The Ultimate Packing List For The Salkantay Trek in Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu is one of those places that is on most people´s bucket lists. As a wonder of the world, and an incredible feat of Inca engineering, the sense of awe and amazement you feel when you arrive there, will always surpass your expectations. While there are many ways to get to Peru’s famous Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular ways to arrive at the mid-blowing Machu Picchu. This 5-day, 4-night hike has fewer trekkers than the Inca Trail, and while it’s no walk in the park, the sense of achievement is fully accomplished when you arrive at the majestic site that is Machu Picchu. When you plan your trip, one of the biggest dilemmas is what to pack. Here is the essential Packing List for The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek

Any reputable company will provide a duffel bag for your main luggage. This will be carried by a pack mule along the Sakantay trek so you will only need to carry a small daypack with essential items for that day´s trekking. The ultimate tip is to pack light. Most companies actually have weight limits for your duffle bag so you’ll be forced to pack light. A weight restriction of 7 KG approx. is the normal weight allowance and 3 kilos will be for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

Duffel Bag

Clothing for the trek

Jacket - Mandatory for the trek, as there will be extremely cold weather at certain points along the trail.
Raincoat or waterproof jacket
The elevation of Machu Picchu is more than 2000 meters above sea level and is situated in a cloud forest so you can always encounter rain at those altitudes.
Fleece -, A warm fleece will come in handy for when temperatures start to drop and especially at the campsites each evening.
T-shirts - 5 for this trek you will wear a fresh one each 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. The first night is at a very high elevation and temperatures often drop below freezing.
Comfortable trekking pants - There are 5 days, so 2 or 3 pairs are perfect
Underwear:-You choose how many to bring 😊
Pajamas - At night it will get cooler, so pajamas are essential 
Swimming Costume - for the thermal springs in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes
Sun hat
Beany
Scarf
Gloves
Sunglasses

Llamas on The Salkantay Trek

Footwear for the Salkantay Trek

Trekking boots - It will depend on the season when you go. If you go in dry season, we recommend breathable boots. On the other hand, if your hike along the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is during the rainy season, they had better be waterproof. and quick drying!
Running shoes - We advise you to take a pair of trainers just in case. You never know what can happen to the ones you’re wearing, and better safe than sorry
Comfortable shoes for the campsite /Sandals - This is optional, but you will want to forget about your boots for a while at the end of each day and let your feet breath
Woolen socks for the cold
Synthetic socks for hiking, are lighter and more comfortable

Decent Rugged Hiking Boots

Equipment required for the Salkantay Trekking

Daypack where to put everything we told you before
Flashlight
Trekking poles: you can also rent them there before starting the Salkantay trek
A basic First aid kit and personal medications
Refillable water bottle 

First Aid Kit

Hygiene Products

Sunscreen
Deodorant
Toothbrush 
Toothpaste 
Insect repellent
Hairbrush
Quick-drying towel
Toilet Paper
Baby wipes (they're very handy when trekking!)

Shampoo in sachet there is a night in the hotel on the 4th day

Toiletries