On this journey away from home, when you opted for a Machu Picchu vacation, your suitcase will become your faithful companion. So, there is nothing worse than forgetting something important, isn’t it?
In order to avoid this kind of situation, you should know about these basic points: First, you must learn about the weather. The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season (from April to October). In this season, it is hard to experience heavy rains. However, if you come in the rainy season, don’t worry, here you will find some advice. Second and easy, verify to have the following items list which will help you a lot:
It is the main item because you will put inside everything necessary for your tour to Machu Picchu.
For choosing the size of your backpack, the question of how to get to Machu Picchu answer this doubt. It means if you will do a trek, the smaller backpack is the better. Travel agencies provide their clients with a duffle bag to keep belongings. The belongings weight must be around 7 kilos. Porters usually are who carry all travellers’ belongings, out of the camping gear. Mostly, if you need a personal extra porter due to you might exceed weight, you can hire one for an extra cost. So, the point is you will need a daypack no larger than 25L to bring your Camelbak bottle with water, a hat, camera, hand sanitizer, raincoat, fleece, extra money for tips, artisan crafts or souvenirs, among others. Inside Machu Picchu, if your bag is bigger than 25L, you will be required to store it at the entrance gate.
On the other hand, if you are going to arrive by train, the conditions are a little different. The train tickets are only valid for transport of the clients and their carry-on luggage (one bag or backpack) with a weight not to exceed 5k/11 lb and maximum measurements of 62 linear in/ 157 linear cm (height + length + width). Inside Machu Picchu, it is the same as mentioned above (a daypack no larger than 25L).
Look for a sturdy backpack with strong straps to spread the weight evenly across each side of your body. Just in case, don’t forget to invest in a rain cover for your backpack.
For your Machu Picchu vacation, these 2 documents are crucial to bring with you:
You won’t be able to get in Machu Picchu without your original passport. Your tickets are just accepted in combination with your valid and original passport. It is basic you have a valid passport for at least 6 months after the date of entry to Peru. Travellers entering Peru for tourism and recreation are allowed to stay up to 90 days. The Immigration office can extend this period.
Only citizens of the Andean Community (Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador) don’t need a passport. They are authorized to enter with their IDs.
It is strongly recommended you obtain one that covers your trip. When you purchase your travel insurance, it is like recuperate your money. It protects you in case you have to cancel your trip or leave before it is completed. The reasons could be an illness, injury, natural disasters, even theft or you weren’t able to get a visa. So, you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
While you are at your Machu Picchu vacation, you should be prepared with proper clothes that keep you very comfortable. Below find what to pack:
They are perfect for hiking during the day. Usually, they keep you cool while offering sun protection. You also can wear them when going to bed or when walking around the Cusco city.
To bring some of them is a smart move, especially if you will do a trek. You pass from the chilly highlands to tropical weather of some villages and even of Machu Picchu. They will be useful when it gets really cold. They don’t need to be thick or bulky — they just need to cover your entire upper body to protect you also from the UV rays.
Nights are cold in the Andes mountains of Peru, especially in the months of June, July, and August (during dry season).
Give yourself the option to stay warm with a lightweight fleece or a down jacket.
Even when your trip is during the dry season, the climate in the Andes mountains can surprise you with some rains. Be forewarned and pack a lightweight waterproof jacket.
In addition, a good idea is bringing a big rain poncho to put overtop yourself and your backpack. While you are on a trek, it avoids your things to get wet and you be dry. If you don’t have one, you can buy it in Cusco from the local vendors or in a tourist area.
Either athletic pants or comfortable fabric pants to wear on treks are necessary. You will wear them every day, overall in cold places and camping in the mountains. There are convertible pants which are good. You can wear them like shorts during the day and zip-up the legs when it gets chilly.
For visiting Machu Picchu, you will wish to look great and pretty comfortable so leggings/yoga pants are perfect for the occasion. Also, they can even double up as nightwear in a pinch.
Pack all socks and underwear needed for your trip. You might desire to mix casual and hiking socks. In warmer weather, while you are on a trek, casual socks are perfect. But the hiking socks will make a huge difference in comfort. They can save your feet from blisters and keep your feet in good condition so you can concentrate on exploring. Also, as they will keep your feet warm, then your whole body will warm too.
Gloves will make you feel much more comfortable while hiking. For some travellers, versatile ones that are fingerless make it easy to take pictures. A scarf and a hat are the best layers when doing high altitude treks or even at Cusco in the evening.
A cap is very important for any hike. The sun is strong in the Andes mountains!
The bandanas protect you from unexpected winds and the cold weather on a trek. They are well-recommended for outdoor activities. The versatile tube bandanas are the best. They can be worn around the neck, over the mouth and ears or on your head. They always look great!
Whether you are doing a trek or not, you will find hot springs. For example, in Aguas Calientes, even if you arrive by train. So, if you would like to relax and enjoy a splash there, remember to pack your swimsuit!
Your Machu Picchu vacation will be marvellous bringing the correct footwear.
Make sure they are lightweight, waterproof, broken-in and aggressive tread. If you have weak ankles or you are in a trek during the rainy season, the hiking boots will be most comfortable than athletic shoes.
They are the appropriate footwear to use in the campsites. The athletic sandals may be worn in the thermal baths as well.
The travel accessories are the most essential you can bring on your Machu Picchu vacation. So, consider to pack:
Keep hydrated is vital and especially when you are on a trek. It is encouraged to you bring your Camelbak bottle enough for at least 1-2 litres water. In any hike, travel agencies provide boiled water cold. You simply need to fill up your container. If you aren’t on a trek, bring with you a bottle of water.
It is worth having a flashlight with you to not only find your way around camp each night. You will also be visible to traffic if walking near roads in the evening.
You will definitely want proof of the beautiful wonder of Machu Picchu! Even if it is your phone, be sure to pack this. Also, a portable charger is always a lifesaver when travelling.
Note that tripods for your camera are officially forbidden, please don’t bring them.
Bringing spare batteries is a very smart idea.
Having a personal first-aid kit is a good idea to you can heal in case of minor scrapes. Carry a supply of band-aids, alcohol, moleskin padding for feet, among others. You can ask in the pharmacies to know what else is important. If you have some allergies, consult with your doctor and bring on your trip your medicine.
Peru has many wonders waiting for you to be discovered. Here in Cusco Peru Travel, our speciality is to make your trip an outstanding experience, fill-in this form and let your tailor-made luxury Peru vacation begin.
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