The Ultimate Salkantay Trek Packing List: What to Take (and What to Leave Behind)

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Article written by: Rebecca
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Looking for a Salkantay Trek packing list? Here’s everything we took – along with what I wish I’d left behind!

Machu Picchu is one of those places that I imagine is on most people’s bucket lists. It’s certainly always been on mine, and the sense of awe and amazement I felt when I finally made it there exceeded all my expectations.

While there are many ways to get to Peru’s famous Machu Picchu – including almost a dozen different hikes – we chose to hike the Salkantay Trek. This 5-day, 4-night hike has fewer trekkers than the popular Inca Trail, and it’s no walk in the park, so you’ll really feel rewarded when you arrive at the majestic site that is Machu Picchu.

When we planned our trip, one of the biggest dilemmas was what to pack. If you’re feeling the same, never fear. I’ve come up with the ultimate Salkantay Trek packing list so you know exactly what you need to bring with you and, most importantly, what you should leave behind. (You can even download a copy of this packing list here!)

It’s all based on my personal experience hiking Salkantay, and it’s a list I’ve shared with friends so I figured I might as well share it with a wider audience on this blog.

This Salkantay Trek packing list could also be used for a packing list for the Inca Trail or the Lares Trek – or any of the other hikes that lead to Machu Picchu, really.

If you want to know what it’s actually like to hike the Salkantay Trek, then read my story here.

For the men reading, don’t be put off that this list was written by a woman. Keep reading as I’ve also covered off any items guys should bring along, based on what my husband packed for Salkantay (TBH it doesn’t really differ much for guys or gals!).

Let’s get packing!

Aerial view of Machu Picchu showcasing the ancient ruins with the Huayna Picchu mountain in the background and lush greenery surrounding the site. Nothing can prepare you for the wonder and awe you'll feel upon seeing Machu Picchu for the first time!

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Salkantay Trek packing list #1 tip: Pack light!

The ultimate tip is to pack light. Most companies actually have weight limits so you’ll be forced to pack light.

We trekked with Alpaca Expeditions (the Salkantay trekking company I recommend) and they provided us with a duffel bag with a weight restriction of 7 kilograms – and 3 kilos of that was for our sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

So, you’ll need to be selective with what to pack for the Salkantay Trek.

Group of hikers with backpacks walking along a dirt trail surrounded by dense green vegetation in the Salkantay region. If you're planning to do the Salkantay Trek, this Salkantay Trek packing list will have you covered - from the clothing and gear you need, down to the right things to put in your first aid kit.

Packing list for Salkantay Trek

Where I’ve suggested specific items below, I’ve linked to items that I actually have used or owned. If I couldn’t find it online or it’s not made anymore, I’ve linked to something else that’s highly recommended by other hikers.

If you’d prefer to have this Salkantay Trekking packing list in a PDF document you can download and print for your own travels, enter your details below!

Bags

Duffel bag – most companies will provide a duffel bag with a weight limit. This bag is for your clothing and any items you’re not carrying on the trek yourself. Mules carry these duffel bags to the next campsite as you trek to Machu Picchu. Most companies will allow you to leave any other baggage at their office while you’re hiking Salkantay

Day pack – this is the bag that you’ll carry yourself for the duration of the hike. A 30-litre pack is a good size | Men’s Osprey Talon 33L | Osprey Tempest Women’s 30L Backpack

Pack cover – to cover your day pack if it’s expected to be rainy (and it WILL inevitably rain!)

Misty mountain landscape with a narrow river winding through the valley, viewed from a high elevation on the Salkantay Trek. The Salkantay Trek in Peru leads to Machu Picchu - and includes a lot of stunning scenery along the way.

Clothing

You don’t need to pack multiple outfits for the Salkantay Trail, but you do need to pick the right clothing. You want to bring clothes that dry quickly and that are odour-reducing if possible (you won’t be showering for a few days!

(Although, having said that, I’ve noticed that Alpaca Expeditions has changed their itinerary since we trekked Salkantay, and there’s a camp with a shower now, fancy!)

This is a really light packing list for clothing. If you’re prone to feeling the cold, then pack a few base layers or some thermals which will keep you toasty on the first two days of the trek when you go through the Salkantay Pass

2 x pants – I wore cropped sports leggings and I do not recommend this. On day 3 of the hike, I was bitten madly by these tiny bugs that left welts all over my legs, and I also got a killer tan line halfway up my calf, which is not a cool look. If I did the Salkantay Trek again, I’d pack long hiking pants or long leggings instead | Columbia Men’s Hiking Pants Women’s prAna Halle Straight Leg Pants

1 x shorts – I didn’t take shorts, but they are handy for the third day where the hike winds through the steamy jungle

2 x t-shirts – look for wicking material to repel sweat and odour, I like the t-shirts from Unbound Merino (a company that makes both men’s and women’s clothing from this amazing fabric)

1 x vest – for layering (I tend to get hot easily, but appreciated the extra light layer) | Men’s Lightweight Softshell Vest | Women’s Water-Resistant Packable Vest

1 x long-sleeve – again, wicking or quick-dry material is the key here (try Unbound Merino). A long sleeve is good for layering, but if you want to save space, you can layer up with your t-shirts and fleece instead

1 x fleece – it gets cold at night, and there are a couple of surprisingly bitter mornings | Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Fleece Jacket | Patagonia Women’s Fleece Pullover

Down jacket – this is especially necessary for layering during the colder months (I didn’t pack one and relied on layering up with everything else I had packed)

1 x casual / sleeping outfit – pyjamas or some tracksuit pants and t-shirt to both sleep in and wear around camp in the evening (get out of those other sweaty clothes!)

