Salkantay Trek Packing List: What to Bring (2026 Edition)

The Salkantay Trek throws four climates at you in five days — frigid mountain passes, high desert, cloud forest, and humid jungle near the hot springs. Pack for one and you’ll suffer in the others. Pack everything and your duffel will be overweight.

This list strikes the balance. It’s built around layering, weight limits, and the things people most often forget. For the route itself, difficulty, and itinerary, see our Salkantay Trek 4-day vs 5-day guide.

How Packing Works on the Salkantay Trek

Most operators give you a duffel bag with a weight limit (commonly around 5–7 kg) that a mule or horse carries to each campsite. You carry only a daypack with what you need during the day.

That means you’re really packing two bags:

• Duffel (carried by mule): clothes, sleeping gear, toiletries — everything you don’t need until camp.
• Daypack (you carry, ~25–30 L): water, snacks, rain layer, camera, documents, the day’s essentials.

Pack light. Five days on the trail genuinely means wearing some items more than once — that’s normal, and everyone does it.

Clothing (Layering Is Everything)

The trick is layers you can add and shed as the temperature swings.

• 2–3 moisture-wicking t-shirts (synthetic or merino, not cotton)
• 1–2 long-sleeve shirts for sun and cool mornings
• 1 fleece or light down mid-layer for warmth
• 1 waterproof, breathable rain jacket (non-negotiable, any season)
• 2 pairs of trekking pants (convertible zip-off pants are ideal)
• 1 pair of shorts for the warm jungle days
• Thermal base layer (top and bottom) for cold nights
• Warm hat/beanie and a sun hat or cap
• Lightweight fleece gloves
• 4–5 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
• Underwear for each day
• Comfortable clothes/sweatpants for relaxing at camp
• Swimsuit for the hot springs (nights 3–4 area)

Footwear

• Broken-in waterproof hiking boots with ankle support — the most important item you’ll bring. Never hike a multi-day trek in brand-new boots.
• Camp shoes or sandals/flip-flops for the evenings, hot springs, and showers.
• Gaiters (optional) if you’re hiking in the wet season.

Day Pack Essentials

Everything you’ll want within reach on the trail:

• 2–3 L of water capacity (bottles or a hydration bladder)
• High-energy snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate)
• Rain jacket and a rain cover for the pack
• Sunglasses (UV protection — the altitude sun is intense)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm with SPF
• Trekking poles (huge help on the descents)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Phone/camera and a power bank
• Personal first-aid basics and any medications
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer

Toiletries & Personal Care

• Wet wipes (bathrooms are basic and often lack toilet paper)
• Quick-dry travel towel
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap
• Insect repellent for the jungle days (DEET-based)
• Personal medications, plus altitude remedies if you use them
• A small first-aid kit: blister plasters, antibiotic cream, painkillers, bandages

Documents & Money

• Passport (required to enter Machu Picchu — bring the original)
• Printed and digital copies of your permits/tickets
• Cash in Peruvian soles (small bills) for snacks, hot springs, tips, and extras
• Travel insurance details

Sleeping Gear

Confirm what your operator includes. Typically they provide tents and a sleeping mat; many rent sleeping bags (rated to around -10 °C for the cold nights). If you bring your own, a bag rated for sub-zero temperatures is essential for the high camps.

• Sleeping bag (rated to roughly -10 °C / 14 °F)
• Inflatable pillow (optional but worth it)
• Liner for extra warmth (optional)

What Your Operator Usually Provides

This varies, so confirm before you pack. With Viajes Peru Tour, a typical Salkantay package includes:

• Tents, sleeping mats, and dining/cooking tents
• Meals on the trail and a cook
• Mules/horses to carry your duffel
• A professional guide
• Entrance to Machu Picchu and the return train/transport

Sleeping bags and trekking poles are often available to rent — ask when you book so you don’t haul them from home.

Easy-to-Forget Items

The things people kick themselves over later:

• A power bank (no outlets on the trail)
• Enough small-bill soles for tips and the hot springs
• Lip balm with SPF and good sunglasses
• A dry bag or zip-locks to keep electronics and documents dry
• Earplugs for camp

Packing Tips

Keep the duffel under the weight limit. Weigh it at home. Overweight bags get repacked at the trailhead.

Waterproof everything. Line your duffel and daypack with a bin bag or dry sack. Andean weather changes in minutes.

Wear your heaviest items. Boots and your bulkiest layer go on your body, not in the bag, on travel days.

Test your gear first. Break in boots, try your pack loaded, and make sure your rain jacket actually keeps rain out.

How to Book

At Viajes Peru Tour we run the Salkantay Trek with quality camping gear, mule support for your duffel, and guides who keep the pace sensible at altitude. Tell us your dates and we’ll send our exact gear list and what’s included, so you pack once and pack right.

Check Salkantay Trek dates and what’s included →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can I bring on the Salkantay Trek? Most operators set a duffel limit around 5–7 kg for items the mules carry. You carry a daypack (~25–30 L) with the day’s essentials. Confirm the exact limit with your operator.

Do I need a sleeping bag for the Salkantay Trek? Yes — nights at the high camps drop below freezing, so a bag rated to about -10 °C is recommended. Many operators rent them, so you don’t have to bring one from home.

What shoes are best for the Salkantay Trek? Broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. Bring camp sandals or flip-flops for the evenings and hot springs too.

Do I need trekking poles? They’re not mandatory but strongly recommended — they save your knees on the long descents. Many operators rent them.

What’s the weather like on the trek? You’ll pass through several climates: freezing high passes, warm valleys, and humid jungle. Expect big temperature swings and possible rain in any season, which is why layering and a rain jacket are essential.

Can I leave a bag in Cusco? Yes. Most hotels and operators store your main luggage in Cusco while you trek, so you only take what you need on the trail.