What Backpack to Bring for the Hidroelectrica Hike

🎒 The Backpack I Took on the Hidroelectrica Hike (and What I Learned)

The first time I did the hike from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, I had no idea what kind of backpack I should bring. It didn’t seem like a tough walk at first, but I quickly realized that your backpack really matters.

So here’s what I brought, what worked (and what didn’t), and what I’d recommend to anyone doing this beautiful route to Machu Picchu.

🎯 Why the Backpack Mattered

The hike takes around 2.5 hours, following the train tracks through the jungle. The scenery is stunning, but the heat and humidity kick in fast. And if you’re carrying a bulky, heavy, or uncomfortable backpack, trust me—you’ll feel it every step of the way.

The first time, I made the mistake of bringing a medium-sized backpack with no waist strap or back ventilation. It got sweaty and annoying fast. Lesson learned: less is more.

🎒 Ideal Backpack Size (From My Experience)

On my second time, I brought a 20-liter daypack—and it was perfect:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Just enough room for the essentials

You don’t need a big travel pack unless you’re doing a multi-day trek like Salkantay. I even saw some people with suitcases… not a great idea.

🧳 What I Packed (And Actually Used)

This is what I had in my pack, and I used almost all of it:

✅ Water bottle (at least 1L)

✅ Light snacks (bars, chocolate, dried fruit)

✅ Rain poncho (lifesaver!)

✅ Sunglasses + sunscreen

✅ Mosquito repellent

✅ Toilet paper + hand sanitizer

✅ Power bank

✅ Machu Picchu ticket + passport

I didn’t carry a change of clothes—just tied a light jacket to the outside of the backpack in case it rained (and yes, it did!).

👟 What I Learned

• Yes, the backpack makes a difference
• Lighter is better
• You really don’t need to overpack
• A chest or waist strap helps a lot
• If your backpack has back ventilation, even better in the jungle heat

🚶 Final Thoughts

That hike from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes is one of the most beautiful walks I’ve done in Peru. It’s not hard—but with the right backpack, it’s a whole lot more enjoyable.

If you’re planning to do it, pack smart, travel light, and soak in every step of the journey. Because getting to Machu Picchu isn’t just about the destination—it’s about everything you live before you arrive.