1 x outfit for Machu Picchu – wondering what to wear to Machu Picchu when you finally make it there? Some people bring along a special outfit to wear at Machu Picchu (gotta look good in those photos!) but I just wore one of the pants/t-shirts I mentioned above. I wore one outfit the whole hike (washing it at night time and letting it dry overnight) so that I had a fresh pair of pants and a top for Machu Picchu. You definitely want something clean to put on after the glorious shower in Aguas Calientes on your final night!

2 x sports bras

1 x gloves – to keep your fingers warm on those chilly mornings | Waterproof and windproof gloves (you can also buy locally made, woolen gloves in Cusco)

Hiking boots – make sure you’ve broken these in beforehand, the Salkantay Trail is not the place to do that! | Hoka Men’s Hiking Boots | Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Hiking Boots

Light sneakers or flip flops – to wear around camp in the evening. Trust me, you’ll be happy to take your hiking boots off each night! We both took our trusty Havaianas but I think a pair of Tevas sandals are better so you can wear socks to keep your toes warm!

Socks x 6 pairs – I’ve found that layering socks can help to prevent blisters when you trek Salkantay. I put on a thin pair of socks, then a thicker pair over the top. Make sure you also factor in a pair of socks to wear at night so you’re not putting on sweaty socks | Men’s lightweight socks | Men’s hiking socks | Women’s lightweight socks Women’s cushioned hiking socks

Underwear x 2 pairs for each day – who else loves slipping into a fresh pair of undies after a long day of hiking? I bring along two pairs for each day of hiking. I know some people get fancy wicking undies (like these for the ladies and these for gents), but unless you’re a serious hiker who’s regularly going on multi-day hikes, just take your usual underwear

Bathers / swimming shorts – there are hot springs in Aguas Calientes, so if you plan to take a dip bring along something to swim in

Two hikers - the author and her husband - posing in front of an ancient stone structure with a doorway, surrounded by dense forest on the Salkantay Trek.

Gear and equipment

Much of the key equipment you’ll need can be rented from your trekking company or purchased around Cusco.

Tent – supplied by your trekking company

Sleeping back and liner – we rented ours from Alpaca Expeditions

Blow up sleeping pad – we also rented this from Alpaca Expeditions

Water bladder – I prefer the easy access of a water bladder over a water bottle. Alpaca Expeditions boiled water for us each night so we always had fresh drinking water, so you shouldn’t need water purification tablets | Platypus Hoser 3-Litre Water Reservoir

Rain jacket – find one that’s windproof and packable as well to save space. Alpaca Expeditions did have ponchos for us (neon green!) for our final day when the rain was heavy; they were great because they covered both us and our backpacks

Trekking poles – you can hire these from your trekking company

Head lamp and spare batteries – I like a head lamp over a handheld torch / flashlight so you always have your hands free | GearLight Head Lamp

Dry sack – it will rain while you’re doing the Salkantay Trek, so protect any electronics and valuables in a small dry sack | Sea to Summit Dry Sack

Hat – consider bringing along two: one cap for sun protection, and one beanie for warmth. You can buy llama-patterned beanies in many shops around Cusco, which is what I took

Sunglasses

Bandana or Buff – great for keeping your neck warm on cold days, or wet it on hot days and keep your neck cool

Sarong or quick-dry travel towel – I brought a sarong along for each of us. But given that we never showered during the hike, we never actually never used them

Campsite with several green tents set up on a grassy field with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky on the Salkantay Trek. Hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru means some photogenic camping spots along the way.

Technology

Only bring the necessary tech stuff – leave your laptop behind.

Camera or phone – when your head’s not down, you’ll be snapping a tonne of pics, so make sure to bring something to capture the amazing memories. I only brought along my phone and in hindsight I do regret not bringing my DSLR, but I left it behind to save weight (and a phone’s way easier to pull out for photos)

Spare camera batteries – if you do bring a camera, take 2-3 fully charged spare batteries so that you don’t also need to pack a battery charger (every gram of weight saved counts!). Keep in mind that batteries drain quicker in cold climates!

Extra memory cards – you don’t want to run out of space for your photos!

