You’re planning the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail, and now comes the logistics question: should you bring your own gear from home or rent it in Cusco?
In the Andes, the quality of your gear, especially what keeps you warm, is not negotiable. A mistake with insulation can ruin your trip. Here is the Tari Tours guide to deciding what to rent and what to pack.
1. The three critical items (never skimp on quality)
For three pieces of gear, quality has to come first, whether you buy or rent:
| Gear | Role at altitude | Key tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | Protects you from below-freezing temperatures (at up to 4,600 m / 15,090 ft). | It should be rated to -10 °C / 14 °F (at least) and filled with down or high-quality synthetic fiber. |
| Footwear (boots) | Prevents blisters and injuries and gives you grip on muddy trails. | Never rent boots. Wear your own, tested and broken in months ahead. |
| Outer jacket | Insulation and protection from wind and rain. | It has to be waterproof, not just water repellent. |
2. Option A: rent in Cusco (less weight, less money)
Renting is ideal if your trip is short or if you want to avoid the cost and hassle of flying with bulky gear.
Pros of renting
- Less weight. You avoid paying excess baggage fees on international flights.
- Convenience. You pick up and return the gear in Cusco.
- Cost. It’s much cheaper than buying a high-quality sleeping bag, which can cost US$ 300.
Risks of renting locally
- Hygiene. Always check that the gear is clean, disinfected and free of tears.
- Temperature rating. On old gear, the temperature printed on the sleeping bag may not match reality. Always ask for a bag rated to -10 °C.
3. Option B: buy and bring it (full peace of mind)
If you trek often or plan several high-altitude hikes, buying and bringing your own gear is the best investment.
Pros of buying
- Guaranteed quality. You know the gear’s history and trust how warm it keeps you.
- Personal fit. Boots, backpack and poles are adjusted to your body.
Challenges
- Cost. The upfront investment is high.
- Logistics. You have to manage the weight and volume in your luggage.
4. The Tari Tours solution: certified gear
The safest way to rent is directly from the agency that runs your trek.
- What we rent. If you travel with us, you can rent sleeping bags, trekking poles and high-altitude tents (for Salkantay or Lares) that meet safety and warmth standards.
- The advantage. We make sure the gear is disinfected and can handle the extreme conditions of the Salkantay Pass (4,635 m / 15,210 ft).
Don’t let the cold ruin your trip: if you rent, rent carefully and safely.
Going trekking in Cusco?
We’re a local agency in Cusco, registered with MINCETUR since 2003, with English-speaking guides. When you book your trek with us, you can add a certified sleeping bag and poles to rent.