I Wasn’t Prepared for My Machu Picchu Trek—Here’s What I Wish I Brought Instead

Don’t let a trip of a lifetime to Machu Picchu be ruined by forgetting the right gear. I learned this the hard way when I packed at the last minute and left my rain jacket behind. Luckily, a friend saved the day with a spare—but you don’t want to rely on chance.

Packing smart doesn’t mean overpacking. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, or on foot, a few key essentials can make all the difference. Think comfortable hiking boots, insect repellent, and a lightweight daypack. To help you prepare, I gathered expert advice from pros at REI and Tambo del Inka, a luxury resort located in Peru’s Sacred Valley on the way to Machu Picchu. Here’s everything you’ll want on your packing list before setting off for one of the world’s most unforgettable adventures.

Continue reading to learn more about the gear needed for a trip to Machu Picchu, written by Isis Briones.

Foto miniatura Blog Autor
Writer and Editor
Isis Briones

Isis Briones is a writer and editor who has covered travel, fashion, and design for more than eight years. She began her career interning for magazines such as Seventeen and Marie Claire during college. After graduating, she covered lifestyle at InStyle and went on to become an entertainment writer at Teen Vogue. Soon after, she moved to East Africa, where she lived in Rwanda, Burundi, and Zambia, and began covering travel for Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure, and more. She has moved back to NYC, but travel continues to be her main inspiration. She’s currently the style editor on the branded content team at Complex.

• 8+ years of experience covering travel, design, and architecture
• Interned for Seventeen and Marie Claire during college
• Received a bachelor’s degree in communication and Spanish from Wake Forest University

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