What to Pack for a Trip to Machu Picchu
/If you’re looking for a list of what to pack for Machu Picchu, you’re in the right place. This guide is all about the right gear for a visit to Machu Pichu. After a lot of research and one of the best family trips we’ve ever taken, let me help you make sure you pack the most useful things for your trip!
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machu picchu is one of the best trips we have ever done!
Nestled amidst the majestic Andes Mountains of Peru lies the awe-inspiring ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Steeped in history and mystery, this breathtaking archaeological wonder draws millions of visitors each year, including families seeking adventure and cultural enrichment.
It was like being inside of dream seeing MAchu Picchu for the first time
This packing list is for a day trip to Machu Picchu, not for the Inca Trail Trek. We spent 2 days in Machu Picchu as day trips from Aguas Calientes.
So, let me help you take away some of the confusion and fear surrounding a trip to Machu Picchu. We did it and so can you!
Check out my Instagram for more videos and photos from our time in Peru!
Here is a list of what to pack for a trip to Machu Picchu:
1. Rain Jackets for everyone
as you can see from this photo, the rain clouds were looming and ready, but it never rained! (click the image to shop the backpacks)
The weather at Machu Picchu changes very quickly. It can go from bright and sunny to completely covered in clouds and raining in minutes. Don’t get caught un prepared.
A light rain jacket is an essential item for everyone!
This is my favorite rain jacket for kids and this is a great lightweight rain jacket for women.
a fun photo our guide took where we were “in two places at once”
I do not recommend and umbrella since they are bulky and could get cumbersome to manage while walking around. However, if you feel pulled to pack one, this umbrella is tiny and easier to manage than a regular umbrella.
Machu Picchu is the start of the Peruvian Amazon. The biting bugs are out in full force and we saw so many of the hikers absolutely covered in bug bites.
After suffering from Dengue in October 2023, I do not play when it comes to mosquitos. We use a picardin based lotion bug repellant that has been wonderful. The bottles are small and it’s easy to apply. It does not have a pungent smell either.
Wear long pants and long sleeves for extra protection if you’re prone to bites!
the photo on the left is from cicruit 4 and the photo from the right is from cicruit 1/2
3. Bring a Small backpack
Once you pass through the ticket area of Machu Picchu Citadel, there are no more services. While you can not bring food into the site, you are allowed to bring a small backpack with essentials.
We were traveling Peru for 12 days, so we only had a larger backpack for the adults and the kids had their favorite REI Tarn 18. They are 9 and 7 years old, so before they were bigger we used the REI Tarn 12 which is more for children ages 3-6.
Our first day we entered the park around 1:30 and our tour was about 3 hours. the sun was just starting to set as we left and the golden light was gorgeous
4. A Good Water Bottle
As I said before, there are no services or facilities inside the Machu Picchu Citadel. This means, you need to bring your own water.
I personally love the Yeti Rambler Jr for the kids and have used them for years. They are the most durable water bottle we have found. They keep drinks extra cold for a long time too.
For us, we use the classic Nalgene 32 oz. I prefer to be able to drink out of it easier with this cap.
not only was our guide amazing, he took so many incredible photos for us!!
5. Sunglasses or a hat for eye protection
Since you will be at altitude, it’s important to protect your eyes. I wore a hat, but my husband opted for sunglasses and a baseball cap.
The kids had adventure hats on the first day, but eventually took them off. We have always had the kids wear sunhats while hiking since they don’t like keeping sunglasses on.
the bus ride from aguas calientes to machu picchu is windy and takes about 30 minutes- Jimmy is prepared with his sunglasses and hat
6. Comfortable Shoes
Machu Picchu has many rocks, many levels, many stairs. The entire site is rugged and uneven. It’s important to wear comfortable and practical shoes. This is not the place for sandals.
Our kids have worn these hiking shoes for the past 4 years. We just keep buying them over and over because they are truly the best we’ve used.
Check out our complete list of Hiking Gear for Kids.
down in the city of machu picchu
7. A mini First Aid Kit
We always keep a small first aid kit on us. For some reason, the first day we went into Machu Picchu I forgot to put it in our backpack and wouldn’t you know, our son fell hard and needed a Band-Aid.
Lucky for us, another mom had a small first aid kid with a plaster and we were able to get him patched up. Like I said before, the ground is uneven throughout the site, so having a Band-Aid in case of a fall or scrape is a must.
We have used the Preparakit First Aid kit for our trips for YEARS.
You can see our sweet boy’s giant knee bandaid
8. Sunscreen
Machu Picchu sits at 7,972 feet above sea level. You are going to need sunscreen even if it’s cloudy.
I personally prefer traveling with lotion sunscreen over a spray. I also bring a separate face sunscreen anytime we travel.
the views are not just of the citadel, the entire mountain range around machu picchu is incredible.
8. A Camera
Your phone camera will be able to capture Machu Picchu, but a real camera can make it magical. I don’t like to carry anything bulky when I travel, so I like the Mirrorless DSLR cameras and have been using the Sony 6500 for years. It’s easy to use, small to pack, and takes incredible photos and videos.
my sonyA6500 is so small and so easy to carry around
Check out my Complete 2 Week Itinerary for Peru
READ NEXT: One Week Itinerary for Cartagena, Colombia
As someone who recently completed the journey to Machu Picchu with my family, I understand the importance of packing well for this unforgettable adventure. Machu Picchu's mystical beauty and varied terrain call for a carefully curated selection of essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
From lightweight layers to protect against the ever-changing mountain weather to sturdy hiking shoes for exploring ancient ruins and rugged trails, every item in your backpack plays a crucial role in your journey. Don't forget to pack a trusty water bottle to stay hydrated at high altitudes, along with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to shield against the Andean sun. And of course, a camera or smartphone to capture every breathtaking moment of your Machu Picchu adventure is a must. With the right gear in tow, you'll be ready to immerse yourself in the wonder and history of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check out my Instagram for more videos and photos of our time in Peru.
Have you ever been to Machu Picchu? Leave me a comment and let me know! Feel free to email me if you have any more questions.
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