Tents, sleeping pads, and duffle bags are included. You have the option of renting sleeping bags or trekking poles upon booking, or can bring your own. You should also plan on bringing your own pillow if one is desired.

Duffel bags are provided by the local Operator, so you don't have to bring your own. These bags will be carried by porters during the trek and have a weight limit of 13 lbs per Traveler.
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Below is the technical information for the optional sleeping bags available for rent from the local operator. Various options are offered to suit different seasons.
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​Sawtooth Sleeping Bag Long: Temperature range: Comfort: -3°C (26.6°F) / Limit: -9°C (15.8°F) / Extreme: -28°C (-18.4°F)

Explorer Down-Doite Sleeping Bag: Temperature range: Comfort: 3°C (37.4°F) / Limit: -1°C (30.2°F) / Extreme: -15°C (5°F)
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Each sleeping bag weighs ~1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own sleeping bag, but it must not exceed 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs). For general reference, sleeping bags should have a comfort rating between -3°C (26.6°F) and 3°C (37.4°F). Please contact our Customer Support Team to let us know if you plan to bring your own.

If we don’t hear from you, a sleeping bag will automatically be provided for you at no additional cost, along with optional trekking poles (when applicable).

Yes, all of our treks include portable toilets with toilet paper.

It’s best to bring hiking boots, as the trails are often uneven and can become quite muddy if it rains. While some parts of the trek are flat, others involve uphill and downhill sections, so we recommend boots that provide ankle support.

Trekking poles are no longer permitted at Machu Picchu, including those with rounded caps. However, if you have a medical condition that requires the use of a trekking pole, you can bring a doctor’s note explaining your need. This note can be presented to the local authorities when you arrive at Machu Picchu.
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If approved by the local authorities, you’re welcome to bring your own trekking pole or rent one through the local operator for approximately $20–$25 USD.

Drones are not allowed at Machu Picchu. This policy is set by the local authorities.

For all treks, one horse is included for emergencies only. This option is only available if you’re unable to continue hiking. Typically most Travelers have preferred alternative transportation rather than continuing the trek on horseback.
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Please note that in emergencies you can ride the horse to the campsite at Llaqtapata, but beyond that point, riding is prohibited by the Ministry of Culture.

For travelers concerned about altitude sickness during the trip, it’s helpful to know that Cusco and Ollantaytambo are actually higher in elevation than Machu Picchu. That means your first three days — spent in Cusco and Ollantaytambo — are intentionally designed with light activities and easy-paced walking to help you acclimate.
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By the time you begin the Machu Picchu Ruins Tour on Day 4, you’ll actually be descending in elevation, which often comes as a relief. Many travelers report feeling noticeably better once they arrive at Machu Picchu after spending time at higher altitudes.
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What to Expect and How We Support You:

Your local guide will be closely monitoring how everyone is feeling and will adjust the pace of activities if needed to ensure comfort and safety throughout the experience.
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Tips for Managing Altitude — Especially in Cusco (Your Highest Elevation Stop):

Yes, our guides carry supplemental oxygen and a full first aid kit as a standard safety precaution during the trek — especially important at higher elevations. While the first couple of days can be physically demanding due to the altitude, the latter part of the trek becomes more manageable as the route gradually descends into the cloud forest.

If a traveler begins to feel unwell due to altitude sickness (e.g., headache, nausea, dizziness), our guides are trained to recognize symptoms early and will immediately respond by:

Both the lead guide and assistant guide are there to support the group and will give extra attention to anyone feeling unwell.
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In the rare event that a participant is unable to continue, our team is fully prepared to coordinate an evacuation. Our guides are equipped with a satellite phone for emergency communication, and we can arrange for a vehicle to access the nearest reachable camp and safely transport the traveler back to Cusco.
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If you have a known sensitivity to altitude, we strongly encourage consulting your doctor before the trip and discussing preventive medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox).
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Let us know if you have any other questions or concerns — your safety and comfort are our top priorities!

Tips for Guides, drivers, and restaurant staff are not included in your trip costs. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a meaningful way to show appreciation and provides supplemental income for local teams. If they have enhanced your experience, consider rewarding their efforts with a tip. Below are tipping suggestions:

Tips can be given in either Peruvian Sol or US dollars.

When it comes to money matters on the trip, every Traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits better than anyone, so please budget a sensible amount for things like drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need.

The recommended amounts are listed in USD for the relatability of universal Travelers, however local currency may be needed.

If needed, ATMs are widely available in major towns across Peru. Your Guide can assist with helping you find an ATM during the trip.

Credit cards are generally accepted in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are generally more widely accepted over American Express, Diners, etc. Please check with your banking provider to ensure they are aware of your travel plans before your departure.

One primary Guide will be assigned to your group for the entire duration of the trip. Depending on the activity, transportation logistics, or legal requirements, additional Guides may be needed. Please refer to the specific guidelines below:

When visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll need to leave your main luggage at your hotel in Ollantaytambo. For your journey to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, please pack only a small carry-on or overnight bag (such as a backpack, handbag, or duffel bag). The weight of your bag should not exceed 8kg (17 lbs), and the total dimensions should be no more than 118 linear cm / 46 linear inches (height + length + width).
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This applies whether you’re planning a day trip or an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Rest assured, your hotel in Ollantaytambo will securely store your main luggage until your return. Be sure to pack all the essentials for your Machu Picchu adventure in your smaller bag!

You’ll receive your duffel bag during the briefing with your assigned Guide the evening before you begin the trek. Any suitcases you bring from home will stay securely stored at your first hotel, so you’ll only need to pack essential items in your duffel bag for the trek.
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During the trek, horses and mules will transport your duffel bags between campsites, so you won’t have to carry them along the trail. However, since your duffel bag will travel ahead of the group, you won’t have access to it until you arrive at the next campsite.
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To ensure you have everything you need during the day, it’s highly recommended that you bring a small backpack for your essentials. Keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for carrying your own backpack, as no one will be available to assist with it.

You should avoid using tap water, even for brushing your teeth, whenever possible. Instead, stick to treated or bottled water, which will be readily available at all lodging accommodations.

You can refill your water bottles at three specific times during the day: at breakfast, at lunch, and when you arrive at the campsite.

The amount of water you should carry in your daypack depends on how much you typically drink. We usually recommend bringing a 1 or 1.5-liter bottle. Keep in mind that while you can bring larger bottles, they will add extra weight to your daypack, as you'll need to carry them.

Meals on the trek are hearty and packed with plenty of carbohydrates to keep you energized. While snacks are provided, you’re welcome to bring your own if you’d like.

For all trips to Machu Picchu, our local operator requires passport information at least 60 days before the trip to secure tickets and permits. To ensure a smooth process, TrovaTrip reaches out to confirmed Travelers well in advance to collect this information, allowing ample time for ticket arrangements.

A private van or shuttle bus.

Taxis and buses are readily available in both Lima and Cusco, but the best way to explore Cusco is on foot!

Uber is available in Lima.

While trip insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to protect yourself in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies during your travels.