Salkantay Trek Packing List: What to Bring in 2026

Salkantay Trek Packing List: What to Bring in 2026

Packing for the Salkantay Trek is one of the most common sources of stress for first-time trekkers — and one of the most common mistakes we see at the start of every season. Travelers arrive with suitcases full of things they will never use and without the one item that would have made their trek genuinely comfortable.

We have been guiding trekkers along the Salkantay route since 2015. Our team owns and operates the hostels at Soraypampa, Chaullay and Lucmabamba — the three main overnight stops on the route. We see what travelers pack, what they wish they had brought and what they wish they had left behind.

This guide gives you the definitive packing list for the Salkantay Trek, organized by category with specific notes for each item. It applies to all our Salkantay packages — from the 4-day independent Salkantay Trek to the guided Salkantay Trek 5 days 4 nights and the expert Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu.

The Golden Rule: Pack Light

Before we go through the list item by item, understand the single most important principle of Salkantay Trek packing: everything you bring, you carry.

On our guided Salkantay treks, luggage transport by horse is included between Soraypampa and Chaullay — but you still carry a daypack with your essentials for the entire hiking day. On Day 2, that daypack goes with you over Salkantay Pass at 4,638 meters. At high altitude, every extra kilogram matters significantly. A heavy pack at sea level becomes genuinely punishing at 4,500 meters.

The ideal daypack weight for the Salkantay Trek is between 5 and 8 kilograms. Your main bag — which travels by horse on Days 1 and 2 — should not exceed 10 to 12 kilograms.

If you are doing the Salkantay Trek to Choquequirao 6 days or the Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu 8 days, pack even lighter — those routes involve longer daily sections and steeper terrain where pack weight has an even greater impact on your enjoyment and safety.

Clothing: The Layering System

The Salkantay Trek passes through four completely different climate zones across 5 days. On Day 1 you hike through cold high-altitude plateau. On Day 2 you cross a freezing mountain pass. On Days 3 and 4 you descend into warm subtropical jungle valley. On Day 5 you visit Machu Picchu in humid cloud forest conditions.

This means you cannot pack for one type of weather. You need a layering system that allows you to add and remove clothing quickly as conditions change throughout each day.

Base Layer

2 moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts
Synthetic or merino wool — never cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and stays wet, which causes dangerous heat loss at high altitude. Merino wool is the best option: it regulates temperature, resists odor and dries quickly. You need two so you can rotate them across 5 days.

2 pairs of moisture-wicking underwear
Same principle — synthetic or merino, never cotton. Quick-dry fabric makes a significant difference over a 5-day trek.

1 lightweight short-sleeve shirt
For the warmer sections on Days 3 and 4 when temperatures in the jungle valley can reach 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Mid Layer

1 fleece jacket or warm mid-layer
Essential for the cold mornings and evenings at Soraypampa at 3,830 meters and for the crossing of Salkantay Pass at 4,638 meters. A 200-weight fleece is the ideal balance between warmth and packability.

1 pair of trekking trousers
Lightweight, quick-dry and convertible (zip-off legs) if possible. Convertible trousers that convert to shorts are especially practical for the transition between cold high-altitude sections and warm jungle valley days.

1 pair of trekking shorts or leggings
For the warmer sections of the route on Days 3 and 4. Leggings are also useful as a warm base layer under trekking trousers on cold mornings.

2 to 3 pairs of trekking socks
Merino wool socks are strongly recommended — they reduce blisters, regulate temperature and resist odor far better than synthetic alternatives. Bring at least one spare pair in your daypack at all times.

Outer Layer

1 waterproof rain jacket
Non-negotiable. Even in the dry season (May to September), afternoon rain showers are common on the Salkantay route, particularly on Days 3 and 4 in the cloud forest sections. Your rain jacket needs to be genuinely waterproof — not just water-resistant — with sealed seams.

1 lightweight rain poncho
A plastic rain poncho in addition to your jacket gives you extra coverage for your daypack during heavy rain. They are cheap, weigh almost nothing and can be a lifesaver on a wet afternoon on the trail.

1 warm hat or beanie
For Salkantay Pass at 4,638 meters, temperatures can drop significantly even in dry season, especially with wind. A warm hat that covers your ears is essential.

1 sun hat with brim
UV radiation is intense at high altitude. A wide-brimmed hat protects your face, neck and ears during the long exposed sections of Days 1 and 2.

