Weather Protection, Machu Picchu

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: You're at about 9500 feet above sea level. The sun is real intense at this level. If you took the pills to fight altitude sickness like I did, that lowers the resistance to fighting off sunburn also. So come prepared. 1) Bring sunscreen. You'll be in the sun from about 8am until 5pm at the most here. 2) bring a hat, keep the sun off you. And don't forget to put it on your ears.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: if you going there from Oct-March, raining season, you should certainly get a $1 poncho from a drug store. we were lucky when we were there in the end of March, the rain did not come until the end of the tour.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: A good hat is essential to protect you from the sun. In this altitude even the weakest sun ray will burn your skin, so is a good idea to protect your face and neck with a good hat.
Don't worry if you don't carry one, there are many vendors at the beginning of the trail selling hats like mine for 5 soles (about 2 USD). Some even say "Machu Picchu souvenir"!

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: A big plastic bag over your clothes, if you don't want to be surprised by the rain...

Une "capa de agua" si vous ne voulez pas etre surpris par la pluie

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: A flashlight, because, if you want to reach the MP site early, when coming from Aguas Calientes, you'll have to begin walking at 3.00 AM (really dark outside)

Une lampe de torche, parce que si vous voulez arriver tot au MP, en partant d'Aguas Calientes, vous devrez commencer a marcher a 3.00 du mat" (noir d'encre dehors).

Miscellaneous: Coca leaves are full of energy...

Des feuilles de coca, on ne sait jamais

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you're hiking the Inca Trail, you'll be going through a section called the "Cloud Forest", and chances are it will be raining. Bring along a lightweight plastic poncho or jacket for such an occasion.

Another good idea (and our guide loaned me his), is to bring pant cuff guards - they're nylon and they snap or tie at the bottom, protecting your lower legs from mud.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: No, not to protect your head from the sun. To protect others from seeing you with REALLY BAD HAIR after you haven't been able to wash it during the 4 day Inca Trail trek! Bring along a hat. Your ego will thank you for it.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: David laughs at me because he says only someone like me would put this as a "must bring" item. But folks - why WOULDN'T you want to keep your nasal membranes moist with saline solution?! You're going to be up high where the air is dry. Nosebleeds are not uncommon, nor is the feeling of nasal congestion. This is a natural side effect of being up in a high, dry place. If you bring along a little bottle of saline solution, your nose will feel better and you'll breathe better. It's that simple!

Luggage and bags: You will need a full size back pack even on a guided trek as you still have to carry your sleeping bag, bed pad and all your warm clothes as well as any snacks you might need.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Water proof gear is essential as this is a cloud forest and it rains a fair amount.

Miscellaneous: We brought out own bed pad as it was a lot more comfortable than the ones they provide.

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Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: You will need poncho or raincoat because there's no place to hide if it's rain.

Photo Equipment: Bring ziploc to protect your camera.

Miscellaneous: Fantastic food, especially at Inka Wasi.