Portable charger – this was great for charging our phones at night (by the way, there’s no service along the Salkantay Trek, so you won’t be making phone calls – some companies, like Alpaca Expeditions, do carry satellite phones for emergencies, though) | Anker PowerCore 10000

Headphones – if you like to listen to music while you’re hiking, bring along some small headphones. I didn’t bring any, but my husband really enjoyed listening to a few podcasts while we were walking

Turquoise glacial lake surrounded by rocky mountains with patches of snow, under a partly cloudy sky. There are several blue and green lakes along the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Toiletries

I know everyone’s different when it comes to toiletries, so use this as a guide. Still, try to keep it to a minimum!

Vaseline – this is actually my secret to protecting my feet from blisters when I hike. I smear my tootsies in Vaseline before I put on my two pairs of socks – never got a blister!

Wet wipes – these will be your “shower” on the hike! | Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes

Face wipes

Hair ties and bobby pins

Deodorant | Even thought I’m female, I’m a huge fan of Old Spice Fresh and wear it every day!

Sunscreen – always choose SPF50 or higher, especially for high-altitude trekking | Sun Bum SPF50

Face moisturiser – to keep your skin hydrated at high altitude | Neutrogena Healthy Defense with SPF50

Bar of soap – just in case you can sneak a quick bush shower, and for scrubbing your clothes

Toothbrush (with a cover) and toothpaste – bamboo toothbrushes are more sustainable than plastic ones

Lip balm – for sun protection and moisturisation | Burt’s Bees

Dry shampoo – you won’t be washing your hair for a few days! | Klorane dry shampoo

Hair brush or comb – find something small so it doesn’t take up too much space

Razor – for the more hirsute of us

Toilet paper

Travel-sized tissues or handkerchief – your nose will run – a lot! – in the cold air as you climb higher and higher

Pocket mirror – great for shaving or removing contact lenses

Make up – seriously, I wouldn’t bother! If you must, keep it to a minimum for your Salkantay packing list

Feminine products – if it’s that time of the month, bring along tampons or a Diva Cup

Hikers observing a deep blue glacial lake from a narrow mountain trail, with mist covering the higher peaks in the Salkantay region.

Medical and health

Your trekking company will probably have a well-stocked medicine kit – check with them first what they bring along. Also see what qualifications your guide has, such as basic CPR skills.

We brought along the below items in our first aid kit, but rarely had to use any of the medications.

Nurofen or Ibuprofen – whatever your preferred pain reliever / headache tablets are

Pepto-Bismol or Peptosyl – this is great to take before every meal to protect against any tummy bugs

Imodium – for diarrhea

Diamox or acetazolamide – for altitude sickness. We took these before the trek but found that other than finding it harder to breathe as we climbed higher, we didn’t suffer any other altitude sickness symptoms. Your guide will also have plenty of coca leaves for tea on your breaks

Other medications – pack any medicines you take on a regular basis

Antiseptic cream – for cuts, scratches or bug bites (the bugs on day three are brutal!)

Rehydration sachets – handy for replacing your electrolytes, and for a bit of flavour for your water (bring along a separate water bottle to mix this in – don’t put it into your water bladder)

Voltaren gel or Tiger Balm – to soothe your joints and muscles at the end of a long day of hiking

Band Aids – you want waterproof ones, in assorted sizes

Insect repellent – this was one thing I didn’t pack and I wish I had when, on day three of the hike, thousands of bugs went crazy on my legs! | Repel Insect Repellent

Antibacterial hand gel – keep germs at bay by regularly washing your hands | Hand sanitiser

Eye drops – great in dusty areas | Blink Tears

Blue directional sign reading 'SALKANTAYPAMPA Altitud: 4150 msnm' with mountains in the background and a small stone hut nearby. The Salkantay Trek is high-altitude hiking, so make sure to pack the right medications and come prepared.

Documentation and other miscellaneous items

Passport – did you know that you get a passport stamp at Machu Picchu? This is something you don’t want to miss, so don’t leave this item off your Machu Picchu packing list!

Money – bring along small notes (Peruvian soles) if you want to buy anything along the way. My husband enjoyed a beer or two on our third night. And don’t forget to tip your guide and porters!

Travel insurance – I always buy travel insurance. Travel Insurance Master is my first stop to compare travel insurance products across multiple providers, while SafetyWing is great for those travelling for a longer time

Snacks – we didn’t bring along any snacks and we were fine. In fact, Alpaca Expeditions fed us so much that I put on a few kilos! But other people brought along protein bars, bags of nuts, chocolate bars and other small energy snacks

Plastic bags – to protect your clothing from rain or dampness, I recommend packing everything in plastic bags or Ziploc bags and then putting them into your duffel bag. Plastic bags are also great for dirty clothes

Ear plugs – if you don’t sleep well at night, you might need these for your nights camping while trekking Salkantay

Book or cards to play at night – check first if your company brings along some games. We had such a fun guide and a fantastic group, so our evenings were spent chatting and telling stories

Journal and pen – for writing down your amazing memories from the trek!

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Have you ever done the Salkantay Trek? Is there anything else you would add to this Salkantay Trek packing list?


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About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

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