1 pair of lightweight gloves
For the cold morning start on Day 2 and the crossing of Salkantay Pass. Thin liner gloves that pack flat are sufficient for the Salkantay route in dry season.

1 buff or neck gaiter
Versatile and lightweight — use it as a neck warmer, face covering against wind and dust on the high passes, or pulled up over your ears on cold mornings.

Footwear

Trekking boots — the most important item on this list
Your boots are the single most critical piece of equipment for the Salkantay Trek. They need to be broken in before the trek — new boots cause blisters within the first 2 hours on the trail, and blisters on Day 1 make Days 2 through 5 genuinely miserable.

Requirements: ankle support, waterproof (Gore-Tex or equivalent), good grip on both wet rock and soft mud. Trail running shoes are not recommended — the Salkantay descent from the pass involves steep, loose and sometimes muddy terrain where ankle support matters.

Wear your trekking boots for at least 2 to 3 weeks of regular hiking before the trek to break them in properly.

1 pair of lightweight sandals or camp shoes
For wearing at the hostels in the evenings. After 7 to 8 hours of hiking your feet need to breathe. A pair of lightweight sandals or Crocs that pack flat are worth their weight many times over by Day 3.

Gear and Equipment

Backpacks

1 daypack — 20 to 30 liters
This is what you carry on your back every hiking day. It needs to be comfortable, with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt to distribute weight. 20 to 25 liters is ideal — large enough for your essentials, small enough to stay manageable on the steep sections.

1 main bag — 40 to 60 liters (for guided treks)
On our guided Salkantay Trek 5 days 4 nights, your main bag travels by horse between Soraypampa and Chaullay on Days 1 and 2. It needs to be a soft-sided bag — no hard-frame backpacks or suitcases, as these cannot be secured to a horse safely. A duffel bag or soft backpack is ideal.

Waterproof bag covers or dry bags
Essential for protecting your gear on wet days. Pack everything inside your main bag in dry bags or zip-lock bags as an extra layer of protection, and keep a waterproof cover on your daypack during rain.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the Salkantay Trek and close to essential for the steep descent from Salkantay Pass on Day 2. The descent covers approximately 1,500 meters of elevation loss and puts significant strain on your knees without pole support. They are equally useful on the steep uphill section to Humantay Lagoon on Day 1.

Collapsible carbon or aluminum poles are best — lightweight and packable. If you do not own trekking poles, they can be rented in Cusco for a few dollars per day.

Sleeping

Sleeping bag liner
Our hostels at Soraypampa, Chaullay and Lucmabamba provide bedding, so a sleeping bag is not required on our standard Salkantay packages. However, a lightweight sleeping bag liner adds warmth on cold nights at Soraypampa at 3,830 meters and is very compact to pack.

If you are doing the Salkantay Trek to Vilcabamba 6 days or the Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu 8 days, where some nights are spent in community lodges in remote areas, a sleeping bag liner is strongly recommended.

Navigation and Light

Headlamp with spare batteries
Essential. Early starts on the Salkantay Trek begin at 5:00 to 5:30 AM when it is still dark. You need a headlamp for the morning departure from the hostel, for finding your way to the bathroom at night and as a safety backup on the trail. Bring spare batteries — cold temperatures drain battery life faster than usual.

Offline maps downloaded on your phone
Download the Salkantay Trek route on Maps.me or Gaia GPS before departure. Some sections of the trail, particularly near and above Salkantay Pass, have no cell signal. Having your route available offline is an important safety measure, especially for independent trekkers on our 4-day self-guided package.

Portable power bank
You will use your phone for photos, maps and communication throughout the 5 days. Cold temperatures at high altitude reduce battery life significantly. A power bank with at least 10,000 mAh capacity keeps your phone charged through multiple days on the trail.

Health, Hygiene and First Aid

Altitude and Health

Altitude sickness medication — consult your doctor
The Salkantay Trek reaches 4,638 meters at Salkantay Pass and 4,221 meters at Humantay Lagoon. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a real risk for travelers arriving directly from sea level. Consult your doctor before departure about acetazolamide (Diamox), the most commonly prescribed medication for altitude sickness prevention. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco at 3,400 meters before starting the trek.

