Ideal clothing guide to take to Machu Picchu

Ultima actualización en 5 November, 2024 por Waman Adventures

Last Updated on 5 November, 2024 by Waman Adventures

If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu in 2024, you need to know what gear to bring and thus enjoy your entire adventure without any setbacks. Since these will be influenced by the season of your trip, the type of trip you are going to make and the duration of your stay in Peru and Cusco, find out all the answers to these and more questions from travelers about what to take to Machu Picchu!

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

WEATHER IN MACHU PICCHU

In Peru as in Machu Picchu, there are only two very defined seasons, such as the “Dry or High Season” and the “Wet or Low Season”, being that it is vital to know its characteristics, to take into account what is the ideal clothing and implements that we will need to overcome the challenges of each season.

Machu Picchu usually has a cool and warm climate throughout the year.

WHAT TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU IN THE DRY SEASON?

Generally, this season is characterized by almost no rain and where the sun is the main protagonist of your travels. This is the reason why it is prioritized to take clothes and elements that protect us from the sun such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and indispensable sunglasses. But it is also very important to note that due to the location of Machu Picchu, rains can occur at any time, so having a waterproof jacket at hand is vital.

Enjoy clear landscapes during this great season.

WHAT TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU IN THE WET SEASON?

This season is special since it is not only characterized by a greater presence of rain and wet weather but also by having a very pleasant and cool climate for visitors to Machu Picchu. Therefore, it is not only recommended to wear waterproof clothing such as trekking shoes, jackets and pants, but it is also important to wear warm clothes, because the temperature drops due to heavy rains, creating a colder climate than usual.

Enjoy the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu surrounded by mysticism.

LAYERS AND MATERIALS OF ITEMS TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU

LAYERS OF CLOTHING TO WEAR TO MACHU PICCHU

The weather in Peru as in Machu Picchu is usually very changeable, which is why the layers of clothing are the key to your visit to Machu Picchu whatever the season. Since it will allow you to properly distribute your clothes and you will have the advantage of being able to adapt to any climate change in Cusco or Machu Picchu quickly and comfortably.

Dressing properly is key to ensuring comfort during your visit to Machu Picchu.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING TECHNOLOGIES TO WEAR TO MACHU PICCHU

Nowadays there are endless alternatives in terms of technologies and materials for trekking clothing, which is why many inexperienced travelers do not know which one to choose and end up getting confused. That is why we will present you with a list of materials with their main characteristics so that you can decide your best option, depending on your needs and economy.

GORE-TEX

It is one of the most famous and well-known technologies in the world, being the pioneer in creating waterproof and breathable technology, thanks to its patented membrane. It stands out for its functionality, durability and resistance; but not everything is good because it is also the most expensive in the market.

WATERPROOF

It is also a very famous waterproofing technology worldwide, being used by brands such as Columbia. But we must emphasize that it does not fulfill a 100% waterproof function, but rather of water resistance, which translating into more understandable terms, serves for light rain climates and not for areas with heavy rains.

Note: it is an ideal choice of clothing to take to Machu Picchu during the dry season.

FUTURE LIGHT

It is the flagship technology of the brand “The North Face”, which is similar in characteristics to the Gore-Tex, as it also has a membrane that allows great ventilation and waterproofing in their garments and shoes, having the bonus of being lightweight. It is a less expensive alternative since its resistance to wear is lower.

DRY-VENT

Another technology from “The North Face”, is distinguished because it has the additional function of being windproof and has a water-repellent exterior finish, which more aggressively repels raindrops.

SO, WHAT IS THE MATERIAL THAT I SHOULD TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU IN THE RAINY SEASON?

As we mentioned before, this will depend on your economy and also on the season in which you are going to travel, since, if you are traveling in the rainy season, the ideal is to take clothes and shoes with Gore-Tex and Future Light technology, since they will keep you protected for a long time and regardless of the intensity of the rain.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING SHOULD I TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU IN THE DRY SEASON?

If you travel in dry season, you do not have to worry much about this type of technology, however, I must remind you that the weather in Cusco and Machu Picchu is unpredictable, so having on hand a windbreaker or Waterproof technology jacket, should be enough to face any rain that comes your way.

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU

If we want to detail the essential clothing to visit Machu Picchu, we must understand that these recommendations will depend on whether you choose a hike as a route of arrival to Machu Picchu, because if you travel by train, there is no obligation of special clothing to tour this Inca citadel.

APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU

Suppose you are an adventurer who wants to walk and overcome the remains of trekking trails such as the Salkantay Trek, Inca Jungle, Lares Trek or Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In that case, you will need to have a good trekking shoe that meets characteristics such as waterproof, breathability, anti-slip sole and above all resistance to all terrain.

Currently, many brands offer waterproof and breathable technology in many of their shoe offers, which is why it is recommended to buy them since you can use them regardless of whether you travel in the dry or wet season.

Keep in mind these details when purchasing your trekking shoe

If you travel by train to Machu Picchu, slippers with these characteristics are not mandatory, but keep in mind that they serve a function of comfort when touring the archaeological complex, something to keep in mind if you want your experience to be more enjoyable.

Note: something very important that you should know is that the shoes you are going to use, should already be molded to your feet, that is to say, you should have used them before and not choose new shoes that you have never used.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU

Within the category of pants and shirts, there are different materials, functionalities and models. So, you should choose the one that best suits your needs.

WATERPROOF/BREATHABLE AND THERMAL JACKETS

This technology will provide you with unparalleled comfort and safety since it is suitable for rainy and hot areas. Therefore, if you travel to Peru and you will visit Machu Picchu through a multi-day package, in which you will visit several places and different climates, this pant has to be present.

Carry a light jacket with you at all times.

