For many travelers, finding out how to prepare for their adventure to Machu Picchu through the incredibleSalkantay Trek can be overwhelming. Reaching the citadel using this route is an amazing and accessible experience for those who prepare properly, but it is essential to follow certain tips to make the journey easier.
Hiking in the Andes is a radically different experience from walks at sea level. The high altitude of Salkantay reduces oxygen pressure and makes breathing difficult, a very common phenomenon known as altitude sickness. To reduce its effects, some hikers use prescribed medicines like Diamox; however, it is essential that you consult with your doctor to decide what is best for your health.
In the same way, physical preparation is key: keeping active through walking, jogging, or hiking beforehand will help you resist the constant effort required by the classic Salkantay trek. Being one of the most demanding and beautiful treks in Cusco, arriving ready for the 5 day tour will make the difference in your enjoyment.
What to Pack for Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is a high mountain hike that requires good prior preparation. Packing correctly will allow you to walk with greater comfort, adapt to weather changes and better enjoy the scenery during the route. It is important to carry only what is necessary, prioritizing functional clothing and essential items for several days of trekking. Here is a list of what you should bring to overcome this trek:
1. Duffle: Luggage and backpacker for you trekking to Salkantay Trek
Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. The horses carry your luggage from Soraypampa (1st day) to Playa camping (3th day). 4 day hike, our chef takes your luggage by bus to Hidrolectrica. From there to Aguas Calientes, you are expected to carry your own luggage (max 3 hrs), in case, the local train running, our chef take your luggage to the town. We recommend keeping the weight under 5 kg/10lb. You will need to carry clothes, sleeping bag.
If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Salkantay trek is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended to put your clothes, sleeping bag and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.
Clothing: Appropriate clothing along this hike
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.
- A winter jacket (preferable jackets with goose feathers): It is not necessary to bring your entire collection of winter jackets. For this trip, you only need a winter jacket to keep you warm and save space in your backpack. The key is to wear down the jacket, shirts or long sleeves to give an extra coat. You can find jackets of all prices in the market but we highly recommend making a small investment in a good jacket that will last for years. Also, make sure you have a hood to protect your ears and neck from the wind. Some jackets help you gain space in your backpack because they can be easily stored.
- A rain jacket: The rain jacket is very important. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable, even in the dry season it can rain. Therefore, it is necessary to bring a rain jacket to protect your clothes. If you do not want to invest in a jacket, you can also use a rain poncho.
- Waterproof pants: It is important to wear waterproof pants. These pants sometimes have a high price, but you can buy for a good price in Cusco (highly recommended for Salkantay trek).
- Rain Poncho: There are two types of ponchos: plastic (1 USD) and nylon (7 USD). Both can be easily purchased in Cusco around the main square.
- 2 pairs of long pants with closure to turn it into shorts (optional): Ideal, it is better to have two pairs of trekking pants. It is optional if you want the pants to become shorts, but note that some travelers just use large pants to avoid mosquito bites.
- 5 t-shirts / long-sleeved polo shirts (men / women)
- Underwear: 6 pair of the underwear that you feel more comfortable with.
Toiletries and medication
- Lip balm and sunblock: You have to wear sun lotion even when is cloudy. Apply generously on the parts of your body which are exposed to the sun. If you have a delicate skin and get burn easily, do not forget to apply it on the back of your neck and on your wrists. Also keep a good repellent for mosquitos.
First aid kit:
- Tablets for diarrhea
- Tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-nausea medication for motion sickness
- Pain killers for headaches
- Allergy and cold medication
- Something for stomach
- Baby wipes and tissues. You will use them all for your nose due to the changes in the air as well as refreshing yourself because there are not available showers in some spots.
- Bring all your prescriptions with you.
Essential documentation
For the organization of your gear, you must keep in mind the most valuable thing: your identification and credentials. Without these items, access to the route and the citadel will be denied at the government checkpoints:
- Passport and ID Document: It is mandatory to carry your original passport and ID document in your daypack. Copies or photos on a cell phone are not accepted at the official checkpoints of the Salkantay Trek or at the entrance to Machu Picchu. Make sure the data matches exactly with the reservation made by your operator.
- Student Credential: If you made your reservation with a student rate, the ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is essential. Presenting it will allow you to validate the discounts applied to the tour price and will also help you get benefits in various establishments and museums during your Cusco treks.
- Travel Insurance: Although it is not an entry requirement, it is recommended to carry a physical or digital copy of your policy that covers high-altitude hiking activities, to guarantee a fast response to any severe symptoms of altitude sickness.
Note: Keep your documents in a 'ziploc' type airtight bag. The weather on the classic Salkantay trek can change suddenly, and the humidity of the jungle brow or an unexpected rain could damage the paper or electronic chips.
Electronic Equipment and Photography
The memories of your adventure will be recorded forever in your camera's memory, allowing you to share the scenery of the Andes with friends and family. The landscapes you will find, from glaciers to the jungle, are one of the main reasons to choose the Salkantay to Machu Picchu path, so keeping your devices working is essential.
- Extra Batteries: The extreme cold at the Salkantay pass drains batteries much faster than usual. It is essential to bring at least two or three spare batteries for your camera and cell phone.
- Portable Charger (Power Bank): Since there is no access to electricity in most of the "Classic Salkantay Trek" campsites, a high-capacity portable charger (minimum 20,000 mAh) will be your best ally.
- Storage: Do not forget an extra memory card. The beauty of the journey invites you to take hundreds of photos and videos in high resolution, and you will not want to run out of space before reaching the citadel.
Note: If you plan to use drones, remember that their use is strictly prohibited inside the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, although you could use them in certain open areas during the Salkantay Trek, always checking beforehand with your guide about local regulations.
Others:
- Cash: It is advisable to have around 400 soles (equivalent to 123 US dollars) in cash for extra expenses.
- Personal medications: If you follow a treatment, do not forget to take all your medications with you.
- Snacks: Small healthy snacks like energy bars, granola, yogurt among others.
- Souvenirs of your country: Share your culture with your travel companions and the people you meet along the way!
And finally enjoy your adventure during your
5 Day Machu Picchu Tour commonly called
Salkantay Trek. Are you ready?
What to bring to Salkantay Trek
- Original passport (+ copies for a case of lost),
- Original ISIC (an international student card if applicable)
- Travel insurance (+ copies for a case of lost),
- Pocket money in Nuevos Soles,
- A backpack
- A small rucksack,
- Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
- Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
- Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
- Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
- Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
- Sun cream or sun block,
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
- Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!),
- Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
- Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
- Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
- Small towel and toiletries,
- Sufficient reserve of underwear,
- Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
- Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu. - Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refill.
- Optional: walking sticks; you can also rent it from us,
- Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during the entire trek, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.
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+51 84 226 547
+51 912 891 560
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
www.salkantaytrekmachu.com
