Catherine - Savvy Family TravelBetween strict bag rules, sudden weather shifts, and the fact that you’ll be exploring one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites at high altitude, having the right Machu Picchu packing list can make or break your experience.
When we visited Machu Picchu with our kids, I knew over-preparing was the secret to my ability to relax and enjoy the day. From bus rides to bathroom breaks, here’s everything you need to know about what to pack for a seamless day at Machu Picchu.
Essential Travel Documents
Let’s start with the most important part of your Machu Picchu packing list—the items that actually get you inside the gate:
- Passport – Your passport is always checked when entering Machu Picchu, no exceptions. Keep it safe and dry in a Ziploc. The bus from Aguas Calientes will also validate your passport.
- Printed Machu Picchu entry ticket – Digital version as a backup only.
- Printed bus and train tickets – Same rule applies: have them printed.
- Cash (in soles) – Bring small bills and coins for bathroom stops and snacks.
- Pro tip: Bring a small folder or waterproof sleeve to keep all of these organized and dry.
- Stamp Book: The stamp the bus company puts on your Machu Picchu ticket is super cool. (See the picture below.) I wish I had found a Machu Picchu Packing list that mentioned bringing a stamp book. Be careful not to collect unofficial stamps in your U.S. passport, since unofficial use can actually void it!
Official Ticketing Sites
There is a lot of misleading information and 3rd parties that say they’ll acquire your tickets for you. I would err on the side of caution and book directly unless you have a trusted guide taking care of this for you. Never buy someone else’s Machu Picchu tickets as the name cannot be changed and must match the visitor’s passport.
Here are the official ticketing sites:
Machu Picchu – Book 3+ months in advance. If you are trying to get last minute tickets, you’ll likely need to plan for 2 nights in Aguas Calientes so you have flexibility to wait for a next day ticket at the in person ticket office.
If you find zero availability, it might be a browser issue. Try an incognito window.
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu – Purchase 1-2 weeks in advance. You’ll book tickets for the same date as your Machu Picchu entry ticket. There won’t be an indicated bus time. Instead, they’ll guide you to a line based on your MP ticket time. Arrive 1 hour before then to queue for your bus.
Train to Aguas Calientes via PeruRail or IncaRail. In our experience, the cost for the Vistadome premier cabin on PeruRail was not worth the extra money.
Bags & Entry Rules at Machu Picchu
One of the trickiest parts of planning your Machu Picchu packing list is navigating the bag rules.
- Size limits: Large bags and suitcases are not allowed on the buses or inside the site. The limit is about 20 liters for daypacks.
- Prohibited items: Drones, big umbrellas, professional camera equipment, bulky food items, and walking sticks without rubber tips.
Here’s how we handled our bagged during our visit to Machu Picchu.
- We left our big Peru bags in Ollantaytambo, packed for just one night in Aguas Calientes
- Then, the morning of our Machu Picchu tour, we left our overnight bag at our Aguas Calientes hotel before heading to Machu Picchu with only a day bag.
It honestly felt like we were leaving our belongings all over the Sacred Valley—but that’s how it’s commonly done. Traveling light made the experience so much easier.
What to Pack for a Day at Machu Picchu
Here’s the core Machu Picchu packing list for your actual day at the ruins:
- Water bottle or hydration bladder – Pack plenty of water. Once you’re inside, there are no concessions. But keep in mind, there are also no bathrooms.
- Electrolytes (Liquid IV, Gatorade powder, or Pedialyte) – Essential for keeping energy up at high altitude.
- Light snacks – Bulk food isn’t allowed, but we had no problem with granola bars and trail mix. These kept our kids moving!
- First-aid basics – Band-aids, blister pads, and pain relievers. Ibuprofen was great for our altitude symptoms.
- Bug spray – Picaridin as the main ingredient is best for this area.
- Sunscreen + SPF chapstick – The sun is intense at altitude even if the clouds deceive you.
- Sunglasses + brimmed hat
- Rain jacket or poncho – Weather can flip in minutes even if not in the forecast.
- Power bank – You’ll want your camera/phone charged for photos.
- Tissues – We found our nose was runny due to the altitude and chilly air.
