Sacred Valley--What to Bring Trekking

Activity

By John Howison

Most of the treks in the Sacred Valley are done with a guide and an outfitting company that provide all the necessary camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, stoves and cookware).

You will be responsible for your own clothing, and the most important items are broken-in hiking boots, comfortable pants (many people use quick-dry pants although they are by no means a necessity), a mixture of short and long-sleeve shirts suitable for layering, an insulating layer (preferably fleece or wool as both keep you warm even when wet), and an outer shell to block the wind and to protect you from precipitation. A warm hat to wear at night is a good idea, as well as one to protect your face from the sun during the day. A second pair of shoes to wear around camp at night will be appreciated after a long day in hiking boots. Two common items that are prohibited on the Inca Trail are plastic water bottles and trekking poles with exposed metal tips. To avoid the water bottle issue, bring along refillable containers or hydration systems. If you are bringing trekking poles, plastic tips are preferable but metal tips with duct tape on them are allowed.

Other Items To Bring Along:

• Camera

• Film

• Flashlight (and spare batteries)

• Bugspray

• Sunscreen

• Pocket knife

• Roll of toilet paper

• Personal toiletries

• Some large garbage bags to keep your things dry in the rain