Embarking on the Inca Trail is a life-changing adventure, and being well-prepared can make all the difference. As we partner with G Adventures, one of the longest-running tour companies on the Inca Trail, we want to ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable journey. G Adventures provides local porters who will carry up to 6kg (approximately 13 pounds) of your gear, so you’ll need to carry any additional items beyond this weight. We also added information in this article specific to our upcoming October 14-17 Inca Trail experience, including weather.
Why Pride Adventure Travel and G Adventures?
Pride Adventure Travel organizes active adventure trips specifically for the LGBT community, creating unique, curated experiences that focus on culture and nature. We believe in bringing together like-minded gay men for incredible adventures throughout the world. Our mission aligns perfectly with G Adventures, making them an ideal tour partner.
Choosing G Adventures for our Peru trip brings a wealth of benefits. With over 30 years of experience, G Adventures is renowned for its commitment to sustainable and responsible travel. Their expertise in leading small group tours ensures that you receive personalized attention while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded adventurers. G Adventures is also dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the regions they explore, making them an ideal partner for our mission to support community empowerment and environmental conservation.
Inca Trail Weather (October 14-17)
In mid-October, the weather on the Inca Trail can be quite variable as it marks the transition from the dry season to the beginning of the wet season. Generally, you can expect cooler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak season.
Daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making for comfortable hiking conditions. However, it’s important to be prepared for sudden changes, including afternoon and evening rain showers. Nights can be cold, with temperatures dropping to around 7°C (45°F), so packing warm clothing is essential.
While October is still considered a good time for trekking due to the reduced number of tourists, the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to pack for both sunny and rainy conditions.
Packing Essentials for the Inca Trail
1. Clothing
- Hiking Boots: A good pair of broken-in hiking boots with ankle support.
- Trekking Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying, and convertible pants.
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms for layering.
- Fleece Jacket: For warmth during the cooler evenings.
- Rain Jacket and Pants: Waterproof and breathable to protect against rain.
- T-Shirts: Lightweight and moisture-wicking.
- Hat and Gloves: Warm hat for the evenings and sun hat for the day.
2. Gear and Equipment
- Backpack: 30-40 liter pack for daily essentials.
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for at least -10°C (14°F).
- Trekking Poles: Collapsible and adjustable for stability on uneven terrain.
- Headlamp: With extra batteries for early mornings and nights.
- Water Bottle/Hydration System: At least 2 liters capacity.
- Water Filter: While G Adventures will have some water filters and we will share, bringing your own is highly recommended for convenience and safety.
3. Personal Items
- Passport and Copies: Essential for travel and permits.
- First Aid Kit: Including blister care, band-aids, and any personal medications.
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF to protect against sun exposure.
- Insect Repellent: To ward off mosquitoes and other bugs.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, and hand sanitizer.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit for extra fuel on the trail.
4. Optional but Useful
- Camera/Smartphone: To capture the stunning scenery.
- Portable Charger: To keep your devices powered.
- Travel Pillow: For extra comfort during nights.
Logistics and Luggage
It’s essential to understand the logistics and limits on luggage before you pack or buy anything. Here’s what you need to know:
Before starting the Inca Trail, you will leave most of your luggage in a secure storage room at your hotel in Cusco, arranged by the tour company. Everything you need for the trail will then be divided into two bags:
- Your own small daypack, which you’ll carry on the trail.
- A bag supplied by your tour company, which you won’t carry.
The vast majority of tour companies, including G Adventures, provide a support team on the Inca Trail that includes porters responsible for carrying the group’s cooking and camping equipment, as well as main food supplies, for the entire journey. These porters, who are essential to the trek’s logistics, also carry a certain amount of luggage per hiker. On G Adventures tours, each hiker is provided with a small black duffel bag in Cusco, allowing for up to 6kg (approximately 13 pounds) of gear per bag. The porters transport these bags along the trail, delivering them to your tent at each campsite and collecting them in the morning.
When packing for the Inca Trail, rest assured that you won’t have to carry the majority of your items during the trek itself. Instead, you’ll only carry essentials in your own daypack, with everything else securely transported by dedicated Peruvian porters.
Tents and Accommodation
G Adventures provides high-quality tents for the Inca Trail, shared between two hikers. These tents are spacious, comfortable, and make up 99% of our accommodation setup. If you prefer your own space and wish to bring a personal lightweight backpacking tent, you’re welcome to do so, but you’ll be responsible for carrying and setting it up yourself.
Tent Pads: G Adventures does not provide tent pads. If you prefer extra comfort or insulation from the ground, you can bring your own lightweight backpacking sleeping pad.
Rentals: For added convenience, G Adventures offers rental options for sleeping bags and pads at a low cost of approximately 50-75 soles per item. This allows you to travel lighter and still be comfortable during your trek.
Amazing Meals on the Trail
One of the highlights of hiking the Inca Trail with G Adventures is the incredible meals prepared by the crew. The G Adventures team includes skilled cooks who provide nutritious and delicious meals to keep you energized throughout your trek. Here’s what you can expect:
- Breakfast: Start your day with hearty breakfasts that include options like eggs, porridge, bread, and fresh fruit.
- Lunch: Midday meals feature a variety of soups, sandwiches, and fresh salads to refuel you for the afternoon hike.
- Dinner: After a long day of trekking, enjoy a multi-course dinner with hot entrees, vegetables, and delicious desserts.
- Snacks: Along the way, you’ll be provided with snacks to keep your energy levels up.
The meals are not only tasty but also cater to various dietary needs. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or have other dietary restrictions, G Adventures ensures that everyone is well-fed and ready for the challenges of the trail.
Packing Tips
- Pack Light: Remember that you’ll be carrying your backpack, so pack only what you need.
- Layer Up: Temperatures can vary greatly, so layering your clothing is key to staying comfortable.
- Stay Organized: Use packing cubes or stuff sacks to keep your gear organized and easily accessible.
Join Us!
Hiking the Inca Trail with California Gay Adventures and G Adventures promises to be an extraordinary experience. With the right gear and preparation, you’ll be ready to take on this adventure with confidence. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity—secure your spot now and start packing for the journey of a lifetime!
