ONE DAY TOURS IN CUSCO

Bring a comfortable 20–25 liter daypack with enough space for water, extra clothing, snacks, personal items, and a rain jacket. A backpack with padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel is especially useful for longer walks.

Recommended models: Osprey Talon 22 or Osprey Tempest 22. The Talon 22 has a 22-liter capacity and is specifically designed for activities such as hiking, with a close-fitting ventilated back panel and multiple pockets.

Wear shoes with good traction and enough support for uneven trails, stone paths, archaeological sites, and mountain terrain. Avoid using brand-new shoes for a demanding hike; ideally, wear them several times before your tour.

Recommended models: Merrell Moab 3 for general hiking or Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof during wetter months. The Moab 3 combines a cushioned midsole with a Vibram outsole, while the waterproof version is designed to provide additional protection in wet conditions.

Weather in the Andes can change quickly, so carrying a lightweight waterproof outer layer is recommended even when the morning begins with clear skies. Choose a jacket that can be packed easily inside your backpack.

Recommended model: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket. It uses a three-layer waterproof construction designed for waterproofing, breathability, and durability.

Early mornings and high-altitude viewpoints can be cold, while temperatures may rise considerably later in the day. A lightweight fleece allows you to add or remove insulation as conditions change.

Recommended brands: Patagonia, Columbia, The North Face, or Arc’teryx. Choose a lightweight hiking fleece rather than a bulky winter jacket so that it fits easily inside your daypack.

For hiking tours, wear a breathable shirt or base layer that moves moisture away from your skin. Cotton can remain wet after sweating, so technical or merino fabrics are generally more comfortable for active days.

Recommended model: Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Crew. Smartwool describes this line as a year-round merino blend designed for moisture management and temperature regulation.

Choose lightweight and flexible hiking pants that allow comfortable movement. Quick-drying fabrics are particularly useful during the rainy season or on tours where you may encounter muddy trails.

Recommended brands: Columbia, The North Face, Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and Mammut. Convertible hiking pants can also be practical for travelers visiting several different climates in Peru.

Carry enough water for the day and drink regularly, particularly during outdoor and high-altitude activities. A durable reusable bottle of approximately 750 ml to 1 liter works well for most excursions.

Recommended model: Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth. It holds approximately one liter, has a wide opening and is designed for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

A cap or wide-brimmed hat helps protect your face and head during long periods outdoors. This is particularly useful on exposed trails where there may be little or no shade.

Recommended brands: Sunday Afternoons, Outdoor Research, Columbia, or The North Face. A lightweight, packable hat with good coverage is preferable for full-day excursions.

Bring good-quality sunglasses for outdoor excursions, especially when visiting open mountain landscapes. Choose lenses with proper UV protection and a secure fit so they remain comfortable during hiking.

Recommended brands: Julbo, Oakley, Smith, or Ray-Ban. For mountain activities, sports-oriented models from Julbo, Oakley, or Smith are generally more practical than fashion-style sunglasses.

Apply sunscreen before leaving Cusco and carry a small bottle so you can reapply it during the day. Give particular attention to your face, ears, neck, and other exposed areas.

A broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher sunscreen is a practical choice for long outdoor days. Travel-size containers are easier to carry in your daypack.

For early departures and high-altitude destinations, a lightweight beanie can make a significant difference in comfort. It takes very little space and can easily be removed once temperatures rise.

Recommended brands: Smartwool, Buff, Patagonia, or The North Face.

A multifunctional neck gaiter can be used around your neck, over your ears, or as additional protection from wind, dust, and sun. It is particularly useful on exposed mountain routes.

Recommended model: BUFF Original EcoStretch. The current model uses a seamless, stretch construction designed for outdoor use and moisture management.

Thin gloves are useful for cold early-morning departures and high-altitude viewpoints. Heavy ski gloves are normally unnecessary for standard one day tours; lightweight hiking or liner gloves are easier to carry.

Recommended brands: Black Diamond, Outdoor Research, The North Face, or Smartwool.

Trekking poles can be very helpful on steep ascents and descents such as those encountered on some mountain tours. They can provide additional stability on loose, rocky, muddy, or uneven terrain.

Recommended model: Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles. They feature adjustable aluminum shafts, an EVA foam grip and Black Diamond’s FlickLock adjustment system, with an adjustable range of 100–140 cm.

Carry a few lightweight snacks such as energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, or chocolate. They can be useful between scheduled meals, particularly during physically demanding excursions.

Choose foods that you already know your body tolerates well rather than trying unfamiliar products during a demanding hike.

Bring any personal medication you normally require and keep it in your daypack rather than leaving it at your hotel. Travelers should also inform the tour operator in advance about relevant medical conditions, allergies, or special requirements that could affect their participation.

Carry the identification specified for your tour or entrance ticket. Some attractions may require the same passport or identification information used when making the reservation.

Keep it inside a waterproof pouch or protected compartment in your backpack.

Carry some small-denomination Peruvian soles for local entrance fees when they are not included, bathrooms, snacks, drinks, small purchases, or services in rural communities where card payments may not always be practical.

Avoid carrying unnecessarily large amounts of cash during the excursion.

Your phone will probably be used frequently for photographs, videos, maps, and communication. Make sure it is fully charged before leaving Cusco and keep it protected from rain.

If you are bringing a dedicated camera, use a protective pouch and carry only the lenses you realistically expect to use during the day.

A portable battery is highly recommended if you use your phone extensively for photos and videos. A capacity around 10,000 mAh offers a good balance between portability and useful additional power for a full-day excursion.

Recommended model: Anker Nano Power Bank 10K, 30W with Built-In USB-C Cable. The current model has a 10,000 mAh capacity, up to 30W charging and an integrated USB-C cable.

Keep your passport, money, phone, batteries, and other sensitive items inside a waterproof pouch or small dry bag. This is particularly useful between approximately November and March, when rain is more common around Cusco.

Recommended brands: Sea to Summit, Osprey, Ortlieb, or Aquapac. A small 2–5 liter dry bag is normally enough for valuables and electronics.

A small hand sanitizer, tissues, and a few personal hygiene items are useful because facilities can be basic in remote mountain areas.

Keep them in a small separate pouch so they are easy to access without unpacking your entire backpack.

A compact personal kit can include adhesive bandages, blister protection, antiseptic wipes, and any medication specifically prescribed or normally used by the traveler.

For hiking, Compeed Blister Cushions or similar blister protection can be particularly useful if footwear begins rubbing during the walk.

For a one day tour, avoid carrying unnecessary equipment. A lighter backpack makes hiking and sightseeing considerably more comfortable, particularly at altitude. Bring what you are likely to use rather than preparing for every possible situation.

For most travelers, a 20–25 liter backpack containing water, layers, rain protection, sun protection, personal items, and a few snacks is more than sufficient for a one day excursion in Cusco.