The Peruvian Andes are among the most colorful and fascinating regions in the world, surrounded by remarkable archaeological sites from the time of the Inca civilization. Visiting extraordinary places such as Machu Picchu often requires a bit of physical effort — how much depends on how far you choose to explore.

At Wonderful Peru Experience, we believe that many travelers enjoy going a little further to fully experience these incredible destinations. The following tips are designed to help you make the most of your journey and create unforgettable memories.

1 WAIST BAG To keep your important belongings easily accessible, a small organizer bag or pouch is very useful. It helps you safely carry your documents and tickets needed at checkpoints, as well as valuables such as your phone, credit cards, earphones, and coins for restrooms.
2 DAY BACKPACK

A day backpack is a lightweight pack designed for short hikes and daily excursions. It should be large enough to carry your essentials such as water, snacks, a camera, and personal items.

The ideal size is between 20 to 25 liters, with padded, comfortable straps and external pockets for a reusable water bottle or canteen. If possible, choose a waterproof backpack or use a rain cover to keep your belongings protected from rain and dust.

3 PASSPORT

Your passport will be required several times to verify your identity — at least five times on your way to Machu Picchu, the Inca Citadel. You will need it at train stations, boarding points, and at the entrance to the site.

If you plan to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, you will also need your passport for hotel check-in. Additionally, you may choose to receive the famous Machu Picchu souvenir stamp in your passport at the end of your visit.

4 TREKKING PANTS

Long hiking or trekking pants are ideal for outdoor activities, as they keep you warmer than shorts and protect your legs from insect bites, scratches from rocks or plants, rain, and sun exposure.

Convertible pants are especially recommended, allowing you to switch to shorts when the weather becomes warmer.

5 HIKING BOOTS

Good hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you will encounter many steps and uneven cobblestone paths. If it rains, the stones can become slippery, so proper footwear is very important.

Make sure your shoes are well-fitted and comfortable, since very few areas are completely flat.

6 CLOTHES

Machu Picchu is located where the Andes Mountains meet the rainforest, which is why the area is known as a cloud forest. The region has two main seasons: the rainy season from November to April and the dry season from May to October. For this reason, it is important to dress according to the season and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

7 TANK TOPS

For daytime trekking, lightweight and loose-fitting T-shirts are ideal, as they keep you cool while providing some sun protection. However, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from strong UV rays.

8 LONG-SLEEVES TOPS If you plan to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, early mornings can be quite chilly. Packing one or two long-sleeved tops will help keep you warm while also protecting your skin from cool temperatures and UV rays.
9 FLEECE OR DOWN JACKETS Packing a lightweight fleece or down jacket in your day backpack is a smart way to stay warm and comfortable without adding extra weight.
10 WATERPROOF JACKET To protect your belongings and avoid getting wet, many travelers choose to wear a plastic poncho during rainy weather. While wearing both a poncho and a rain jacket may feel uncomfortable, it is still recommended to pack a lightweight waterproof or windbreaker jacket for extra protection.
11 PAIR OF SOCK AND UNDERWEAR If you plan to spend the night in Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes) after your visit, be sure to pack one extra clean outfit, including socks, underwear, and a long-sleeved top..
12 BATHING SUIT

If you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes after your Machu Picchu tour, or if you are staying overnight and considering a walk to Mandor Waterfall, it is a good idea to pack an extra set of underwear or swimwear just in case.

Please note that the infrastructure at the hot springs is sometimes not very clean, so having spare clothing is always useful for comfort and hygiene.

13 SUNHAT It’s really important to wear a hat, to avoid sunburn or heatstroke,
14 SUN PROTECTION UV rays are much stronger at this elevation, so don not let your trip be ruined by sunburn, apply sunscreen several times a day.
15 SUNGLASSES UV is so intense and can damage your eyes, stay safe by investing in a pair of high-quality sunglasses to wear during your trip.
16 RE-USABLE BOTTLE OF WATER OR CANTEEN There is a new regulation at Machu Picchu discouraging the use of disposable plastic water bottles. While enforcement may vary, we encourage travelers to help protect this incredible site by bringing a reusable water bottle or canteen.
17 HEADLAMP OR FLASHLIGHT In case you are thinking to take some of the Inca trails, with overnight camping, do not forget your headlamp or flashlight to find your way around camp, is very handy.
18 LIP BALM In the Andes, you may experience dry air, cold winds, and strong UV rays, so using a high-quality lip balm is important to protect your lips from dryness and sun damage.
19 PORTABLE. CHARGER A power bank is now affordable and can store a large amount of charge, making it very useful during long travel days when it’s not always easy to keep your devices fully charged.
20 WALKING POLES If you are an experienced trekker or not walking poles will make your trek a lot more comfortable. Choose lightweight, adjustable poles, make sure they have a water-resistant grip in case of rainy days.
21 INSECT REPELLENT Mosquitoes tend to appear in the early evening as the sun goes down, so it’s important to protect yourself from itchy bites and potential illnesses.
22 HAND SANITiZER

To keep your hands clean before meals, it is recommended to use hand sanitizer, especially since the handrails along the paths to and from Machu Picchu are touched by thousands of visitors every day.

This simple precaution helps prevent the spread of germs and illness.