Coca leaves or coca tea
Available at every hostel along the route and throughout Cusco. Coca is a traditional Andean remedy for altitude symptoms and is used by local communities daily. It is legal in Peru and genuinely effective for mild altitude discomfort. We always have coca tea available at our hostels.

Oral rehydration salts
Staying hydrated is critical at altitude. Bring a few sachets of oral rehydration salts to add to your water bottle if you feel dehydrated, nauseous or fatigued. They are lightweight and inexpensive.

Basic first aid kit
Pack blister treatment (moleskin or blister patches), ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches and muscle pain, antihistamine for insect bites, antiseptic wipes and a small bandage. Our guides carry a group first aid kit and supplemental oxygen, but having your own basic kit gives you immediate access without having to ask.

Sun and Insect Protection

Sunscreen SPF 50+
UV radiation at 4,000 to 4,600 meters is significantly more intense than at sea level. Apply sunscreen generously before departure every morning and reapply during the day. Sunburn at altitude is faster and more severe than most travelers expect.

Sunglasses with UV protection
Essential — especially for the snow-reflected light near Salkantay Pass and Humantay Lagoon. Polarized lenses with UV400 protection are recommended.

Insect repellent
Necessary for Days 3 and 4 in the cloud forest and jungle valley sections of the route, particularly around Lucmabamba and the hot springs at Cocalmayo. DEET-based repellent is the most effective option.

Lip balm with SPF
Lips crack and burn quickly at high altitude due to UV exposure and low humidity. A lip balm with sun protection is a small item that makes a significant difference by Day 2.

Hygiene

Biodegradable soap and shampoo
Our hostels at Soraypampa, Chaullay and Lucmabamba all have hot showers. Bring biodegradable products to minimize environmental impact on the trail.

Quick-dry travel towel
Compact and lightweight. Our hostels provide towels, but having your own in your daypack is useful for drying off after a rain shower on the trail or a visit to the hot springs at Cocalmayo on Day 3.

Hand sanitizer
For use on the trail between hostel stops. Running water is not always available at rest points during the hiking day.

Toilet paper and small zip-lock bags
Facilities on the trail between hostel stops are basic or non-existent. Carry your own toilet paper and a zip-lock bag to pack out waste responsibly — leaving no trace on the trail is essential for preserving the Salkantay route.

Wet wipes
For freshening up on the trail, cleaning hands before meals and dealing with unexpected situations. A small pack of biodegradable wet wipes is one of the most useful small items you can bring.

Documents and Money

Passport
Your original passport is required at multiple points on the Salkantay Trek — at the Humantay Lagoon entrance, at the Machu Picchu entrance gate and potentially at police checkpoints along the route. Photocopies are not accepted. Carry your passport with you at all times, ideally in a waterproof document pouch inside your daypack.

Printed Machu Picchu ticket
Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket must be printed or available on your phone at the entrance gate. We include the Machu Picchu ticket in all our guided packages and send it to you before departure — confirm whether you have a printed or digital version.

Cash in Peruvian soles
There are no ATMs along the Salkantay route after leaving Cusco. Bring sufficient cash in soles for the following expenses: Humantay Lagoon entrance ticket (20 PEN), optional hot spring visit at Cocalmayo (approximately 20 PEN), personal drinks and snacks along the route, and tips for your guide and hostel staff.

We recommend bringing between 150 and 250 PEN in cash depending on your spending habits. Exchange dollars or euros to soles in Cusco before departure — exchange rates are significantly better in Cusco than at the airport.

Travel insurance documents
Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for the Salkantay Trek. If you require emergency evacuation from a remote section of the route, the cost without insurance can be extremely high. Carry a printed copy of your insurance policy with the emergency contact number easily accessible.

Food and Hydration

Water bottle or hydration pack — minimum 1.5 liters
Staying hydrated is one of the most important factors in avoiding altitude sickness and maintaining energy on the trail. Bring a water bottle with a minimum capacity of 1.5 liters. A hydration pack (Camelbak style) is even more practical as it allows you to drink while walking without stopping.

Water is available for refilling at all our hostels along the route. Purification tablets or a filter straw are useful for refilling from streams on the trail between hostel stops.

High-energy snacks
Meals are included in all our guided Salkantay packages, but snacks between meals are important for maintaining energy on long hiking days. Pack items that are lightweight, calorie-dense and do not melt or freeze. Trail mix, nuts, energy bars, dried fruit, chocolate and crackers are all good options. Bring enough for the full duration of the trek — there are no shops on the trail after leaving Mollepata.

