Packing for Cusco and Machu Picchu can be tricky. The
weather changes quickly, altitude is high and you need
the right gear for both city sightseeing and outdoor
adventures. This complete packing list covers everything
you need for your trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu in 2026.
🎒 COMPLETE CUSCO PACKING LIST
🧥 CLOTHING
Essential clothing:
✔ Warm jacket or fleece — essential for cold nights
✔ Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
✔ Light layers for warm days
✔ Long sleeve shirts x3
✔ T-shirts x3
✔ Comfortable pants x2
✔ Shorts x1 (for warm days)
✔ Thermal underwear for cold nights
✔ Warm hat and gloves (June-August)
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ Waterproof hiking boots for treks
✔ Sandals for evenings
✔ Wool socks x4
For Machu Picchu specifically:
✔ Comfortable walking shoes — no high heels
✔ Light rain jacket — weather changes fast
✔ Hat and sunglasses
✔ Light layers
For Rainbow Mountain specifically:
✔ Very warm jacket — freezing at 5,020m
✔ Waterproof hiking boots
✔ Thermal layers
✔ Warm hat and gloves essential
💊 HEALTH AND MEDICINE
Essential:
✔ Altitude sickness medication (Diamox — consult doctor)
✔ Sorojchi pills — available in Cusco pharmacies
✔ Ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches
✔ Rehydration sachets
✔ Diarrhea medication (Imodium)
✔ Antacids
✔ Personal prescription medications
✔ First aid kit basics
Recommended:
✔ Motion sickness pills (for Nazca Lines flight)
✔ Antihistamines
✔ Blister treatment
🧴 TOILETRIES
✔ Sunscreen SPF50+ — Andean sun is very strong
✔ Lip balm with SPF
✔ Insect repellent (for Amazon tours)
✔ Hand sanitizer
✔ Wet wipes
✔ Shampoo and conditioner
✔ Toothbrush and toothpaste
✔ Deodorant
✔ Razor
✔ Feminine hygiene products
Note: Most toiletries available in Cusco pharmacies.
📱 ELECTRONICS
Essential:
✔ Phone and charger
✔ Universal power adapter — Peru uses 220V
✔ Portable power bank
✔ Camera and memory cards
Recommended:
✔ Waterproof phone case
✔ Lightweight laptop or tablet
✔ Earphones or headphones
✔ Kindle or e-reader
Note: No tripods allowed inside Machu Picchu.
📄 DOCUMENTS
Essential:
✔ Passport — REQUIRED for Machu Picchu entry
✔ Printed Machu Picchu tickets
✔ Printed tour confirmations
✔ Travel insurance documents
✔ Emergency contact information
✔ Hotel reservations
Recommended:
✔ Copy of passport kept separately
✔ Yellow fever certificate (for Amazon tours)
✔ Student ID for discounts
💰 MONEY AND FINANCES
✔ Peruvian Soles (PEN) — main currency
✔ US Dollars — widely accepted
✔ Credit card (Visa and Mastercard)
✔ Money belt for security
✔ Small bills for markets and tips
Tips:
✔ ATMs widely available in Cusco center
✔ Notify bank before traveling to Peru
✔ Carry cash for small purchases
🎒 BAG RECOMMENDATIONS
Main luggage:
✔ Medium suitcase or backpack 40-60L
✔ Leave large luggage at hotel when trekking
Day pack:
✔ Small daypack 20-30L for tours
✔ Waterproof or with rain cover
For Inca Trail and Salkantay:
✔ Trek backpack 40-50L
✔ Maximum 7kg for porters to carry equipment
🏔️ MACHU PICCHU SPECIFIC PACKING
What to bring to Machu Picchu:
✔ Passport — absolutely required
✔ Printed or digital entrance ticket
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ Light rain jacket
✔ Hat and sunglasses
✔ Sunscreen SPF50+
✔ Water bottle — 2 liters minimum
✔ Snacks — limited food inside
✔ Small daypack
What NOT to bring to Machu Picchu:
✘ Large backpacks over 25L
✘ Tripods and selfie sticks
✘ High heeled shoes
✘ Food in large quantities
✘ Drones
💡 PACKING TIPS FOR CUSCO
✔ Pack light — you can buy most things in Cusco
✔ Leave space for souvenirs and textiles
✔ Bring broken-in hiking boots — not new ones
✔ Layer clothing — weather changes throughout day
✔ Bring more warm clothes than you think you need
✔ Keep valuables in hotel safe
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What shoes should I wear at Machu Picchu?
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential.
No high heels or flip flops — the terrain is uneven.
Do I need hiking boots for Machu Picchu?
Comfortable walking shoes are fine for Machu Picchu.
Hiking boots are recommended for Rainbow Mountain
and Humantay Lake treks.
Can I buy things I forget in Cusco?
Yes — most things are available in Cusco including
sunscreen, medicine, clothing and trekking gear.
How cold does it get in Cusco at night?
Nights can drop to 0-5°C especially in June and July.
Always pack warm layers regardless of when you visit.
Can I bring a drone to Machu Picchu?
No — drones are strictly prohibited at Machu Picchu
and most other archaeological sites in Peru.
🎒 BOOK YOUR CUSCO TOURS WITH TRIPCUSCO
TripCusco is your local expert agency in Cusco since 2018.
We help you plan the perfect trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
📞 WhatsApp: +51 973 309 975
🌐 www.tripcusco.com