How to Dress on the Inca Trail Day by Day

One of the most complex answers about the 4-day Inca Hike is how to dress on the Inca trail appropriately day by day according to the weather. In the Peruvian Andes, we have two well-defined seasons, the rainy season from November to April and the dry season from May to October. However, this is not the only aspect that we have to take into account, since the climate in the mountains is usually very changeable, especially in Peru, a country that has 84 life zones of the 117 that exist on the planet.

Due to this complexity that exists in the Andean country and the number of life zones that you will find on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, we have decided to write this article; detailing day by day how to dress on the Inca trail day by day.

Llactapata

1). How to dress on the Inca Trail on the first day

The first day on the classic Inca trail begins with the pick up at 4 in the morning from the city of Cusco. At that time in the morning it is usually still very cold, so you should be well wrapped up.

The first day of hiking is from the town of Piscacucho (KM 82). Located at 2,750 mt. / 9,022 ft. According to the itinerary of the the Inca Trail operators, you will hike about 10 or 12 kilometers to the town of Wayllabamba or Ayapata.

This first day if the day is sunny, the temperature will oscillate between 18 and 22 °C / 65 to 70 °F. (however if the day is cloudy, it will feel a little cold, that’s how crazy the temperature change between heat and no heat can be).

What is recommended to wear on the first day and what most hikers wear in the lower part of the body are: leggings, hiking pants, preferably breathable ones or shorts (if you wear shorts, remember to bring a good mosquito repellent). For the upper part, usually short or long-sleeved shirts or tank tops, but that are quick-drying and breathable (pure cotton clothes are not recommended, as they soak up sweat). Just in case, pack a rain jacket in your daypack.

Dead woman´s pass

2). How to dress the most challenging day of the trek?

In most Inca Trail itineraries, the second day is the most challenging of all due to the kilometers of ascent that must be done above 3600 mt./ 11811.02 ft. added to the mountain passes of Warmiwañuska and Runcuracay that you will have to overcome.

How to dress correctly on the Inca trail on the second day, will be a bit complicated to answer. The temperature swing can vary constantly. In 1 hour it can be frozen, cold, warm or very hot. In just one hour it can range from 0 °C/32 °F to 26 °C/ 78.8 °F.

This day on the Inca trail starts very early, around 5 in the morning, you will already be starting to walk uphill. At that time in the morning it feels very cold, so you will start well wrapped up. However, as his body begins to function, his body temperature will increase and added to the first rays of sunlight, they will make him start to undress hahahahaha. However, upon reaching the two mountain passes located above 4200 mt./ 13779.53 ft. you will wear your warm layers again. During the entire tour of the second day you will be dressing and undressing every 30 minutes.

The best thing to do for this second day is to wear thermal pants and poles that easily adapt to changes in temperature. And of course also a rain jacket and a down jacket. Also don’t forget a wool hat and gloves.

Intipata

3). How to dress the most beautiful day of the Inca Trail

The third day we personally consider the most beautiful of all. He will see immense valleys, the transition between the snow-capped mountains of the Andes and the beginning of the Amazon jungle and amazing Inca citadels.

How to dress on the Inca trail this third day and take memorable photos with your loved ones. In the morning between 5 and 7 it will be a little cold, but with a fleece it will be enough.

Afterwards it will get hotter and hotter, the temperature will reach up to 30°C/86°F. and the humidity in the air oscillates between 80 and 90%. With some leggings, shorts or breathable hiking pants and some breathable long or short-sleeved polo shirts will be enough. Do not forget to bring repellent for mosquitoes, since this day is where you will find them in greater quantity.

The lost city of the Incas

4). The cherry of the cake

How to dress on the Inca trail, the last day will be very important, since this day you will take immortal photos with your cell phones and also with your hearts and souls.

This day you will start very early and in the morning in the semi-tropical areas due to the humidity and the wind it feels quite cold. So you’ll start with warm clothes. However, remember that when you get to Machu Picchu it will already be hot, so as a base you have to use something very light, so that you can enjoy the wonder of the Machu Picchu world as comfortably as possible.

• We hope that this information on how to dress on the Inca Trail is useful for you.