Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

The Ultimate Packing List For The Salkantay Trek in Cusco, Peru

The Ultimate Packing List For The Salkantay Trek in Cusco, Peru

3MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2023-02-27

Machu Picchu is one of those places that is on 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.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a spectacular alternative to the 4 day Inca Trail Trek. The Trail leads adventurous travelers on the Peru adventure packages through diverse terrains and offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty with cultural encounters, along the way to Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek

 

Here is the essential 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 Sakantay 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.

Packing properly for the Salkantay Trek is crucial to ensure a comfortable and safe Trek through the diverse terrains of the Peruvian Andes. A duffel bag is essential, as your main luggage Will be carried by mules along the Salkantay hike. This means that you can concentrate on the trekking!

Duffel Bag

 

Clothing for the 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 and especially at the 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 a very high elevation and temperatures often drop below freezing.
  • Comfortable trekking pants - There are 5 days, so 2 or 3 pairs are perfect
  • Underwear:-You choose 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

 

The Salkantay Trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural prowess of the Peruvian Andes. , This includes encounters with llamas, one of the region's most iconic animals. llamas are farmed and have been domesticated in the Andes for thousands of years.

Llamas on The Salkantay Trek

 

Footwear for the Salkantay Trek

Trekking boots - It will depend on the season when you go. If you go in dry season, we recommend breathable boots. On the other hand, if your hike along the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is during the rainy season, they had better be waterproof. and quick drying!
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 want to forget about your boots for a while at the end of each day and let your feet breath
Woolen socks for the cold
Synthetic socks for hiking, are lighter and more comfortable

 

Selecting the right hiking boots for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is crucial to ensure comfort, support, and general safety. Make sure your boots fit well with enough room for your toes to wiggle but not too loose to cause blisters. Boots with a Vibram or similarly rugged sole provide excellent traction on slippery, wet, or rocky surfaces.

Decent Rugged Hiking Boots

 

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 Salkantay trek
  • A basic First aid kit and personal medications
  • Refillable water bottle 

 

Having a well-prepared first aid kit is really important for handling minor injuries and health issues while trekking the Salkantay Trail. It ensures that you are prepared to handle any unforeseen accidents and emergencies, allowing you to focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery and adventure of the trek.

First Aid Kit


Hygiene Products

  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush 
  • Toothpaste 
  • Insect repellent
  • Hairbrush
  • Quick-drying towel
  • Toilet Paper
  • Baby wipes (they're very handy when trekking!)
  • Shampoo in sachet there is a night in the hotel on the 4th day

 

Packing the right toiletries for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu will help you stay clean, comfortable, and hygienic throughout your trekking adventure. Packing essential toiletries will make you well-prepared to maintain personal hygiene and comfort during the Salkantay Trek. Pack smart, and prioritize items that are necessary for your personal comfort.

Toiletries


Always check with the company what equipment they include 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!
 

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