Salkantay Trek Packing List
Machu Picchu is one of those places that is on most people´s most people’s bucket lists. As a wonder of the world, and an incredible feat of Inca engineering, the sense of awe and amazement you feel when you arrive there, will always surpass your expectations. While there are many ways to get to Peru’s famous Machu Picchu, The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular ways to arrive at the mid-blowing Machu Picchu. This 5-day, 4-night hike has fewer trekkers than the Inca Trail, and while it’s no walk in the park, the sense of achievement is fully accomplished when you arrive at the majestic site that is Machu Picchu. When you plan your trip, one of the biggest dilemmas is what to pack. Here is the essential Packing List for The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek
The Ultimate Packing List For The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Any reputable company will provide a duffel bag for your main luggage. This will be carried by a pack mule along the Salkantay trek so you will only need to carry a small daypack with essential items for that day´s trekking. The ultimate tip is to pack light. Most companies actually have weight limits for your duffle bag so you’ll be forced to pack light. A weight restriction of 7 KG approx. is the normal weight allowance and 3 kilos will be for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
A Raincoat is Essential For The Salkantay Trek
Clothing for the Salkantay Trek
- Jacket
- Mandatory for the trek, as there will be extremely cold weather at certain points along the trail.
- Raincoat or waterproof jacket
- The elevation of Machu Picchu is more than 2000 meters above sea level, and is situated in a cloud forest so you can always encounter rain at those altitudes.
- Fleece
- A warm fleece will come in handy for when temperatures start to drop especially at the Salkantay Trek campsites each evening.
- T-shirts
- 5 for this trek you will wear a fresh one each day
- Thermal clothing
- it will depend on the season in which you go, but just in case, it never hurts to carry it in your backpack. The first night is at very high elevation and temperatures often drop below freezing along the Salkantay Trek.
- Comfortable trekking pants
- There are 5 days, so 2 or 3 pairs is perfect
- Underwear: You choose on how many to bring 😊
- Pajamas
- At night it will get cooler, so pajamas are essential
- Swimming Costume… for the thermal springs in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes
- Sun hat
- Beany
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
Sunglasses on Salkantay!
Footwear for the Salkantay Trek
- Trekking boots. It will depend on the season when you go. If you trek Salkantay Trek in dry season, we recommend boots that are breathable. On the other hand, if your trip to Machu Picchu is during the rainy season, they had better be waterproof.
- Running shoes. We advise you to take a pair of trainers just in case. You never know what can happen to the ones you’re wearing, and better safe than sorry
- Comfortable shoes for the campsite /Sandals. This is optional, but you will need to forget about your boots for a while at the end of each day
- Woolen socks for the cold
- Synthetic socks for hiking, they are lighter and more comfortable
Walking boots For Salkantay Trek
Equipment required for the Salkantay Trekking
- Daypack where to put everything we told you before
- Flashlight
- Trekking poles: you can also rent them there before starting the trek
- First aid kit
- Refillable water bottle
Hygiene Products
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Insect repellent
- Hairbrush
- Quick-drying towel
- Toilet Paper
- Baby wipes (they're very handy when trekking!)
Trekking Technology For The Salkantay Trek
Always check your itinerary to see what equipment is included in the cost of the Salkantay trek and base your packing list on that. If you have any questions about what to pack for the Salkantay Trek, contact us here!