What to Wear to Machu Picchu | The Perfect Machu Picchu Clothing for All Seasons

If you’re planning to visit Machu Picchu, this post is definitely for you. We’ll help you decide what to wear at Machu Picchu and answer the question, “Wondering what to pack for Machu Picchu?”

Whether you’re visiting the famous Inca citadel as a day trip or hiking there on the famous Inca Trail, you’ll find practical tips to help you prepare for a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a destination that is high on many travellers’ bucket list. All sorts of questions, from “Do I need hiking boots for Machu Picchu?” to bag weight and size restrictions, are also addressed.

We also included a section about various ways of getting to Machu Picchu, including Machu Picchu tours which incorporate travel by train. This is important as it also influences what to pack for your trip. It may also help you to decide which type of Andes trek to take, if you haven’t yet made that decision. The main options include one day, overnight or four day treks.

Or, you don’t have to trek to Machu Picchu at al – you can take the train! 

Next we cover the weather, as this will have a big impact on the clothes for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu you’ll need to wear. Being appropriately dressed depending on the season is one of the key components of any good Machu Picchu packing list – and it can rain in this part of Peru at any time of the year.

After taking a look at the weather in this part of Peru we then move onto settling the question of Machu Picchu – what to wear? As well as clothing, this section discusses what shoes to wear for Machu Picchu, plus what kind of clothing makes the best Machu Picchu hiking gear. Dressing in layers is key, with a comfortable layer, insulating middle layer and a practical outer layer to protect you from rain and changing weather conditions.

We’ve even thrown in a few extras too – such as explaining why you’ll want to take a swimsuit and  listing some of the items we think are really useful to have when exploring Machu Picchu. There are also useful links to other articles that might answer your Machu Picchu trek and frequently asked questions you may also have.

Read on to discover all the travel tips you need for the trip of a lifetime to this iconic part of South America! Whether you’re wondering what to wear to Machu Picchu in October, January, April or July, this guide will help you finalize that packing list.

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we would earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Ways to Get to Machu Picchu: Everything You Need to Know

There are five main ways to get to Machu Picchu. Which you choose will largely determine what to bring to Machu Picchu in terms of clothing and other items, so it’s important to check out what the options are. The first three experiences listed involve train travel and do not include camping. Rather, you will be staying in decent hotels. While you don’t really need to be prepared for ‘roughing it’, practical clothing is always recommended, as is a comfortable day pack.

When it comes to clothing, layering can be key at all times of year. Especially when you’ll be camping overnight. If you’ll be taking a trip that includes trekking, then your hiking boots should also be sturdy ones. This is especially true of the train and hiking combination tour – also known as the short or 2 day Inca Trail trek – as this one does include some hiking. For all types of trip, you will also want to add a bathing suit to your list so you can sample the thermal springs at Machu Picchu town.

Whether you take one of the train trips or the classic Inca Trail trek, you need to be aware of the luggage restrictions that apply to each. These are explained under each heading below.

Train Trips to Machu Picchu – Including the 2 Day Inca Trail

These trips are taken partly or wholly by train and luggage limits do apply to all passengers. You can take just one overnight bag each. There are no luggage racks at all on Inca Rail services, and limited space on Peru Rail.

Inca Rail’s weight limit is 11 lbs (just under 5 kilos) and Peru Rail’s is 17 lbs (about 7.7 kg). A day pack sized bag is about right. The bag mustn’t measure more than 62 inches when you combine the length, width and height.

Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train

One way of getting to Machu Picchu is to take a day trip on the train. This trip is available daily and departs from the city of Cusco. The maximum group size is 12.

As you’re not staying overnight, all you really need is a Machu Picchu day pack that contains whatever you need for the duration, such as a water bottle, a packable rain jacket, sunglasses and so on.

Find out more about this one day train trip to Machu Picchu here

Overnight Trip to Machu Picchu by Train

If you’d like to spend a little longer but still want to travel by train, then the one night tour to Machu Picchu may suit you better.

This includes a night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Macchu Picchu and home of some natural hot springs . If you want to use the thermal baths here, you will need to add a swimsuit to your list of what to take to Machu Picchu.

Discover the one night trip to Machu Picchu by train here

Overnight train & hiking trip to Machu Picchu

This combination tour includes trekking and train travel, thus offering the best of both worlds. It gives you a taste of hiking the Inca Trail – and unlike with the longer 4 day trek, permits are rarely sold out.

