The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the most defying and adventurous hike in Peru! 5 days and 4 nights across the highest Andean altitudes, down to the Western jungle border and finally the wonderful Machu Picchu citadel! Here’s is the best packing list, recommended by TOUR IN PERU.
Packing List – Hiking Clothes:
- Sun hat or cap
- Wool hood
- Sunglasses
- Scarf
- Very warm, windproof jacket (if you are coming on rainy season -from late November until late March- bring a waterproof very warm jacket or a rain poncho)
- Light jacket for the jungle border parts, rain poncho if coming on rainy season
- Warm gloves
- 4 shirts (a mix of short and long-sleeved ones), we recommend polyester ones because they keep the body dry most of the time
- Mountaineering nylon pants, better if reversible to shorts, because this trek begins with very cold weather (sometimes snow) and changes to warm, subtropical temperatures as we approach the jungle border
- Hiking underwear
- Soft mountaineering socks (important to avoid feet sores)
- A good pair of hiking boots (preferably give it some prior use so your feet will be already accustomed)
- Sandals (so you can give feet a good rest)
- If you want to go to Aguas Calientes’ hot springs on day 5: towel, swimsuit, comb
Packing List – Electronics Gear:
- Under any circumstance do not forget your camera (fully charged)
- For its lightness, a smartphone (fully charged) will also be very useful for some videos, pictures, music playlists
- Bring their respective cords
- Some people are also using portable solar panels for energy supply
- Some people also bring a GPS device for more adventure
Packing List – Health and Hygiene Items:
- We will provide coca leaves tea along the way for it is great for energy and altitude sickness, but if you want you can also bring your own bottle so you don’t have to wait
- Altitude sickness pills (just in case because prior acclimatization and coca tea almost always are enough)
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, razor, shampoo, deodorant spray
- Small towel
- Antiseptic pads, adhesive bands (in case of some scratch)
- A few painkillers just in case of mild bodily aches
- Toilet paper, towel paper
- Small plastic bags for wet items, used clothes and garbage
- Water purifying tablets
- Sunblock and insect repellent (both are mandatory)
Packing List – Food and Drinks:
- We will provide all meals except for breakfast on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 5
- Since there are long hiking stretches, you may want to have at reach some of these: energy bars, bottled water, canned food, fruits, snacks, coca leaves tea
Packing List – Additional (Important):
- A walking pole is a must for this hike, we have them for rent
- You must bring a sleeping bag for camping nights
- Extra money in Peruvian cash (on day 5 lunch, dinner and voluntary personal expenses in Aguas Calientes are not included)
- Passport
- Lantern and headlamp
An hiking walk with beautiful landscapes.
And now you’re ready for this great adventure! TOUR IN PERU can fully personalize the Salkantay Trek to suit all your specific requirements. Also this package can be booked as a private tour, so our top-quality service will be totally focused on you! Please talk to our travel experts to know more about one of these options!
This is the best packing list for the amazing Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu! In case you are time short and still want to have the entire adventure of hiking to the magnificent citadel, check our Short 2-Day Inca Trail, a top alternative! Finally, if you want to explore more wonders in Peru, check information about the Lake Titicaca, for example, the packing list for the Titicaca 2-Day tour. You can surely Contact us for all details!
