What to pack

Packing correctly is one of the keys to enjoying your trek in the Peruvian Andes.
Weather can change quickly, temperatures drop significantly at night, and high elevation requires the right clothing and equipment.

As a premium local operator trusted by international travel agencies, Inkaland Treks provides this detailed packing guide so you know exactly what to bring for your adventure in Huaraz, Huayhuash, and Cusco.

✔ Weather varies by altitude

• Daytime: generally 15–20°C / 59–68°F in sunny conditions
• Nights: 0 to –10°C / 32 to 14°F, and colder at high camps in Huayhuash

✔ Layering is essential
It’s much better to bring several light layers that you can combine than one very heavy jacket.

✔ Duffel bags for multi-day treks
For expeditions such as Huayhuash and Santa Cruz, Inkaland Treks provides a duffel bag for your personal gear.
Your duffel is transported by donkeys or mules — you do not hike with this weight.

✔ Daypacks
You only carry a small daypack with:

• Water
• Snacks
• Camera/phone
• Extra layers
• Personal items for the day

Upper Body

• 2–3 moisture-wicking base layers (synthetic or merino)
• 1–2 fleece or warm mid-layers
• 1 insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
• 1 waterproof & windproof shell jacket
• 1–2 lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun protection

Lower Body

• 1–2 pairs of trekking pants (quick-dry)
• 1 pair of warmer soft-shell pants for cold days
• 1 pair of thermal leggings (for sleeping or very cold mornings)
• Waterproof over-pants (recommended in rainy season or for climbers)

Accessories

• Warm hat / beanie
• Sun hat or cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Sunglasses with UV protection (essential)
• Lightweight gloves
• Warmer gloves for Huayhuash, Santa Cruz in shoulder months, or Nevado Mateo

Footwear

• Trekking boots (water-resistant, broken in, with good grip)
• Comfortable camp shoes or sandals
• 3–4 pairs of trekking socks (wool or hiking-specific)

Inkaland Treks provides all core camping equipment for multi-day treks such as Huayhuash, Santa Cruz, and climbing extensions.

Our gear is selected for comfort, safety, and reliability in the demanding conditions of the Peruvian Andes.

4-Season Tents (Premium Quality)

We work with high-quality 4-season tents, ideal for high-altitude conditions where weather can change quickly.

Our main brands include:

• Eureka
• Doite

These tents offer:

• Excellent insulation for cold nights
• Stability in strong wind
• High waterproof performance
• Comfortable interior space

They are specifically chosen for remote, cold expeditions between 4,000–5,000+ m.

Dining & Kitchen Setup

All multi-day expeditions include:

• Spacious dining tents
• Dedicated kitchen tents
• Tables and chairs
• Full cooking equipment
• Hot meals and drinks prepared by our professional cook team

Our camps are designed to be comfortable and welcoming at the end of each trekking day.

Sleeping Gear Provided

Inkaland Treks provides:

• Thick insulated sleeping mats
• Additional padding for extra comfort
• Duffel bags (for items carried by pack animals)

You only hike with your daypack — we take care of the camping logistics.

The only key items you need to bring (or rent through us) are:

• Sleeping bag
  • Recommended: –16°C to –18°C comfort rating for Huayhuash & high camps
  • Available for rent from Inkaland Treks
• Trekking poles
  • Strongly recommended for long descents and high passes
  • Rental available
• Headlamp + extra batteries
• Reusable water bottle and/or hydration pack (CamelBak)
• Personal toiletries
• Small quick-dry towel

Everything else required for camping is provided by our team.

Why Our Setup Matters

Our equipment is the same used for:

• International agency groups we operate for
• High-altitude expeditions
• Long, remote multi-day treks

This guarantees comfort, warmth, and safety, even in challenging weather.

Health & Hygiene

• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Lip balm with SPF
• Personal medications
• Basic first-aid supplies (plasters, ibuprofen, electrolytes, blister care)
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper in a zip bag

Toiletries

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Wet wipes
• Deodorant
• Face & body moisturizer (air is dry at altitude)

• Power bank (essential – there is no electricity on camping treks such as Huayhuash)
• Phone + charger
• Camera + extra batteries/memory cards
• International adapter if needed
• Optional: GoPro or drone (always check local regulations)

Inkaland Treks provides a daily snack pack for multi-day treks.

Each traveler receives a reusable fabric snack bag, designed to reduce plastic waste and serve as a small souvenir of your Andes adventure.

Typical daily snacks include:

• Biscuits
• Fruit
• Chocolate
• Nuts or cereal bars

This system keeps your snacks organized and easy to access while hiking.

You Are Welcome to Bring Extra Snacks

Many trekkers like to bring their favorites, such as:

• Energy / protein bars
• Electrolyte tablets or powders
• Additional chocolate
• Trail mix
• Sports nutrition gels or chews

These can be useful on long or demanding stages.

• Gaiters (rain/snow or muddy sections)
• Knee braces or supports
• Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth & hygiene)
• Trekking sandals (for river crossings or camp)
• Small travel pillow
• Book, journal or Kindle
• Earplugs (for camp or shared rooms)
• Waterproof phone case

For Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, you will also want:

• Comfortable city clothes for rest days
• Light jacket or fleece for evenings
• Good walking shoes or sneakers
• Rain jacket (Cusco has more frequent showers)
• Small daypack (required size for Machu Picchu entrance)
• Passport (mandatory for Machu Picchu and trains)

For Salkantay, Ausangate, or other treks near Cusco, you can follow the same trekking packing list as for Huaraz.

Inkaland Treks already provides:

• Tents
• Sleeping mats
• Dining and kitchen setup
• Cooking gear
• All meals during treks
• Duffel bag for pack animals
• Safe drinking water during the trek
• First-aid and emergency equipment

We also rent:

• Sleeping bags (–16°C to –18°C)
• Trekking poles

This helps keep your luggage lighter and more manageable.