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 4, 2023 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 two-day Inca trail to the five-day Salkantay trek.
Each of these might have a different packing list since they vary in necessity.
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.
For a successful hike, knowing what to include on the Salkantay trek packing list is always good. Below is a brief list of some items that can be optional while others are more definitely necessary for a successful hike and Machu Picchu tour.
Proper Hiking Footwear
Wearing the proper footwear for the Salkantay is very important. You are going on a hike that takes you deep into the Andes, where terrain and weather conditions can quickly change.
During your Salkantay trek, the weather conditions vary depending on the elevation.
You might experience rain, snow, and warm sunny weather during the hike on the same day.
“Hiking boots,” as in steel-toe footwear, are not required. 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 you decide 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 test yourself and make it enjoyable every day.
A Good Backpack
We are not sponsored by any brand in particular, by the way. Pick any backpack that is big enough for five days’ worth of hiking and is comfortable enough to carry.
The pack is a very important piece of equipment for your Salkantay trek packing list. Over the course of 5 days, you’ll want to always have easy access to your personal belongings.
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 heavy jacket and want to put it away. Another situation might be if you are hungry and enjoy a snack you packed, suddenly need to use the bathroom, or want a drink of water. That’s where your backpack comes into play.
Imagine asking your group to stop so the porters can unload the bags, hand you toilet paper, or give you water.
So, to sum it up, backpacks are an essential part or your hike packing list.
The backpack is also an ideal place to keep other items on this list.
Sunblock & Lip Balm
Cusco is located 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, mainly during day 2 of the trek.
This means that you will be exposed to the sun at a higher altitude than usual, resulting 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 lip balm or chapstick will suffice.
Deodorant, Soap & Hand Sanitizer
This is self-explanatory: you won’t have access to a shower for the next few days, and you will sweat throughout this hike to Machu Picchu.
These simple products should always be the most essential 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 unavailable.
Lastly, soap is for washing up before breakfast or in any campsites where you can access water. Water access will primarily be 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 that originate from glaciers.
While there is access to bottled water ( we always provide a few bottles), and you can bring your bottled water, it will not be enough for five days of hiking.
Remember, bringing bottled water for a 5-8-person group on a 5-day hike through the changing terrain is challenging.
The horses would not be able to handle that much weight, mainly 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 if you didn’t bring your own tablets, we would gladly provide them.
More modern methods are used to purify water, such as portable ultraviolet light.
Other items like hiking pants, spare socks, and thermals for cold nights could be included in your Salkantay trek packing list.
You can even use this list if you are 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: an adventurous attitude and a camera to get some beautiful shots of the Andean scenery and Machu Picchu.
Our hikes include your Machu Picchu reservation, so booking an additional permit is unnecessary.
The Salkantay trek package also includes an overnight stay in the small town of Aguas Calientes so that you can check that off your “to-do” list.
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 if you need a bit of a sugar rush mid-hike.
Will I need sunblock during the Salkantay trek?
Yes. Our elevation during the Salkantay trek permits the sub to burn and dry your skin even if it is not too hot. Bringing sunblock, lip balm, and a moisturizer is always a good idea.
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 pack toilet paper for the Salkantay trek?
Yes. It is wise to always have your roll of toilet paper during any multi-day hike. We will provide items such as these, but it is always a good idea to have a roll in your backpack.
