What to Pack for Machu Picchu: 2026 List

You're packing for two distinct climates within the same trip: cold dry Cusco at 3,400 m, and humid mountain forest at Machu Picchu (2,430 m). Plus you need to fit within strict luggage limits on the train, and obey the rules at the citadel gate (no large bags, no certain items).

The day-of-visit packing list

Essential — bring these into the citadel

• Passport (must match the booking, checked at gate)
• Printed or digital ticket — both work, but Aguas Calientes has spotty mobile data. Print is safer.
• Bus ticket (round-trip Consettur)
• Refillable water bottle (1L, allowed)
• Small daypack (max 40×35×20 cm — confiscated at gate if larger)
• Light rain jacket / poncho (year-round)
• Sunscreen SPF 30+ (high-altitude UV)
• Hat with brim
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent (DEET 20%+; mosquitoes around in dry season)
• Snacks (small, sealed; energy bars work)
• Camera or phone (no professional/commercial setups without permit)
• Cash (some soles for restrooms outside gate, water, bus tips)

Optional but smart

• Hiking poles with rubber tips (allowed; useful on Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain — not for everyone otherwise)
• Fleece or light insulating layer (early morning slots)
• Quick-dry pants (zip-off legs convenient for warming day)
• Sturdy hiking shoes (closed-toe, not flip-flops or open sandals)
• Phone power bank

NOT allowed inside the citadel

• Drones (illegal sanctuary-wide; fines apply)
• Tripods (unless you have a paid filming permit from the Ministry)
• Selfie sticks (use phone camera handheld)
• Umbrellas (use a poncho instead)
• Backpacks larger than 40×35×20 cm
• Food (other than small snacks)
• Walking sticks without rubber tips (damages stone)
• Strollers (terrain unsuitable)
• Costumes / "traditional" outfits for posing (explicit fine; Ministry decree)
• Loud speakers or musical instruments

Storage lockers are available at the entrance (~$3) for items you can't bring in.

Trip-wide packing list

Clothing for the whole trip

• 2-3 quick-dry hiking shirts
• 1 long-sleeve sun shirt
• 1-2 quick-dry hiking pants (zip-off legs ideal)
• 1 fleece or merino mid-layer
• 1 down or synthetic puffy jacket (for Cusco evenings)
• 1 waterproof shell jacket
• 1 pair waterproof rain pants (essential in wet season)
• Hat (brim) + warm beanie
• Buff or scarf (sun + warmth + dust)
• Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners with grip
• Lighter shoes for Cusco walking
• Wool or synthetic hiking socks (3-4 pairs)
• Underwear (quick-dry)
• Sleepwear (Cusco nights are cold)
• Swimsuit (for Aguas Calientes hot springs or Sacred Valley pools)

Health & toiletries

• Personal medications (carry in original packaging)
• Acetazolamide / Diamox if your doctor recommended it for altitude (start the day before Cusco)
• Ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches
• Antidiarrheal (loperamide) — Cusco-belly happens
• Rehydration salts (Sueroral or Pedialyte sachets — local pharmacies stock them)
• Sunscreen SPF 30-50 (the altitude sun is no joke)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Insect repellent (DEET 20-30%)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, basics

Documents & money

• Passport (valid 6+ months past travel dates)
• Print copies of all bookings (entry ticket, train, bus, hotel)
• Travel insurance docs + emergency phone number
• Credit/debit card with no foreign-transaction fees
• Backup card stored separately
• USD cash ($200-400 for emergencies; $50 small bills useful for tips/taxis)
• Some soles in mixed denominations (get from ATMs in Cusco, not the airport)
• Photocopy of your passport (carry separately from original)

Tech

• Phone + charger
• Power bank (10,000 mAh or more)
• Universal travel adapter (Peru uses Type A and Type C plugs, 220V)
• Camera (optional)
• Headphones

Altitude sickness guide →