The ultimate list of things to bring to the Salkantay Trek

This post is also available in: Español

First of all, we want to tell you that we are very happy that you have reached this post. That means that you are already preparing for your travel to Peru! And since we don’t want you to forget anything, we propose our Salkantay Trekking packing list.

Start by choosing the Salkantay Trek you are going to do

The Salkantay Trek has different versions, so you should adapt your backpack according to which one you choose. In its most popular version, you’ll hike for 4 days and more than 60 kilometers, encountering tropical forests, trails that cross the Andes, and even glacial lakes, such as the Humantay Lake.

On the other hand, if you choose the 5-day Salkantay trek, this will vary, and lack of clothing foresight may take its toll. At evening it can be cold, but during the day the sun will be with you all the time.

As it can also take its toll if you pack too many clothes and accessories in your backpack. There is a maximum weight per person, since the transport here are mules, and as you will understand, they do not allow you to carry as much weight as you want.

In the case of the normal Salkantay Trek, the maximum is 5 kg. On the other hand, if you choose the Salkantay Trek Premium Igloo, you can carry up to 7 kg in your backpack.

Salkantay Trekking packing list

As we have told you before, during the Salkantay Trek you will be able to find different natural spaces and very different climates, so you have to be prepared for snow, for sunny and rainy days, and for places with a lot of humidity.

Below we show you the list of what to bring to the Salkantay Trek that we have prepared for you at Howlanders so that it becomes one of the best experiences of your life.

Clothing for the trek

• Jacket: mandatory for the trek, as there will be times of quite cold. Our partner Javier, tells us in his experience in Machu Picchu that it was his best ally during the whole trip…
• Raincoat or waterproof jacket: remember that the height of Machu Picchu is more than 2000 meters above sea level, so you can always encounter rain at those heights
• Fleece: this is a between-season garment, it will come in handy for when temperatures start to drop
• T-shirts: as many as days you are going to go, to wear one every 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
• Comfortable trekking pants: they are several days, so if they are 2, better than 1
• Underwear: here we do not put quantity, each one with their habits…
• Pajamas: at night it will get cooler, so pajamas are essential to rest

Suitable footwear for the Salkantay Trek

• Trekking boots: it will depend on the season when you go. If you go in dry season, we recommend boots that are breathable. On the other hand, if your trip to Machu Picchu is during rainy season, they had better be waterproof
• Extra sneakers or tennis shoes: we advise you to take a pair of sneakers just in case. You never know what can happen to the ones you’re wearing, and better safe than sorry
• Comfortable shoes for the camp: this is optional, but you will need to forget about your boots for a while at the end of each day
• Wool socks for the cold
• Synthetic socks: lighter and more comfortable

Accessories

• Sun hat
• Cold cap
• Scarf
• Gloves

To sleep on the Salkantay Trekking

• Sleeping bag: you have the option of renting it there for 50 Peruvian soles
• Inflatable pillow: this is optional, although your neck will surely appreciate it. If you choose the Salkantay Trek 5-day premium option, you will sleep in igloos fully prepared for comfort, so you won’t need it

Equipment required for the Salkantay Trekking

• Backpack where to put everything we told you before
• Flashlight
• Trekking poles: you can also rent them there before starting the trek
• First aid kit
• Canteen bottle for drinking

Personal hygiene

• Blocker or sunscreen
• Deodorant (please)


• Toothbrush (also please)
• Toothpaste (otherwise, the above is pointless)
• Insect repellent: very important
• Hairbrush…
• Quick-drying towel, or the one you have but that takes up little space

Documents that cannot be missing in the Salkantay Trek packing list

Although we have left them for last, it is undoubtedly the most important thing if you want to make the trek.

• Original identity document
• Passport

Now that you have your Salkantay Trekking packing list, do you think you can fit everything in your backpack? Do you think we left anything out?