Again you’d be staying at an Aguas Calientes hotel for one night.  So do include a swimsuit on your packing list for Machu Picchu. The short Inca Trail includes a visit to Wiñay Wayna and a walk from there to Machu Picchu via Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate.  Note, while this route is “short”  that is not synonymous with “easy” – you still need to be fit and prepared to do this trek.   

The Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days

The classic 4 day Inca trail trek is by far the most popular trip, and permits often sell out quickly. If you want to take this famous Machu Picchu hike, then your packing list will be a little different. You’ll be camping overnight and will need to bring or hire a sleeping bag. Extra warm clothing will also be required, as it gets very cold at high altitudes during the night. Wearing several layers helps you retain body heat, while a good base layer can help keep you warm and comfortable inside your tent.

While your sleeping bag will be carried by a porter as part of the duffel bag you can take, it is included in the baggage weight allowance that applies to everyone. This bag is supplied by Apus Peru. The rest of your luggage will be stored in Cusco while you’re trekking the Inca Trail.

The key thing to know when making your Machu Picchu and Inca Trail packing list is that your luggage will need to weigh 7 kilos or less. This includes a hired or your own sleeping bag.

Anything you need on a daily basis will go into the day pack you’ll carry while hiking. Overpacking is very common, and this may result in you having to leave items behind. So do weigh what you’ve got before you go.

Alternatives to the Famous Inca Trail

Maybe the classic Inca Trail is booked out, or you simply want to explore a more off-the-beaten-track alternative. Although the Inca Trail is the only hike to the Sun Gate, it is one of the most visited hikes in Peru and permits often sell out well in advance. Also, the trail is closed every February for maintenance. 

For these reasons, you may sometimes find yourself looking for an alternative trek to Machu Picchu. If this is the case, the most popular alternative hikes in Peru are the 5 day Salkantay trail and the 4 day Lares trek. Both include visiting Machu Picchu as part of the itinerary, so there’s no need to worry about missing out on this essential South America experience!

Looking for Further Information on Machu Picchu?

We have several other posts providing more information on when is the best time to visit Machu Picchu, the hiking routes of the area and how to travel there by train from Cusco.

If you’re wondering how long you need, take a look at this ‘how many days in Machu Picchu’ post, which outlines what to see and do, how long you can spend at the site and whether or not you need a tour guide.

You may be surprised to know that it’s not all about the Inca Trail – or even the Salkantay or Lares treks. There are other hikes you can take part in at Machu Picchu. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu, the Inca bridge, Into Punku and more, reach out to us!

A third article you may find useful is our piece on getting to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco. This tells you call you must know before you go, including details of the rail operators, where the stations are and the stunning scenery you can enjoy as you travel.

Weather around Machu Picchu

Whatever time of year you go, the fact that Machu Picchu is located amidst a tropical cloud forest means that rain is present throughout the year. This even applies to the dry season months (April to October).

The drier months are May, June, July, August and September when it’s the dry season in Peru. However, this does not mean that will be no rain at all! Keep in mind that weather conditions can change quickly in the Peruvian Andes. This is why we always recommend bringing wet weather gear. In that way, what to wear to in December is much the same as in June.

Visiting Machu Picchu during the rainy season (from November to March) has its own advantages. Your trip may cost less and the route may be less crowded. If you like the sound of that, learn more about the best weather to visit Peru, and check out this post on visiting Machu Picchu during the wet season.

What Machu Picchu Clothing will you Need?

Machu Picchu Day Trip Clothing

A one day packing list for Machu Picchu in Peru should include the following items.

Passport

Water Bottle

Day Pack

Hiking Shoes or Boots with ankle support

Waterproof Jacket or Poncho

Breathable Trekking Pants

Tops – Hiking Layers When choosing your hiking layers, try to avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and can take a long time to dry, which can leave you feeling cold and uncomfortable when the weather changes. Instead, opt for breathable, moisture-wicking materials such as merino wool or synthetic fabrics.

Sun Hat – with strap – Protect yourself from the sun, and keep in mind that UV rays are much stronger at high altitudes.

Wear Sunglasses!

Sunscreen SPF 50

Insect Repellent

Lip Balm

First Aid Kit

Camera

Cash (in local currency & small denominations)

Machu Picchu Overnight Trip Clothing

You’ll need to add a few extra items to your Machu Picchu what to bring list when staying overnight.

