Every one of our tour pages has its own “What to Bring” section, and if you’ve read more than one, you’ve noticed they overlap a lot — for good reason, since you’re riding at high altitude in the Andes regardless of which route you pick. What actually changes between routes is less about the base list and more about degree: how cold it gets, how dusty the trail is, and how much sun exposure you’re dealing with. This guide covers the full list once, properly, plus exactly what to add or skip depending on which of our four tours you’re doing.
Table of Contents
The Base List — Bring This Regardless of Route
Footwear: closed-toe shoes with real grip — sneakers or light hiking shoes work. Sandals or open shoes aren’t safe on any of our routes; loose gravel and dust are a factor everywhere, not just at the higher-altitude sites.
Layers: mornings across the Cusco region run cold regardless of season, and midday sun is strong even when the air temperature feels mild. A base layer plus something you can shed as the day warms up covers most of our routes; Rainbow Mountain needs more than this (see below).
Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. This one surprises people — the UV exposure at 3,300–5,200 m is significantly stronger than it feels, even under cloud cover or on cool mornings. Skipping sunscreen because it “doesn’t feel that sunny” is the most common regret we hear about after a tour.
Cash in soles: every entrance fee across our four routes is paid separately, in cash, on site. Cards aren’t accepted at Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, Huaypo Lagoon, Rainbow Mountain, or Morada de los Dioses. Bring small bills — vendors and entrance booths often can’t break large notes.
A small backpack and water bottle: something you can wear while riding, not carry loose. 1–1.5 liters of water is enough for our half-day routes; Rainbow Mountain’s full-day format needs more (see below).
Passport or ID: required for the Boleto Turístico if your route includes Moray, and generally worth having on you at any archaeological or protected site in the region. See our full Boleto Turístico guide if you’re not sure which sites on your itinerary need it.
Camera: obvious, but worth a specific note — dust gets into everything on these routes, so a lens cloth or a bag you can seal your camera into between stops is genuinely useful, not overkill.
Route-by-Route: What to Add
Maras, Moray & Salt Mines
The dustiest of our four routes, especially May through October when the dry-season trails kick up more dust than mud. A bandana or light buff to cover your nose and mouth on the ride helps more than most people expect. Otherwise, the base list covers this route well — the altitude (3,385 m) doesn’t demand extra cold-weather gear beyond a light jacket.
Huaypo Lagoon
Noticeably breezier at the lagoon itself than in Cusco, so a windbreaker earns its place here more than on the other routes. If you’re adding the kayak or paddle-boat option at the lagoon, bring a change of clothes or at least a dry bag for anything you don’t want to risk getting wet.
Morada de los Dioses
The shortest and least demanding of our four routes, and the packing list reflects that — the base list is genuinely sufficient here. The main thing worth emphasizing: this site is built for photography, so prioritize whatever gear helps you get good shots (extra memory card, charged battery) over cold-weather layers you won’t need for a 3–4 hour outing at this altitude.
Rainbow Mountain
This is where the base list isn’t enough. You’re departing Cusco between 3:00 and 4:30 AM, spending the day above 4,000 m and briefly above 5,000 m, and early mornings at that elevation can drop below freezing before sunrise. Add:
- A warm base layer plus a waterproof outer layer — not just a light jacket
- Gloves and a hat or beanie that actually covers your ears
- High-SPF sunscreen (30+), reapplied — the altitude here is high enough that a single morning application often isn’t enough for a full day outside
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes with real ankle support, since the final walking stretch to the viewpoint is on uneven terrain
- 1.5–2 liters of water, more than you’d bring on our half-day routes, since this is a full 12–14 hour day
- Cash specifically for the Rainbow Mountain community entrance fee (~25 PEN) and, if you’re adding it, the Red Valley extension fee separately
What You Genuinely Don’t Need
Hiking poles: none of our routes require them — you’re riding, not trekking the full distance on foot.
Heavy boots: proper closed-toe shoes with grip are enough; you don’t need mountaineering-grade footwear for any of our four tours.
A full first-aid kit: our guides carry supplemental oxygen and are prepared for altitude-related symptoms — see our Safety Standards page for what that covers. You don’t need to duplicate that yourself, though any personal medication you specifically rely on should always travel with you.
A Note on Seasonal Packing
May through October (dry season) means more dust, less mud, and colder early mornings — pack for cold at the start of the day and dust throughout it. November through April (rainy season) flips that: pack a waterproof layer for likely afternoon showers, expect muddier trail sections on all routes, and know that Rainbow Mountain specifically becomes more weather-dependent during this window. For the full month-by-month breakdown, see Best Time for ATV Tours in Cusco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special ATV riding gear?
No. Helmets and gloves are provided on every tour. You just need appropriate clothing and footwear, not specialized riding equipment.
What’s the one thing people most often forget?
Sunscreen, by a wide margin — the altitude makes UV exposure much stronger than it feels, especially on cool or overcast mornings.
Can I wear sandals if it’s hot?
Not recommended on any of our routes. Loose gravel and dust make closed-toe shoes the safer choice even on warmer days.
Do I need cash for all four tours?
Yes, for entrance fees specifically. Moray requires the Boleto Turístico; the Maras Salt Mines, Huaypo Lagoon, and Rainbow Mountain each have their own separate cash-only entrance fee. Morada de los Dioses’ entrance is included in the tour price.
Is Rainbow Mountain really that much colder than the other routes?
Yes — it’s the only one of our four tours that regularly sees near-freezing temperatures before sunrise, given the early departure and higher base elevation at the starting point.