15 Packing Mistakes I Made on My First Machu Picchu Trip—and What I Wish I Brought Instead, From $6

Don’t let a trip of a lifetime to Machu Picchu be ruined by forgetting the right gear. I learned this the hard way when I packed at the last minute and left my rain jacket behind. Luckily, a friend saved the day with a spare—but you don’t want to rely on chance.

Packing smart doesn’t mean overpacking. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, or on foot, a few key essentials can make all the difference. Think comfortable hiking boots, insect repellent, and a lightweight daypack. To help you prepare, I gathered expert advice from pros at REI and Tambo del Inka, a luxury resort located in Peru’s Sacred Valley on the way to Machu Picchu. Here’s everything you’ll want on your packing list before setting off for one of the world’s most unforgettable adventures.

Continue reading to learn more about packing for Machu Picchu, written by Isis Briones.

Travel and Leisure: 15 Packing Mistakes I Made on My First Machu Picchu Trip

Collage showing a woman in black jacket, an orange backpack, green pants, and a green cloth with a clip.
Collage showing a woman in black jacket, an orange backpack, green pants, and a green cloth with a clip.

15 Packing Mistakes I Made on My First Machu Picchu Trip—and What I Wish I Brought Instead, From $6

Don’t let a trip of a lifetime to Machu Picchu be ruined by forgetting the right gear. I learned this the hard way when I packed at the last minute and left my rain jacket behind. Luckily, a friend saved the day with a spare—but you don’t want to rely on chance.

Packing smart doesn’t mean overpacking. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, or on foot, a few key essentials can make all the difference. Think comfortable hiking boots, insect repellent, and a lightweight daypack. To help you prepare, I gathered expert advice from pros at REI and Tambo del Inka, a luxury resort located in Peru’s Sacred Valley on the way to Machu Picchu. Here’s everything you’ll want on your packing list before setting off for one of the world’s most unforgettable adventures.

Continue reading to learn more about packing for Machu Picchu, written by Isis Briones.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Writer and Editor
Isis Briones
Isis Briones is a writer and editor who has covered travel, fashion, and design for more than eight years.
Media Mentions

Travel and Leisure: 15 Packing Mistakes I Made on My First Machu Picchu Trip

Collage showing a woman in black jacket, an orange backpack, green pants, and a green cloth with a clip.
Collage showing a woman in black jacket, an orange backpack, green pants, and a green cloth with a clip.

15 Packing Mistakes I Made on My First Machu Picchu Trip—and What I Wish I Brought Instead, From $6

Don’t let a trip of a lifetime to Machu Picchu be ruined by forgetting the right gear. I learned this the hard way when I packed at the last minute and left my rain jacket behind. Luckily, a friend saved the day with a spare—but you don’t want to rely on chance.

Packing smart doesn’t mean overpacking. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, or on foot, a few key essentials can make all the difference. Think comfortable hiking boots, insect repellent, and a lightweight daypack. To help you prepare, I gathered expert advice from pros at REI and Tambo del Inka, a luxury resort located in Peru’s Sacred Valley on the way to Machu Picchu. Here’s everything you’ll want on your packing list before setting off for one of the world’s most unforgettable adventures.

Continue reading to learn more about packing for Machu Picchu, written by Isis Briones.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Writer and Editor
Isis Briones
Isis Briones is a writer and editor who has covered travel, fashion, and design for more than eight years.
Media Mentions
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer

Recent mentions

Close-up of a small tick crawling on the edge of a textured green leaf.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
MSN: Warmer Winter Could Lead To An Increase In Ticks
As more Northern Nevadans head outdoors this spring and summer, experts say hikers should be aware of a small pest that can cause big problems — ticks.
View post
Close-up of a small tick crawling on beige fabric outdoors with blurred green and brown background.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Yahoo! Health: How To Protect Yourself From Ticks This Season, According To Experts
What experts say you should do before — and after — heading outdoors.
View post
Couple sitting on floor behind laid out backpacks and organized camping and hiking gear.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
The Trek: Going Gaga Over Gear
Your life in a backpack? Yes, it’s possible.
View post
Various insect repellent products on a wooden shelf including sprays, lotion, and citronella candle.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
REI: How to Choose Insect Repellent
Find the right bug spray for you based on the active ingredient, concentration and application type.
View post
Spray bottle of Ranger Ready insect repellent with 20% Picaridin for long-lasting protection.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Fox 2 News: Mosquito Repellents That Actually Work
Summer is almost here and that means mosquitoes.
View post
Muddy ground with animal and tire tracks and a single green leaf near the bottom center.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Upland Almanac: Average Joe
That deep desire to get outside after a long, cold winter is what elevates turkey hunting here in the Northeast to a premier pursuit.
View post
A small black sprinkler head in the middle of a green backyard lawn with plants blurred in foreground.
Media Mentions
May 29, 2026
AOL: Keeping Summer Pests At Bay: Tips To Protect Your Home
As the summer season returns, uninvited guests make their way into our homes.
View post
Backpacker seated on a log drinking from a water bladder in a grassy field with pine trees behind.
Media Mentions
May 28, 2026
Backpacker: RIP To These Bygone Backpacking Trends
Take a hike down memory lane to celebrate the gear and fads that got backpacking to where it is today.
View post