- Coins for bathrooms – It costs 2 soles to use the bathroom outside the entrance. Do it before you go in, since you’ll be inside for 2.5–3.5 hours. We even joked about being ready with a Gatorade bottle for an emergency—but thankfully, the kids made it!
? The bus ride up from Aguas Calientes is a winding road clinging to the side of a mountain. We packed a sickness bag “just in case.” Of course, since we had it we didn’t need it—but that’s the kind of item you’re glad to have at the ready.
Clothing & Footwear
Shoes
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trail sneakers (closed-toe required). The ground is uneven.
- Don’t wear brand-new shoes; break them in before the trip. Also, avoid white shoes which will get dirty quick!
Clothing
- Breathable layers—mornings can be cool, afternoons warm.
- Quick-dry pants or leggings.
- Lightweight fleece or jacket.
- Rain layer for sudden showers.
Accessories
- Hat or buff for sun.
- Lightweight gloves (if traveling during cooler months).
Machu Picchu by Season
Your Machu Picchu packing list will slightly shift depending on the season:
- Dry season (May–September): Cool mornings and evenings, sunny days. Bring light jackets and sun protection.
- Rainy season (October–April): Waterproof layers are essential. Expect muddy trails and damp shoes.
- Year-round: Always prepare for both sun and rain—the clouds roll in quickly, but don’t get discouraged. During our visit, the clouds blocked the ruins at first but rolled away just in time for that iconic postcard view.
Hiking the Inca Trail or Other Treks
If your experience involves trekking, you’ll need extras on your Machu Picchu packing list, including:
- Sleeping bag + liner
- Trekking poles (rubber tips required inside Machu Picchu)
- Headlamp
- Sandals for evenings at camp
- Extra snacks and water
- Duffel bag
For a full guide on what you’ll need to do the trek, we recommend this hiking guide.
Staying Overnight in Aguas Calientes
We spent a night in Aguas Calientes before our tour, and I recommend packing:
- Change of clothes for the hot springs or wandering town and pajamas
- Toiletries (some hotels provide basics)
- Bathing suit if you’ll have time for the thermal springs
- Small overnight bag to leave at your hotel before heading up to Machu Picchu
You can find our full 2 week Peru itinerary here.
Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes
1911 – Low cost, convenient to the Train Station, breakfast included, short walk to hot spring.
Casa del Sol Machupicchu – Upscale and spacious rooms. Breakfast included and convenient to the train station and Machu Picchu bus station.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu – Luxury stay with unbeatable location. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Sumaq Hotel – Another luxury option for your once in a lifetime trip. Breakfast included, dinner included with some booking options.
Special Considerations for Machu Picchu
- Altitude sickness: Mitigate symptoms with coca candies, tea, or altitude pills (with your doctor’s approval). Hydrate constantly. We learned how debilitating altitude symptoms can be when we went to Quito.
Note: Coca tea can show up on a drug urine test for 4-6 days or in hair follicles for up to 90 days as this comes from the same plant as cocaine. - Photography gear: A good camera or phone, extra memory card, and spare battery. Tripods, selfie sticks, and drones are not allowed.
- Guides & circuits: Our guide advised us to buy Circuit 2 (Lower). Many travelers think it doesn’t have the best views because of its name, but they are wrong. It was stunning—and less crowded.
- Souvenirs – You’ll find Machu Picchu souvenirs in the markets of Aguas Calientes and Cusco.
Machu Picchu Packing Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overpack your day bag.
- Keep snacks small and discreet.
- Avoid heavy clothing—layering is the way to go.
- Don’t stress about the clouds; they usually pass quickly.
- Bring coins for bathrooms and don’t forget to go before entering the ruins.
FREE Printable Machu Picchu Packing List
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Save the Ultimate Machu Picchu Packing List for Later
Packing for Machu Picchu is all about balance: bring enough to be comfortable, but travel light to keep the experience stress-free.
Between the bus ride up the mountain, the no-bathroom rule inside, and the incredible circuits, having the right Machu Picchu packing list will let you focus on taking in one of the world’s most unforgettable sights.
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Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys. My tireless husband provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and an expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
Based in: Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
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