documents: Yes, we know that this is something you normally carry with you on your travels, but it is not out of place to remind you that there will be many occasions when you will be asked for your identification. To access the Citadel you must show both your entrance ticket and your passport. In addition, next to the entrance you will find a Machu Picchu stamp that you can stamp in your passport as a record of your visit to this Wonder of the World.
2. Trekking clothes: This clothing will speed up the traveler’s journey for the long way to the Imperial City. It is advisable to wear light clothing (such as a polo shirt), pants, a jacket, and good hiking shoes that allow us to walk along trails, avoiding any kind of accident, especially in times of rain when the ground tends to change the texture. Remember that it is very important to be as comfortable as possible during the tour of Machu Picchu.  
3. Hat: It is very important to take care of the skin, especially the face. A hat will help protect us from the sun’s rays and prevent possible sunstroke. Taking into account that the climate in Machu Picchu is subtropical: hot and humid.  In addition, exposure to the sun without the use of a hat could cause discomforts, such as headaches and possible dizziness.
4. 5. Backpack: This will provide comfort during the trip and will keep our hands free by carrying our personal belongings in it. Do not forget a change of clothes in case of any eventuality, this backpack should be small.
5. Repellent: The road to Machu Picchu has green valleys, being in the jungle, natural habitat of different types of mosquitoes and insects. It is advisable to carry a bottle or sachet of insect repellent to avoid bites.
6. Sunscreen: This protective cream is very necessary for the health of the skin in sunny seasons, its use avoids the filtration of UVA and UVB rays. The objective is to avoid sunstroke and enjoy the trip to the fullest.
7. Rain cover: Important item for rainy days, it is advisable to use it, especially from December to April, which are the rainiest months of the year. You can take a rain poncho or a waterproof jacket. Indicate that you cannot carry an umbrella, as it will be retained at the checkpoint.
8. Camera: What’s better than coming back from a trip and reviewing all the photos to remember the moments?

In addition, we recommend that you always carry a portable charger and a high-capacity card. We assure you that in Cusco you will not stop taking pictures of every corner you visit, so you must be prepared to not run out of battery or memory space.

9. Cash and credit or debit card: To avoid any mishaps, it is recommended that you have cash at the sanctuary for the use of restrooms. Most establishments in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) accept credit or debit cards.
10. Medications: Peruvian pharmacies sell basic medications without a prescription, while certain more specific medicines can only be purchased with a prescription, so if you need any special medicine, we recommend that you carry your doctor’s prescription with you.

Also, in Cusco’s pharmacies, you will find the famous Sorojchi Pill, a pill that fights altitude sickness.  

11. Water: Staying hydrated during the trek is essential to be able to complete it successfully.

Power adapter: In Peru, various types of plugs are used (flat, round, and triple) and the current is 220 volts and 60 hertz. If the current or the plugs in your country are different, you must bring an adapter, both to charge your electronic devices and to convert the current so that none of them will be damaged.

To avoid any inconvenience at the Machu Picchu checkpoint, please take into account the following guidelines established by the Peruvian government. These measures were taken to conserve the archaeological park of Machu Picchu for the future and to make the visit of tourists pleasant and harmonious.

• Your backpack should be small or medium size, approximately 40x35x20 cm. 
• It is not allowed to enter the archaeological park with food such as hamburgers or food that can generate garbage inside the sanctuary, you can carry some fruit in your backpack.
• It is not permitted to bring trekking poles (in the case of adults, the pole should have a rubber tip), umbrellas, umbrellas, portable seats, tripods, support or extensions for cameras, cell phones, or any other stabilization or extension element for filming and/or photography.
• Climbing or leaning on walls and/or structures is not permitted. Touching, moving, or extracting lithic elements.
• Smoking, vaping, or any kind of fire is not allowed.
• It is not allowed to fly drones.

With these tips, you are almost ready to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu, and you will be able to enjoy your trip without worries.