This article will help you choose what to pack for this fantastic trek, whether you’re planning the Salkantay Trek or have already booked a tour. With over 10 years of experience as a tour guide on the Inca Trail and various other trails in Cusco and Peru, I’ve learned what to bring to make the most of this trek. The second most popular trek in Peru, after the Inca Trail, is the Salkantay Trek. It’s essential to prepare for all the potential challenges, as the trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most demanding, yet it also boasts a wide variety of microclimates. In my experience, this is the most comprehensive trek in Cusco, featuring snow-capped peaks, lagoons like Humantay, the Salkantay mountain itself, hot springs, and Llactapata, the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Before arriving in Peru, it’s advisable to do regular short hikes or exercise daily to maintain your fitness.
It’s recommended to include accurate information about the necessary items for the Salkantay Trek. A main backpack (the one you carry at all times) should contain the necessary equipment, and a duffel bag can hold up to seven kilograms of additional luggage that the horses will carry. The rest of your luggage can be left at a traveler’s hotel or at the Cusco office-
- Backpack and Duffle bag
Original Passport (to get entry to Machu Picchu)
A valid passport is required to enter Peru; this is a prerequisite for starting the trek. At the entrance to the toll road, there is an official government checkpoint where compliance with Peruvian law is verified. Before the trek begins, the guide will compile a list of all hikers.
Backpack
As you ascend and descend the mountains, you’ll notice that a muleteer or a mule will carry your luggage so you can hike and enjoy the journey. Therefore, it’s essential to always carry a small backpack filled with water (which the guide will provide starting with lunch on day one), snacks, a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, your passport, wallet, toilet paper, a hat for sun and cold weather, and rain gear, as the weather in the mountains is very unpredictable. A 25-30 liter backpack will most likely be sufficient. We suggest using a backpack with compression straps and lumbar support to minimize the load on your back, and mesh side pockets for easy access to your water bottle or hydration pack. You should also bring a rain cover, as the weather in the Andes is unpredictable and constantly changing. Make sure to buy a cover that’s close to the size of your backpack; brands like Osprey and Patagonia also offer rain covers.
Duffel bag
You’ll receive a small canvas bag to store your notes and other essentials for the hike before we set off. Our muleteer will transport your canvas bag and camping gear later; you won’t have access to these items until the end of the day. Pack only what you don’t need frequently and keep the essentials close at hand. We’ll give you this bag before the hike so you can organize everything at your leisure. Also, during the rainy season, our muleteer has plastic sheeting to protect your belongings from the rain, so you won’t have any problems, and everything will stay dry.
2. Clotes of the trek
Underwear
The selection of underwear is also important to make during hiking. We suggest taking 4 to 6 pairs of quality underwear, more so sports underwear that is used in activities of high intensity. These clothes assist in controlling body sweat and keep you dry.
Base Laver
The first layer, or base layer, is crucial in the higher elevations of the Salkantay Trail, where temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F). Optimal base layers are close-fitting, as they minimize body heat and airflow. Made from moisture-wicking fabric, they offer a comfortable way to manage perspiration. Two upper base layers and one lower base layer are recommended for the first two days.
Trekking Shirts
You’ll need four long-sleeved trekking shirts, depending on the length of your hike. Opt for breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying shirts—one of the best choices for staying cool. Synthetic fabrics are ideal, as they’re designed for outdoor use. Avoid cotton shirts, as they tend to trap moisture and can make you feel cold. Pack several short-sleeved shirts to suit the varying weather conditions you might encounter along the way.
Fleece Jacket
The second layer, which is also called the mid-layer, must be of fleece or thermal material. It is critical for body maintenance of heat in the colder sections of the trek. The jacket is suggested to be mid-weight fleece because this will provide a good balance of warmth and lightness. This kind of clothing is perfect when one wants to go hiking as it keeps them warm without, at the same time, being overweight. You should not wear clothes that are very thin in a bid to stay warm or thick, which will probably make you overheat. Find an all-around, comfortable, and workable alternative, which can fit in the change of temperature during the Salkantay trek.
Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear.
There is always the chance of rain, especially during the rainy season of Peru between the months of October and March. Bring a waterproof jacket to keep you dry even when it is raining and when the weather is cold. One should also come with a small rain poncho, which they may use in light rain. Also, bear in mind to bring with you waterproof in the case of a down pour of your backpack and other electronics, as they can be very heavy and unpredictable.
Insulated Jacket
The outer layer is indispensable in the Salkantay trek, particularly in the high altitude regions where the temperatures may fall to very low levels. We suggest carrying a lightweight and waterproof insulated jacket that keeps the body heat properly. Ideally, it has to be small and easy to carry and warm enough to work in cold urban climates. The jacket will make you feel comfortable on the trek, as well as when having other mountain adventures or in the winter season in the city of Cusco.
Trekking Pants and Shorts
In the case of the Salkantay trek, it is necessary to carry both long and short pants, which are specifically designed for hiking. The best option to make would be convertible pants; they are characterized by zippers that allow them to transform into shorts whenever the weather is suitable. The garments are flexible, comfortable, and save space and money as well. You should bring at least two long pants, a pair of shorts, as you will be ready for all weather conditions and improvising yourself as a condition.
Pajama Pants
You can pack your pajama trousers to wear to the camp and keep warm at night. The nights are cool and therefore select warm and long pants.
Thermic Gloves
As in the case of clothing, gloves are the layer nearest to the skin. Carry lightweight, fast-dry fleece-lined synthetic-lined gloves.
3. Headgear of the trek
Hat for Sun Protection
Carry a hiking hat to protect your face and neck against extreme sunshine. The excessive elevation of the area may burn your skin within a few minutes, which is the reason why you may want to buy a lightweight and foldable hat that fits in your backpack. Maximum protection should be in trekking hats that have a neck cover.
Head Band or Beanie
It can get bitten even in the middle of the day as the temperatures reach high altitudes, which are cold. A wool hat or thermal band head is necessary. Select warm and comfortable materials that are conducive to the climate in the Andes.
Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
A balaclava or bandana will work as a shield against the intense cold on the neck and face, especially below -0 C (32 F). Bring two kinds of it: a skinny bandana on the hot summer days and a heavier one on chilly nights or in areas of high altitudes. Buff-style bandanas are a multi-purpose object and can be worn as a hat, headband, neck warmer, or even as a wristband. They are something that needs to be owned.
4. Footwear of the Salkantay Trek
Hiking Boots
The trek of the Salkantay should include good hiking boots. Forget about falling, and make sure they fit, but have some space on the toes and laces to lock in place. Break them in first; a new pair of boots may give blisters, pains, or bruises. They are supposed to be waterproof as well as provide good traction in the case of a range of terrain, including rocky or wet, or greasy tracks.
Sneakers (Trekking Shoes Sandals)
A necklace after a day of rough hiking, you will want a pair of comfortable shoes to enjoy yourself. You can think of athletic shoes or sandals that will enable your feet to relax after dressing through several long and rough days on the hiking trail.
5. Camping Items
Sleeping Bag
Along with a warm sleeping bag in case of cold nights in the mountains, which may fall below zero degrees. When you need a relatively inexpensive solution, decide on a synthetic sleeping bag that should be rated to -10 °C (14 o F). It is expected to be mummy-like, a hood, and a drawstring to keep the body heat. In case you do not have a sleeping bag, the Go Treks Peru company will provide you with the rental service of the sleeping bag and other camping gear, just in case you are not properly prepared for the trip.
6. Important items for the Salkantay trek
Trekking Poles
All use lightweight poles that have a weight of about 350 each, and such poles are adjustable. They save a lot of pressure on the knees and joints, particularly on the downhill part. Being an owner of them, Salkantay Trekking rents them out to have a better trail.