DETACHABLE PANTS

These trekking pants are ideal for those travelers who will cross different terrains such as trails and rivers, as you can adapt them quickly and easily depending on the situation in which you find yourself.

The ideal pants to visit Machu Picchu for its great versatility.

QUICK-DRYING POLO SHIRTS

While it is true that this technology is present in almost all trekking clothes, you must make sure that yours fulfills this function, because whether you are trekking or traveling by train to Machu Picchu, this will be very useful to avoid any inconvenience.

The best option to keep you cool and dry

EXTRA ACCESSORIES TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU

Among the things to take to Machu Picchu, you cannot miss the accessories and implements that fulfill the function of support and comfort outside of clothing and shoes. These will help you to have a more complete and satisfactory experience during your tour.

TREKKING POLES

The trekking poles are super useful, especially one of the elements that you should take to Machu Picchu if you do the Inca Trail, as they will help you overcome the hours of daily trekking and also serve the function of providing stability and security.

Note: In case you are an older adult who will need trekking poles during the tour in the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex, the regulations indicate that you can use them as long as the tips are made of rubber and not metal.

PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS

It is true that nowadays Smartphones have very good cameras and are versatile, but if you are on a great trip to visit the most important citadel of the Inca civilization, a professional camera is something you should take to Machu Picchu since its quality is unmatched.

Take the best pictures of your memories in Machu Picchu.

PORTABLE BATTERIES

Nowadays it has become an indispensable element and without a doubt it should be one of the elements that you should take to Machu Picchu. During your trip, it will help you not to miss any moment, since you will have your electronic devices fully charged.

It will be useful to have your camera and cell phone available at all times.

SUNSCREEN/INSECT REPELLENT

It is mainly recommended for use during the dry season, as this is the peak of insect infestation. On the other hand, for us, it is an indispensable item to carry, even on your trip during the wet season, as insects and nature are unpredictable.

SUN HATS

Thanks to the greenhouse effect and climate change in recent years, hats have become indispensable, as they will protect during the hot days when the sun is at its maximum splendor.

WHAT SIZE BACKPACK TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU?

This is a big question for many travelers, who still do not know what size backpack they will need for their trip to Machu Picchu. In case you have a tour that includes a train to Machu Picchu, you will only need a medium size backpack and according to the policies of the train companies, you should not exceed 8kg maximum.

If you travel through the Inca Trail, you should take to Machu Picchu a backpack of approximately 30 liters (personal), which will be your backpack in which you will carry your personal belongings.

Note: remember that it is forbidden to enter the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex with large backpacks or backpacks that exceed 40 liters.

Exclusive view of Machu Picchu

WHAT TO WEAR IN CUSCO?

During your stay in the city of Cusco, you will notice a fairly warm climate during the days and a windy cold during the evening until night, so you must carry with you layers of clothing that will help you adapt to any weather changes that you will experience during the day hours.

Enjoy walking through the streets of Cusco.

SHOULD I BRING BAGS TO MACHU PICCHU?

No, your stay in Machu Picchu will not be long, that is why it is not necessary to bring all your luggage to this tour. Remember that before starting your tour to Machu Picchu, you must stay at least 1 night in a hotel in Cusco, where you can leave your luggage not necessary for this adventure and in case your hotel does not provide this service (most hotels in Cusco do), you can leave your luggage in the offices of Waman Adventures with total security.

IS FASHIONABLE CLOTHING BETTER TO TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU?

If you are looking to have the best photos for Instagram and other social networks, you should take into account your way of going to Machu Picchu, since if you are going on the Inca Trail, you should wear clothes suitable for your trekking days. On the contrary, if you are going to visit Machu Picchu by train (the most comfortable option), you may be able to wear your favorite fashion and brand clothes.

Remember that your comfort is paramount.

 PROHIBITIONS IN MACHU PICCHU

It is important to take into account this information since our goal is that you have the best experience during your trip or tour, since this regulation is strict for any traveler. Its violation could prevent you from entering the complex or in the worst case, you could have economic and legal sanctions.

• Entering under the influence of illegal substances.
• Entering in an alcoholic state or with alcoholic beverages.
• Entering with any sharp element.
• The use of tripods, carrying sticks or any extension/support for cameras.
• Carrying out any attack against Machu Picchu such as spray painting.
• Causing a disturbance, jumping, running or stripping.

Note: these are just some recommendations, if you want to know more in detail, you can enter the section of Prohibitions of Machu Picchu.

WHAT SHOULD I NOT TAKE TO MACHU PICCHU?

Although there are many items that you should not take to Machu Picchu, which will only cause inconveniences or make your trip much less enjoyable, you must follow the recommendations because there are items that could prevent you from boarding the train and miss your great opportunity to know Machu Picchu.

• Carrying baby carriages.
• Pets are prohibited, except for guide dogs.
• Backpacks that exceed 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches).
• Carrying illegal substances.

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS: LAST-MINUTE TIPS ON HOW TO PACK EFFICIENTLY FOR MACHU PICCHU.

Apart from knowing the appropriate characteristics of your clothes and ideal items according to the season and travel route (train or Inca Trail), it is very important to take into account the final tips to have the best experience.

• Use a bag or backpack with many pockets to have an order at the time of equipping yourself.
• In case you want to have an experience free of extra weight like the backpack during your Machu Picchu tour, you can leave it at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Don’t forget to pack water for your Machu Picchu tour.
• For security reasons, carry a small fanny pack and keep your most valuable items (passport, tickets and cell phone) handy.

Now that you know everything you need to know about all the important and useful items you should take to Machu Picchu, all according to your objectives and travel season, what are you waiting for to book your trip to visit Machu Picchu with Waman Adventures? Pack your backpack with everything you need, but leave enough room for the excitement and adventure that await you at every step of this unique journey. see you at the top!”