Trekking gear rental and shops in Cusco: what to rent, what to bring and tips

You don't need to haul all your mountain gear from home to do Salkantay, the Inca Trail or Choquequirao. Cusco has plenty of shops renting and selling trekking gear, and agencies usually rent the bulky items such as sleeping bags and poles. This guide helps you decide what to rent, what to buy in Cusco and what to bring from home, plus how to check gear to avoid surprises on the mountain.

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What agencies usually include

On organised multi-day treks, the agency normally provides:

• Tents and sleeping mats.
• Cooking gear, meals and boiled or treated water.
• Gear transport by muleteers and mules or porters.

And usually rents, at extra cost:

• Sleeping bag.
• Trekking poles.
• A more comfortable inflatable mat.
• A mule or porter for your personal bag, up to a weight limit.

Always ask what's included and what costs extra before booking.

• How to choose a tour agency in Cusco: a checklist to get it right
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: route, difficulty, best season and how to plan it
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: permits, when to book, the 4-day route and the short version

What to rent in Cusco

• Sleeping bag: the most rented item. For cold-night treks such as Salkantay or Ausangate, ask for a comfort rating several degrees below freezing.
• Trekking poles: very useful on long, stepped descents.
• Down jacket or insulated coat: if you don't want to buy one for a single trek.
• Tent and stove: if trekking independently on routes where that's allowed.
• Crampons or gaiters: only for specific high-mountain routes.

Outdoor shops in Cusco

Many outdoor shops renting and selling gear cluster on streets near the Plaza de Armas, such as Plateros and Procuradores. You'll find original international brands and cheaper imitations. Imitations may do for a one-off, but waterproofing and insulation are usually inferior. Compare prices and condition at several shops.

How to check rented gear

• Sleeping bag: check the temperature rating, the zip works and there are no smells or stains.
• Poles: locks hold firmly, and rubber tips if you're going to Machu Picchu.
• Jackets: seams and zips in good condition.
• Tent: pitch it in the shop if possible to check no parts are missing.
• Ask for a receipt listing items, deposit and return date.

Many shops ask for a deposit or your passport as security; prefer leaving a cash deposit over your passport.

• Machu Picchu rules: what to bring, bag size, banned items and guides

What to bring from home

• Broken-in hiking boots: new or rented boots can cause blisters. This matters most.
• Good technical socks.
• Thermal underwear.
• Head torch.
• Personal first-aid kit and usual medication.
• A comfortable daypack with a hip belt.

Basic multi-day trek list

1. 25–35 litre daypack with rain cover.
2. Sleeping bag suited to the temperature.
3. Layers: thermal top, fleece, down jacket and waterproof jacket.
4. Trekking trousers and thermal bottoms for the night.
5. Beanie, gloves, cap and sunglasses.
6. Sunscreen, lip balm and repellent.
7. Reusable bottle or bladder and purification tablets.
8. Energy snacks.
9. Toilet paper, wipes and a rubbish bag.
10. Cash for tips, toilets and extras.

• Rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu: what to expect and how to make the most of it

Rough price

Rental is usually charged per day or per trek. A sleeping bag and poles typically cost a moderate amount compared with the trek price. Agencies may charge a bit more than shops but deliver the gear at the trailhead. Check current prices and compare before deciding.

Travel insurance

Before any high-altitude trek, get travel insurance covering mountain activities and possible evacuation. Check the maximum altitude covered, as some treks exceed 4,500 m.

• Ausangate trek: the great circuit of the sacred peak (route, altitude and preparation)
• Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do

Trekking independently

On routes you can do without an agency, such as parts of Salkantay or Choquequirao, you'll also need to rent or buy a tent, mat, stove and gas canisters, which can't be flown. Plan water and food logistics, tell someone your route and carry an offline map on your phone. The Inca Trail, by contrast, can only be done with a licensed agency.

• Choquequirao trek: Machu Picchu's remote "sister" (route, difficulty and tips)

Before you go

eSIM for Peru

Land connected: install an Airalo data eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you land. Check first that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).