Sunglasses
Cusco is very intense in the sun due to the high altitude and snow-capped mountains. To save your eyes, carry a pair of sunglasses that can block UV radiation.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Lights are usually meager in the campsites, and a lot of hikes begin early in the morning. The headlamp is mandatory when using the bathroom, initial morning operation, or during a dark setting. Carry extra batteries or a charger when it is rechargeable in the event that you are caught dead in the dark.
Hydration Bladder and Water Bottle.
In the high altitudes, it is usual to experience dehydration, hence drink 213 liters of water per day. Get a strong and convenient-to-fill and use container, like a reusable bottle or a hydration reserve that can be put into your backpack. Also, keep hydrated to avoid dizziness, exhaustion, and other symptoms, which may complicate the hiking experience.
Camera
The scenery in the area is marvelous. Carry a lightweight digital camera with a good-quality image or a high-quality smartphone in order to capture the experience. In case you like video, ensure to carry additional batteries or carry along a portable charger in order to capture the adventure without creating breaks.
7. Individual Equipment and Medical Supplies on Salkantay Trek.
- Swimsuit
You also need a swimsuit in case you are planning to relax in Cocalmayo hot springs.
- Trekking Towel
Microfiber towels’ main advantage is that they dry very fast and can fit into small spaces, thus have a very high utility.
- Cash
Also, along the way, snacks and water can be purchased. It is better to have some spare cash, approximately 700 soles, in case of an emergency.
- Toilet Paper
When you are daytime, you may have to toilet. Toilet paper is not an established commodity, and most toilets lack it; thus, bring your own.
- Portable Power Source
Even though certain campsites can charge your devices, having a portable source of power is something that ensures you can have your devices back to their original state anytime and anywhere.
- Small Locks
Lock up your things in your rucksack or duffel bag.
- Waterproof Ziplock Bags
They are convenient when it comes to keeping precious properties like your passport and electrical appliances.
- Isotonic Powder
Take it in your water as a way of substituting the electrolytes, increasing energy, and enhancing absorption.
- Diamox
Acetazolamide assists in combating altitude sickness; it does not cure it, so it should not be used in case of extreme altitude. Hikers are known to be fond of it due to its preventive properties.
- General Medications
To treat headaches, which are a common symptom of altitude sickness, use paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Basic First Aid Kit
A first-aid kit will be carried by the guide when you go on a trek that is arranged by Go Treks Peru. Bring your own equipment when you are hiking alone.
- Bug Spray/Repellent
Bugs tend to increase around Machu Picchu. Make sure that you have bug spray to chase away the pests.
- Baby Wipes/Body Wipes
When there is no time to take a shower, pack one pack of baby/body wipes.
- Hand Sanitizer
Apply hand sanitizer on the pre-meal and post-meal occasions, or when your hand becomes dirty in the process of hiking.
Faqs for Salkantay Trek Packing List
What size liters would my backpack have to be for the Salkantay Trek?
Use a 20–30 L backpack. It is big enough to carry a bunch of water, snacks, a camera, and a jacket, and that is not too heavy to haul around. Sleeping bags and equipment are transported by horses or mules.
Which types of footwear do you recommend for the Salkantay Trek?
Trekking boots with high cut are preferable. They are supportive of the ankle and guard against rough and uneven ground. These ought to be waterproof to overcome rain or stream crossings. New shoes should be avoided; you should carry shoes that are already broken in so that blisters do not develop.
Does it need insect repellent?
Yes, particularly in getting southward towards the more tropical regions. A good repellent always helps to avoid the bites because rivers and thick bushlands are also infiltrated by mosquitoes and other insects.
On the trek, how much money or cash is necessary?
Bring 100–200 soles in cash. This will enable you to purchase additional water, snacks, souvenirs, or cover any service not included within the tour, particularly during the last days.
