One of the questions we hear most often before departure has nothing to do with altitude or mountain passes. It is about something more everyday: where will I use the toilet, can I take a shower, and what water will I drink during the four days? Knowing this in advance makes a big difference, because you arrive with what you need in your backpack and without expectations that fall apart at the first campsite.
What the toilets are like along the trail
Public toilets
At campsites and several rest stops, there are toilet facilities provided for hikers. Most are squat toilets, meaning they have no seat, with cold running water for flushing and a sink. There is usually an hour and a half to two hours of walking between facilities, so you will not go for long stretches without an option.
What you will almost never find is toilet paper or soap. Bring your own (or ask your tour operator).
The tour operator’s toilet tent
Many tour operators set up their own toilet tent next to the group’s camping area. It contains a portable toilet with a seat, reserved exclusively for members of the group, and is especially useful at night when you do not feel like walking to the public toilets in the cold and dark. Always ask whether your tour includes one.
At the beginning and the end
At the Kilometer 82 starting point, there are paid toilets, so keep some one-sol coins handy. When you reach Machu Picchu, remember that there are no toilets inside the citadel: they are outside the entrance and require payment. Use them before starting your guided tour.
Showering on the trail: realistic expectations
It is worth being clear here: do not count on hot showers on the classic Inca Trail. Some websites promise them, but the reality is usually different.
First night
If your first campsite is Wayllabamba, at around 3,000 meters above sea level, local families offer showers for a few soles. A cold shower costs less than a hot one, and prices can vary by season. If you camp farther uphill at Ayapata, the water is cold.
Second night
Pacaymayo and Chaquicocha are above 3,500 meters above sea level. The nighttime cold means very few people feel like showering. This is the time to use biodegradable wipes and change into dry clothes.
Third night at Wiñaywayna
At 2,650 meters above sea level, Wiñaywayna has a building with toilets and showers. The water is not hot, but the lower altitude and milder weather make it much more bearable than on previous days. In 2025, Peru’s Ministry of Culture restored the sanitation facilities in this area, repairing water tanks, sinks, and showerheads.
Washing with warm water
Each morning and when you arrive at camp, the kitchen team will usually give you a bowl of warm water to wash your face, hands, and other essentials. It may not sound like much, but in practice it is what you will use most.
Drinking water during the four days
Where your drinking water comes from
The water supplied by your tour operator is boiled, filtered, and allowed to cool. You receive it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, when you can refill your bottle. While hiking, you carry only the water you have with you, so a total capacity of two liters between your bottle and hydration bladder is advisable.
Why you should not drink from streams
The water in the streams may look clean, but it can contain parasites such as Giardia or contamination from animals grazing farther uphill. Even if you are thirsty, do not drink it without treating it. Water purification tablets in your first-aid kit make a useful backup if something goes wrong.
Plastic and reusable water bottles
The Inca Trail lies within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where bringing single-use plastics such as bags, straws, and Styrofoam containers is restricted. Bring a reusable water bottle or hydration flask. As well as protecting the trail, it saves you from having to buy bottled water.
Buying drinks along the trail
There are small stalls on the first day and a refreshment stand at Wiñaywayna. Everything sold there is carried uphill on porters’ backs, so prices rise as you go. If you want anything extra, buy it early.
Campsite facilities by night
| Night | Usual campsite | Toilets | Shower | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayllabamba or Ayapata | Public squat toilets + group toilet tent | Locally operated showers in Wayllabamba | Boiled and filtered at every meal |
| 2 | Pacaymayo or Chaquicocha | Public squat toilets + group toilet tent | Cold water; impractical in the chilly weather | Boiled and filtered at every meal |
| 3 | Wiñaywayna | Toilet facilities building | Cold water; more bearable in the milder weather | Boiled and filtered + refreshment stand |
| Day 4 | Machu Picchu | Paid toilets outside the citadel only | At your hotel in Aguas Calientes or Cusco | Refill before leaving camp |
What to pack in your hygiene kit
Pack a small waterproof bag with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, biodegradable wipes, a quick-drying towel, sandals for the shower area, and a headlamp. Add a small resealable bag to store used toilet paper when there is no trash bin nearby. These items weigh very little and cover most situations. If you are still putting together your gear, check out our Inca Trail packing list.
Frequently asked questions about hygiene on the Inca Trail
Are the public toilets clean?
It depends on the time of day and the number of groups. They are usually in better condition in the morning. That is why having a toilet tent provided by your operator makes a difference.
Can I charge my phone at the campsites?
Electricity is not guaranteed at any campsite. Bring a power bank fully charged in Cusco.
Do I need to buy water before starting?
Only for the first stretch, until lunch on day one. From then on, your tour operator supplies water at every meal.
What if I get an upset stomach?
Tell your guide as soon as you notice the first symptom. Bring your usual medication and oral rehydration salts. The best prevention is to avoid untreated water and wash your hands before eating.