Electronics and Camera

Camera or fully charged smartphone
The Salkantay Trek offers extraordinary photographic opportunities — from the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon on Day 1 to the panoramic views of Salkantay Peak on Day 2, the waterfalls and orchids of the cloud forest on Day 3 and the first aerial view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata on Day 4. Bring spare memory cards and ensure your camera batteries are fully charged before departure.

Universal power adapter
Peru uses Type A and Type C outlets. If you are traveling from Europe, Australia or other regions, bring a universal adapter to charge your devices at the hostels.

Waterproof phone case or zip-lock bag
Protect your phone from rain, stream crossings and humidity in the cloud forest sections. A waterproof phone case or a heavy-duty zip-lock bag costs almost nothing and protects an expensive device.

What to Leave at Home

Jeans or cotton clothing of any kind
Cotton is dangerous at high altitude — it absorbs moisture, dries slowly and causes rapid heat loss when wet. Leave all cotton clothing in Cusco.

Heavy books or excessive entertainment
After 7 to 8 hours of hiking at high altitude, most trekkers fall asleep within minutes of dinner. You will not need a library. A lightweight e-reader or a single paperback is more than sufficient.

Valuable jewelry or expensive accessories
Leave these at your hotel in Cusco. The trail is not the place for anything irreplaceable.

Hair dryer or electrical appliances
Our hostels have electricity but bandwidth is limited. Hair dryers and similar appliances are not practical on the trail.

More than 2 pairs of shoes
One pair of broken-in trekking boots and one pair of lightweight sandals or camp shoes is all you need. A third pair of shoes adds weight and takes up valuable space.

Packing for Specific Salkantay Routes

For the guided 5-day Salkantay Trek: The standard packing list above covers everything you need. Luggage transport by horse between Soraypampa and Chaullay means your main bag weight is less critical than your daypack.

For the 4-day independent Salkantay Trek: Pack the navigation items — offline maps and power bank — as priorities. Without a guide, you are responsible for your own route-finding and safety. Read our about us page for more information on the support our team provides at each hostel along the independent route.

For the Salkantay Trek to Choquequirao 6 days: Add insect repellent as a priority — the descent into the Apurímac canyon involves warm, humid terrain with more insect activity than the standard Salkantay route. The Choquequirao section also involves steeper terrain, so trekking poles are even more important.

For the Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu 8 days: Pack for 8 days of variable weather across multiple ecosystems. A sleeping bag liner is strongly recommended for the community lodge nights near Choquequirao. Read our full Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu 8 days tour page for specific preparation notes for this route.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salkantay Trek Packing

Do I need a sleeping bag for the Salkantay Trek?
Not for our standard guided packages. Our hostels at Soraypampa, Chaullay and Lucmabamba provide bedding including blankets and pillows. A sleeping bag liner adds warmth on cold nights and is recommended but not required. For the Choquequirao and Vilcabamba routes with community lodge nights, a sleeping bag liner is strongly recommended.

Can I rent gear in Cusco before the Salkantay Trek?
Yes. Trekking poles, sleeping bag liners, rain ponchos and basic trekking clothing can all be rented in Cusco at reasonable prices. The San Pedro market area and the streets around the Plaza de Armas have multiple gear rental shops. If you are missing specific items from this list, Cusco is the last place to acquire them before departure.

How much should my daypack weigh on the Salkantay Trek?
Aim for 5 to 8 kilograms maximum. At Salkantay Pass at 4,638 meters, every extra kilogram feels significantly heavier than at sea level. Pack only what you genuinely need for the hiking day in your daypack and leave everything else in your main bag for horse transport.

Is there luggage storage in Cusco for things I do not take on the trek?
Yes. Most hotels and hostels in Cusco offer luggage storage for guests during their trek. If you are staying at a different accommodation before and after the trek, we can recommend options. Leave your suitcase, formal clothes and anything you do not need on the trail safely stored in Cusco.

What should I wear on the bus from Cusco on Day 1?
Wear your trekking clothes and boots from the start. The bus departs at 5:30 AM and goes directly to Mollepata and then Soraypampa, where the hiking begins. There is no opportunity to change before the trail starts.