A Salkantay Trek Packing List
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on October 27, 2020 by James Bustamante
So what should you Include on the Salkantay Trek packing list? There are a few necessary items you should consider. There are several Machu Picchu hikes from the 2 day Inca trail to the 5 day Salkantay trek.
Each of these might have a different packing list since they tend to vary in necessities.
This can come as they have varying degrees of difficulty so each might need a different plan.
After the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the most popular trek to the stone city is undoubtedly the 5 day Salkantay trek.
In order to have a successful hike, it is always good to know what to include on the Salkantay trek packing list. Below is a brief list of some items which in part can be optional while others are more definitely a necessity in order to have a successful hike and Machu Picchu tour.
Table of Contents
Proper Hiking Footwear
Well, this is a given due to the hiking trip that you signed up for. You are going on a hike that takes you deep into the Andes where terrain and weather conditions can change drastically very quickly.
During your Salkantay trek, the weather conditions can vary depending on the elevation.
There are times during the hike that you might experience rain, snow, and warm sunny weather all on the same day.
“Hiking boots” as in steel toe footwear is not required. In actuality, something like heavy-duty boots might hinder your performance while on the Salkantay trek.
What is recommended to bring on the Salkantay trek would be comfortable footwear with a certain level of water resistance and a rubber sole.
Depending on the time of the year on which you decided to hike, it can get pretty wet during this hike. Wearing something as heavy-duty as “Hiking boots” might damage your feet unnecessarily.
With this hike, comfort is the way to go. Remember that the whole point of the Machu Picchu travel experience is to not only test yourself but also make it quite enjoyable every day.
A Good Backpack
We are not Sponsored by any brand in particular by the way. Basically pick any pack pack that is big enough for 5 days worth of hiking and is comfortable enough to carry.
A small backpack is required, a 30-liter backpack will do for most people. The backpack is a very important piece of your Salkantay trek packing list. Over the course of 5 days, you’ll want to be able to have easy access to your personal belongings at all times.
We get a lot of questions on what porters will carry during the hike. “Isn’t a porter covered under my Peru tour package?”
The answer is yes you’ll have porters for all camping equipment.
The porters that are included in the hike (not private porters which are also available) will carry camping equipment, set up tents, and carry some of your belongings.
But let’s say we have a situation where you want to take off your sweater and need to put it away, you want a snack, suddenly need to use the bathroom, want a drink of water? That’s where your backpack comes into play.
Imagine asking for your entire group to stop so the porters can unload the bags to hand you toilet paper, water, and put away your sweater.
So the importance of a backpack is an obvious one.
The backpack is also an ideal place to keep some of the other items on this list.
Sunblock & Lip Balm
Cusco is located at over 10,000 feet above sea level (3,200 meters) and the hike will take you to over 15,000 feet(4,600 meters) in several areas, mostly during day 2 of the hike.
This means that you will be exposed to the sun at a higher altitude than normal and this results in skin burns.
At this elevation, the sun can easily cause chapped lips as well. What to bring on the Salkantay trek for this situation? Well, sunblock and some kind of lip balm or chapstick will suffice.
Deodorant , Soap & Hand Sanitizer
Well, this is self-explanatory, you won’t have access to a shower for the next few days and you will sweat over the course of this hike to Machu Picchu.
These simple products should always be the most important items on the Salkantay trek packing list.
Hand sanitizer is not as necessary but nowadays most people like to carry some as a precaution when running water is not available.
Lastly, soap is for you to wash up before breakfast or in any of the campsites where you will have access to water. Water access will mostly be either bottled or purified water from the nearby glacier streams.
Water Purification Tablets
This next item on the Salkantay Trek packing list is optional. We will have purification tablets on hand to purify the water running down the streams which originate from glaciers.
While there is access to bottled water ( we always provide a few bottles) and you will be able to bring your own bottled water, it will not be enough for 5 days of hiking.
Remember it is very difficult to bring bottled water for a 5-8 person group on a 5-day hike through the changing terrain.
The horses would not be able to handle that much weight, particularly due to the high elevation. What some hiking groups will do is purify the glacier water you’ll find in streams along the way.
It is kind of a “neat” thing to purify your water coming down from the glacier but in case you didn’t bring your own tablets we will be happy to provide them.
There are also more modern methods used to purify water such as a portable ultraviolet light.
There are other items that could be included in your Salkantay trek packing list such as hiking pants, spare socks, thermals for the cold nights, etc.
You can even use this list in case you were looking into traveling to Machu Picchu on a budget or for a more luxury-oriented experience to the citadel of the Inca.
Don’t forget the most important thing though, an adventurous attitude and of course a camera to get some beautiful shots of the Andean scenery and Machu Picchu.
All of our hikes include your Machu Picchu reservation so there is no need to book an additional permit.
The Salkantay trek package also includes the overnight stay in the small town of Aguas Calientes so you can check that off your “to-do” list as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Salkantay Trek Packing List
Can I use heavy hiking boots for the Salkantay Trek?
You can but we don’t recommend them. They tend to be a bit too heavy for this type of hike.
Should I pack snacks for the Salkantay trek?
Yes. You should always pack snacks in your backpack during the Salkantay trek just in case you need a bit of a sugar rush mid-hike.
Will I need sunblock during the Salkantay trek?
Yes. The elevation we reach during the Salkantay trek permits the sub to burn and dry your skin even if it is not too hot. It is always a good idea to bring sunblock, lip balm, and a moisturizer.
Can I use a school backpack for the Salkantay trek?
Yes, as long as it is durable, comfortable, and large enough for the items you will be carrying.
Can I purchase water purification tablets in Cusco?
Yes, you will find purification tablets in basically every drug store in Cusco. You can also bring your own from your country of origin.
Should I take pack toilet paper for the Salkantay trek?
Yes. It is wise to always have your own roll of toilet paper during the course of any multi-day hike. We will of course also provide items such as these but it is always a good idea to have a roll in your backpack.