Swimwear

Flip Flops

Nightwear

Toiletries

Machu Picchu 4 day Trek Clothing

Refer to this Complete Guide to Packing for the Inca Trail for more detailed information on what to take on the longer trips. Here are a few extra essentials, though, to add the lists above.

Fleece – (insulating layer) Recommended to wear in the evenings and for hikes

Base Layer – Merino wool or technical synthetic is an excellent choice for a base layer, as it helps regulate body temperature and stays comfortable even when you’re hiking for several hours.

Broad Headband

Warm Nightwear

Beanie Hat

Scarf

Gloves

Hiking Poles – Look for poles with rubber tips for better grip on rocky and uneven terrain.

Socks – Hiking & regular

Don’t forget to bring or hire a sleeping bag and hiking poles too! (Only if you are doing a hike that involves camping. For shorter hikes, such as the visit to Huayna Picchu, this is not necessary.)

Tips For Visiting Machu Picchu

What’s the Best Daypack for Machu Picchu?

Your Machu Picchu day pack is also subject to size restrictions. As for the weight, that’s all down to what you can carry! The maximum Machu Picchu backpack size is measure 40cm by 40cm. Anything bigger would need to be left behind at the gate. So being aware of the Machu Picchu backpack size limit is critical.

Osprey offer some high quality day packs that should last for years – way beyond your adventures in Peru. We’d recommend that your list of what to bring to Machu Picchu includes one of these Osprey backpacks – or something very similar.

Again, this Peru packing list and Ultimate Inca Trail Packing List has more information on what you’re likely to be carrying in your daypack.

What are the Best Shoes for Machu Picchu?

The best hiking shoes to wear within Machu Picchu are sturdy trekking boots, as these will support your ankles. Having the best hiking boots for Machu Picchu can make all the difference between a trip that’s memorable for the right reasons and one that’s simply very painful! For shorter hikes or day trips, trail runners can be a lighter alternative to hiking shoes, as long as they offer good grip and support on uneven terrain.

Due to the fact that rain happens all year round on the Inca Trail, it’s wise to add waterproof trekking boots to your list of what to wear to hike Machu Picchu. Just as a waterproof one is always going to be the Machu Picchu jacket of choice. In our blog post, we recommend specific brands, such as The North Face, as well as particular models, and explain the key differences you need to know to choose the right gear for your trip.

This, though, is our number one tip. The best shoes for any hike aroudn Machu Picchu are those that have previously been worn in before departure. Ignore this hint at your peril! Expect painful blisters if you bring brand new walking shoes for Machu Picchu, rather than well worn-in ones.

Don’t Forget to Add These to your Machu Picchu Packing List!

The Machu Picchu dress code isn’t the only issue to consider. While knowing what to wear when hiking Machu Picchu is crucial, a few random items that are not clothing can also be very useful.

Neck Wallet

Altitude Sickness Tablets

Universal Power Adaptor

Spanish Phrasebook

Packing Cubes

Packing for Machu Picchu Month-by-Month

So, as a final note, how do packing lists vary by season? While what to wear in Machu Picchu in January during the rainy season may differ a little from what to wear for your Machu Picchu visit in August – which is one of the drier months – there can be rain and cold nights all year round.

The ideal clothes for Machu Picchu include lots of lightweight layers. These are ideal all year round as they can be removed or added to as the weather changes.

Make sure you also have waterproof footwear and a poncho or rain jacket, plus sun protection whenever you go. The UV rays can be strong at high altitude, even when the weather feels cool or cloudy, so a sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen are essential. If you’ll be camping, also be prepared for the dramatic overnight drops in temperature by taking warm nightwear, plus a base layer you could wear beneath that if it gets really chilly in your tent.

What Will you Wear to Hike Machu Picchu?

We hope this guide has helped to answer your questions about what to wear to hike Machu Picchu. Whether you’re taking a day trip, staying for one night or going for the full four day trek.

Planning your Machu Picchu experience starts with the Guide to Travelling to Machu Picchu, where you will find all the essential information about how to get there, what to expect, and how to make the most of your journey.

If you’re also headed elsewhere in the country, these posts on Packing for Peru and our ultimade guide on the Inca Trail also makes essential reading material while planning your trip.