What to Wear to Machu Picchu
The problem with dressing for Machu Picchu is that one day covers several climates. A 6am bus in the dry season can be cold enough for a fleece, and by 11am you're in a T-shirt under a strong high-altitude sun. In the rainy season add a downpour at some point. Dress in layers you can peel off and stuff into a small pack.
Shoes matter most. The Inca steps are uneven, worn smooth in places, and wet for half the year. Trainers with a real grip are fine for the standard circuits. For Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, light hiking shoes are better.
Packing list
- Shoes with a proper grip, already worn in
- A light fleece or warm layer for early morning
- A thin, packable rain jacket or poncho, in any season
- Sun hat and strong sunscreen. The sun at this altitude burns faster than you'd expect.
- Insect repellent. Tiny biting flies are common around the ruins and in Aguas Calientes.
- A reusable water bottle
- Your original passport
- Long, light trousers for the hikes, which help with both sun and insects
What stays behind
The site limits bag size, so a small daypack is the rule and anything larger has to be left at the storage near the entrance. Tripods, selfie sticks, drones and food are not allowed, and trekking poles are restricted except for people who need them to walk. On the train you'll also be limited to a small bag, so plan to leave your main suitcase in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Our getting there guide explains the train side.
For the Inca Trail you need proper kit for freezing nights above 4,000 metres. That list is in our Inca Trail guide.