At Incredible Peru Tours, we have seen everything in the groups we operate on the Salkantay Trek: from travelers who arrive with their backpacks perfectly organized to those who realize in Soraypampa that they left their trekking poles back at their hotel in Cusco. This list exists so you can be part of the first group. It is organized by categories, complete without being excessive, and designed specifically for the realities of this trek, not for a generic mountain hike.
Documents and money
- Original passport (essential for access control at Machu Picchu on the final day)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket downloaded with offline access on your phone
- Copy of the voucher or confirmation for the package booked with Incredible Peru Tours
- Travel insurance with coverage for high-altitude trekking and remote-area evacuation
- Between 100 and 200 soles in cash for restrooms, tips, and minor expenses
- Debit or credit card for emergencies in Aguas Calientes
Trekking clothing: the layering system
- 3 quick-dry technical shirts (no cotton)
- 1 or 2 quick-dry trekking pants
- 1 pair of shorts or convertible pants for the warmer valleys on the third day
- 2 or 3 pairs of technical underwear made from synthetic fabric or merino wool
- 3 pairs of mid-weight merino wool socks
- 1 medium-weight fleece or lightweight down jacket (mid layer)
- 1 waterproof and windproof jacket with hood (outer layer)
- 1 waterproof pair of pants or gaiters (especially during the wet season)
- 1 wool or fleece hat for the nights and the pass crossing
- 1 pair of lightweight gloves for the sunrise on the second day
- Swimsuit for the Cocalmayo hot springs at the end of the third day
- Comfortable camp clothes for resting (pants and indoor shirt)
- Dedicated socks and hat for sleeping at the Soraypampa campsite
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots with good traction soles and mid or high ankle support (well broken-in before the trip)
- Light sandals or flip-flops for the campsite and the Cocalmayo hot springs
Technical mountain gear
- 20 to 30-liter daypack with waterproof rain cover
- Trekking poles (your own or rented in Cusco: between 8 and 15 dollars for the entire trek)
- Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for the nighttime departure on the second day)
- Water bottle of at least 1 liter or a hydration bladder system
- Water purification tablets or portable filter
- Small multi-tool knife (optional but useful)
Sleeping bag and bedding
- Sleeping bag rated for 0°C comfort temperature or lower (the agency provides one, but verify the temperature rating before departure)
- Silk or cotton sleeping bag liner (adds between 3 and 5 degrees of warmth and keeps the agency’s sleeping bag clean)
Hygiene and personal care
- Antibacterial wet wipes (10 to 15 large wipes for days without showers)
- Small bottle of antibacterial gel
- Dry shampoo
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Compact microfiber towel
- Toilet paper in a waterproof bag
- Resealable plastic bags for managing trail trash
- Non-aerosol deodorant (aerosols can be problematic in checked luggage)
- SPF 50 sunscreen or higher
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Insect repellent (especially useful in the valleys on the third and fourth days)
Personal first aid kit
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for altitude headaches
- Hydrocolloid blister bandages such as Compeed in different sizes
- Anti-diarrheal medication and antacid
- Antihistamine for allergies if you are sensitive
- Kinesiology tape or elastic bandage for ankle or knee support
- Your regular personal medication with enough supply for 5 days plus an extra reserve
- Acetazolamide (Diamox) if prescribed by your doctor for altitude sickness prevention
Photography and electronics
- Cell phone fully charged before leaving Cusco
- Power bank with enough capacity for 2 or 3 full phone charges
- Phone charging cable
- Camera if bringing one separately from your phone
- Spare memory cards
- Waterproof case or bag to protect electronic devices
- Headphones with music or podcasts downloaded offline (there will be no signal during the first days)
Personal trail snacks
- Nuts or a mix of nuts and chocolate
- Energy bars or granola bars
- Dried fruit
- Energy gels if you normally use them during intense physical activity
Trail snacks are also provided by the agency in many packages, but bringing some personal snacks for the second day, the most demanding stage, is a precaution many participants in Incredible Peru Tours groups appreciate when their body asks for extra fuel halfway up the ascent to the pass.
What you do not need to bring: lighten your backpack before leaving
Knowing what to leave at your hotel in Cusco is just as important as knowing what to bring. Camping equipment, tents, sleeping pads, and all meals are transported by the porters. Your daypack only needs what you will use during the hiking hours.
- Excess change of clothes: with the correct layering system, three technical shirts are enough for five days.
- Physical books or entertainment tablets: your phone with downloaded content serves the same purpose with minimal weight.
- Full-size hygiene products: basic travel-size items are enough.
- Additional shoes besides hiking boots and camp sandals.
- Casual clothes for Cusco: leave them at the hotel and pick them up upon your return.
Final checklist before leaving Cusco
The night before starting the Salkantay Trek, a quick check of these five points is enough to leave with peace of mind:
- Passport in your daypack, not in your duffel bag.
- Headlamp charged and accessible without having to dig through your backpack.
- Machu Picchu ticket downloaded offline on your phone.
- Cash in soles in your pants pocket or in an easily accessible outer pocket.
- Swimsuit for Cocalmayo in your backpack, not in the luggage left in Cusco.
Do you have questions about exactly what equipment is included in the package and what you need to bring yourself? At Incredible Peru Tours, we send every confirmed group a personalized packing list before departure, clearly indicating what is provided by the agency and what is each participant’s responsibility.
