INCA TRAIL PACKING LIST FOR MACHU PICCHU

Transcription

1 INCA TRAIL PACKING LIST FOR MACHU PICCHU WEATHER The weather along the Inca Trail and in Machu Picchu splits into two dominant seasons. The dry, winter season runs from April through September, and the wet, summer season from October through to March. Temperatures stay relatively consistent throughout the year, with daily highs in the low 20 s Centigrade, and daily lows in the mid-single digits Centigrade. At night, particularly in the winter season, temperatures can drop a few degrees below freezing. We recommend you plan for rain, moderate temperatures during the day, and cold to subfreezing temperatures at night. The charts below offer you a sense of monthly data and may help to dictate your packing list. MONTHLY RAINFALL BY VOLUME (MM) 1

2 NUMBER OF RAINY DAYS PER MONTH MONTHLY AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGHS AND LOWS (CENTIGRADE) A useful way to think about your clothing for the Inca Trail is through the concept of layering. Whenever someone asks what to wear on a given day, the answer is always, It depends. The ability to layer your clothing up or down permits you to adjust from the morning, when it may be cold, to the mid-afternoon when temperatures reach their highest, and back to freezing at night. Layering is also useful as you ascend high passes that are exposed to winds, or descend into shaded valleys. 2

3 Layering works effectively if each piece of clothing allows moisture to pass through and escape to the external environment. Natural wool, as well as synthetics, promotes moisture transfer through their wicking properties, driving it out and away from your skin and helping to keep you warm and dry. Cotton fabrics absorb moisture and hold it close to your skin and should be avoided. The following are packing recommendations for you to consider as you choose what specific items will work best for your individual needs. Clothing should be chosen and tested for it s utility and comfort. Seek a balance between having enough items to remain safe, warm and comfortable, but not so many that half of them remain unused at the end of the trek. And finally, you ll probably find it beneficial to set aside a warm outfit for when you return to your hotel after the trek. Item Qty. Comments List Upper Body Sports bras 1-2 Synthetic, for the ladies. Base Layer, Long Underwear Top 1 This should be mid-weight or two lightweight wool or synthetics that can combine as one. Fleece Jacket 1 This should be mid to heavy weight fleece and fit over other layers. Insulated Jacket 1 A lightweight, compressible jacket that will fit over the other layers. T-shirts 2-3 To wear on warm days while trekking. Synthetics dry quickly. Consider one long sleeved for sun protection. Rain Parka 1 This must have a hood. Gore-tex is the most common brand, though other waterproof, breathable fabrics are acceptable. Rain Poncho Opt. Some trekkers use ponchos that also fit over their backpacks. If you haven t used a poncho and pack previously, we recommend a rain parka. Lower Body Underwear 2-4 Bring several pairs of synthetic underwear and consider one pair of cotton boxers in case of chaffing. Base Layer, Long Underwear Bottom 1-2 One mid-weight wool or synthetic or two lightweight that can be combined as one. Convertible hiking trousers 1 Pants that zip off into shorts are good for conserving weight and also adapting to the changing temperatures. Nylon shorts 1 For hiking or use as a swimsuit in the hot springs. Rain Pants 1 Gore-tex is the most common brand. Full side zippers are convenient. Miscellaneous Clothing Sun hat and/or Baseball cap 1-2 For protection against the strong sun. At altitude, with less atmosphere to shield the skin, one burns more readily than elsewhere. Fleece or Wool Hat 1 This warm hat should cover your ears. Buff, or neck bandanna 1 Provides ear, face and throat protection from cold, wind and sun. 3

4 Synthetic or Wool 1 Lightweight, weatherproof gloves. Gloves/Shell Footwear Hiking Boot 1 Sturdy leather, synthetic, or combination boots with good ankle support and proper fit are absolutely necessary for trekking the uneven mountain terrain. Fit your boots with two pair of wool socks for warmth and to add an extra layer of cushioning to help prevent blisters. A wool sock for cushioning and a thinner liner for reducing friction are also acceptable. Socks 4-5 Smart wool or wool/synthetic blends. No wool/cotton blends. Camp shoe 1 These should be sneakers or trail shoes. We recommend a closed toe and discourage sandals such as Crocs. Gaiters Opt. To keep mud, dust and other dirt from getting into your boots and socks. Sleeping Gear Sleeping Bag and compression stuff sack 1 Regardless of the season nights can be very cold (see chart). We recommend a sleeping bag rated between -5 to -10 Centigrade, either down or synthetic. This item is available free of charge in Peru. Contact our office in advance for details. Sleeping Bag Liner Opt. To add additional warmth, or comfort to your sleeping bag. Inflatable sleeping pad 1 A full-length, thermarest or similar quality mattress. This item is available free of charge in Peru. Contact our office in advance for details. Packs, Sacks and Bags Daypack 1 We recommend a pack with a liter capacity. Pack cover Opt. To keep your pack and contents dry in the rain. Plastic trash bags Opt. Some trekkers use these to line their daypacks and protect the contents. Small Ditty Sacks 2-3 For organizing gear in your backpack. Duffle or Dry Bag 1 To protect gear on flights and in storage. Miscellaneous Items Sun/Glacier Glasses 1 These should be good quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Opt for darker lenses that transmit less visible light and please consider a hard case and glasses retainer such as chums or croakies. Water Bottle 2 Two wide mouth, one-liter bottles or a Camelbak or similar bladder system. Disposable plastic bottles are not permitted on the Inca Trail. Water purification tablets. 1 Iodine or Chlorine Dioxide with enough for the duration of your trek. You may also consider a Steripen. Lip Balm 1 To prevent drying, sunburn and chapping. Sunscreen 1 Sufficient quantity for the duration of your trek and a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Insect Repellent 1 A DEET content repellent for insect bite protection. 4

5 Toilet Articles --- Toothbrush, paste, floss, comb, nail clippers, tampons, extra TP, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, small towel, wash cloth, tissues, lotion, ear plugs, etc. Watch --- Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses --- If you use disposable contact lenses plan on using/losing more pairs than you are accustomed to. Head Lamp 1 This should be an LED lamp or a LED/standard combination. Personal First Aid Kit 1 Include band-aids and other items for cuts and scrapes, moleskin, mole foam, first aid tape and other foot repair items, as well as any personal medications. Travel Documents --- Passport, photocopy of your identity page stored separately, and any health certificates or entry documents. Spare Clothes --- Clothing that will be stored at the hotel for use before and after the trek. Optional Items Trekking poles 1 pr. Some hikers love them, and others never use them. They can offer balance and knee support. This item is available in Peru upon request. Contact our office in advance for details. Bandanna 1 As a kerchief or for sun protection. Pocket knife 1 A small sized, lightweight pocketknife or Leatherman. Camera 1 Digital cameras are great but the cold temperatures drain batteries quickly. Bring extras or consider a model that uses AA batteries. Binoculars 1 Helpful for viewing ruins and wildlife. Snacks --- Biscuits or crackers, energy bars, chocolate, nuts or dried fruit, etc. We supply a daily snack. These items apply if you fancy a specific snack. Waterproof bags --- Although the porters use waterproof shells, you may consider using waterproof sacks, bags or pouches to protect clothing, travel documents, cameras, ipods or other important items. 5