Essential Items for a Day Trip to Machu Picchu

I experienced Machu Picchu in the spring in late April. I want to share a list of the essential items you should take when visiting Macchu Picchu in a day trip so you can be better prepared than I was.

Portable Charger

Keep in mind that the entire ordeal of visiting Machu Picchu can roughly take half a day and there’s no charging stations there so is useful to have a portable charger available.

Water and Snacks

The only place where you can find food and drinks is outside the main entrance. Inside Machu Picchu however there is nothing for you to purchase. I advise for you to bring snacks and water specially if you have any medical conditions that require eating or hydrating frequently.

Sunscreen

Unfortunately I left my sunscreen when I went to Machu Picchu and regretted it. I got sunburnt because I underestimated the weather and the conditions in Machu Picchu. There is absolutely no shade up there and the sun feel stronger because you are closer to it. I advise for you to take sunscreen no matter the weather. The day I went was rainy and cloudy and ended sunny and clear.

Layers of Clothing

Like I mentioned above, the weather there is unpredictable and the altitude of the mountain make changes feel more dramatic. Therefore I suggest for you to layer up so you can adjust your clothing as the weather changes and don’t forget a hat and shades. I wore a tank top, a long sleeve shirt, a waterproof jacket, jeans and hiking boots. It was easy for me to adjust as the weather changed.

Extra Batteries for your Camera

The last thing you need is your camera dieing in the middle of taking pictures in Machu Picchu. I suggest for you to carry extra batteries in case you need to swap them.

A Light Backpack

If possible try to pack light to avoid exhausting yourself quick. There will be a lot of walking involved specially if you are hiking from Agua Calientes. For example I went with a small backpack and inside I had a granola bar, bottle of water, camera, phone, my wallet, lip balm and my passport. Nothing too heavy.

I’m hoping that this was useful to you guys traveling to Machu Picchu. If you think I forgot something essential please leave me a comment. Thank you!!