** Note: During the Salkantay trek even daytime temperatures can become extremely cold with a wind chill factor, especially on day two crossing the high passes. The Salkantay Trek takes you through the Salkantay Pass reaching 4,600m (15,200 ft) at its highest point. You will start the trek hiking through glaciers and finish the hike down in the jungle.

Salkantay Trek Packing List: Clothing:

Wind/waterproof jacket: Mens Womens | Mens Outlet Womens Outlet
Poncho | Outlet poncho
Fleece/warmer jacket Mens Womens | Mens Outlet Womens Outlet
2 pairs long trousers (lightweight) with zip-off for shorts Mens Womens | Mens Outlet Womens Outlet
Short-sleeved shirt Mens Womens | Men's Outlet Women's Outlet
Long-sleeved shirt(s) Mens Womens | Men's Outlet Women's Outlet
Moisture-wicking Thermal Underwear:
Mens Top Mens Bottom | Mens Outlet Top | Mens Outlet Bottom
Womens Top Womens Bottom | Womens Outlet Top | Womens Outlet Bottom
Underwear: Mens Womens | Mens Outlet | Womens Outlet
Hat/Beanie | Outlet Beanie
Flip-flops
Swimsuit Mens swimwear Womens swimwear | Mens Outlet | Womens Outlet
(You will have a chance to visit the hot springs at Aguas Calientes. The cost is 10 soles entrance fee.)

Salkantay Trek Sleeping Bag Recommendations:

4 Seasons Sleeping bag for 0 to -10 F | Sleeping bags Outlet
Sleeping pad Mens Womens | Sleeping pads Outlet
Sleeping bag liner | Outlet Sleeping bag liner
Small camp sleeping pillow | Outlet camp pillow

* A sleeping bag rating of four seasons (or -10 F) is recommended for the cold temperatures on the Salkantay Trail. A Sleeping bag liner can add an extra 25 F of warmth.

Salkantay Trek Backpack:

Daypack with water bottle or camelback | Outlet daypacks
* The maxiumum backpack size that can be carried into Machu Picchu is 20 litres. Backpacks larger than 20 litres can be checked in storage while at Machu Picchu. You should be carrying water, layers (poncho and wind/waterproof jacket),snacks, and toilet paper in your daypack.

Salkantay Trek Hiking Shoes or Boots:

Waterproof hiking shoes Mens Womens | Mens Outlet Womens Outlet
Synthetic or wool socks | Outlet socks
Trekking poles | Outlet trekking poles

* Hiking shoes or boots: If you have strong ankles and do not misstep, shoes are fine. Whether you choose shoes or boots, is mainly a personal preference. You should choose whatever you are comfortable in, and what you will be comfortable wearing all day. It should be Gore-tex / waterproof. It will rain in the rainforest and you do not want wet shoes or socks. Wet shoes or socks will give you blisters.

Toiletries, Personal Items and Medications

Headlamp /Flashlight with extra batteries | Outlet headlamps
Camera with extra batteries
Empty nalgene bottle : Fill with warm water and place in sleeping bag to keep warm
Sunhat, Sunblock and lip balm
Sunglasses: Mens Womens | Outlet sunglasses
Spare glasses or contact lenses
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof bags for: passport, electronics and extra money
Plastic bags for organizing
Pack towel, biodegradable soap - Warm water for washing is provided to you.
Laundry Detergent - if you wish to wash any clothes
Hand-sanitizer and toilet paper
First-aid kit
Water purification tablets
Insect repellent
Cipro (for travellers diarrhea)
Diamox (for high-altitude)
Anti-nausea medication for car sickness
Pain medication for headaches
Cough lozenges
Allergy / cold medication and any other personal medications/prescriptions.
Cash for breakfast on day 1, lunch day 5 and dinner day 4

** Note: You will need to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer everywhere you go in Peru, not just the Inca trail. None of the restrooms in restaurants, etc. provide toilet paper or soap. On the trail, you will be provided with warm water for washing up and washing any clothes if you choose.

** Note: On the last night of the Salkantay Trek, you will have the chance to stay in a hostel instead of camping, you'll want to bring one or two sets of nicer, comfortable clothes and shoes for around town in Aguas Calientes, and for the next day at Machu Picchu, plus any other toiletries for showering.

Weight Limit:

The weight limit for the duffel bag to be carried by porters is 7 kg (15 pounds) per person for all Machu Picchu trails, other than the Inca Trail. Rental Sleeping bag weighs 2 kg and rental foam mattress weighs 1 kg and is included in the allowed limit. Therefore, the remainder allowed to pack after sleeping bag and pad, is 4 kg (8 pounds) for all Machu Picchu trails, other than the Inca Trail. Your guides will provide you with a duffel bag the day before the hike to put your overnight items inside. Weight limit restrictions are strict and are monitored by the Peruvian government. All hotels in Cusco will have a scale for you to weigh your duffel, in order for you to meet the weight restrictions.

Luggage storage:
All hotels in Cusco can store any extra luggage while you are at Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca or the Amazon jungle.

Tipping: Guideline
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. The porters, cooks and guides do a lot for the clients. They carry and setup sleeping tents, latrine tents, dining tents, cook 3 meals plus a snack. They really go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. A good rule of thumb for showing your appreciation is approximately $10 - 15 dollars per day per hiker for the porters. That is a total of $40-$60 PER HIKER, for a 4 day hike. Bills larger than $20 will not be accepted. Broken and torn bills will not be accepted.

In case of emergency:
Things can happen when you're travelling that are out of your control. It is recommended to bring an extra $200 U.S. dollars and a credit card in case of emergency for all tours.

Salkantay Trek Weather

High season, and the best time to visit is March thru October. It is dry season and winter from July to September. It gets really cold at night. Day one of the Salkantay Trek is a cold night so warm clothes are essential. Campsite is located next to the impressive glacier of Salkantay. It can get cold in the evenings, so dress warm while sleeping. Sleeping with a hat on will keep your body from losing heat. Also, filling an empty nalgene bottle with warm/hot water and placing in your sleeping bag will help you to stay warm and provide heat overnight while sleeping.

Salkantay Trek Guide | Machu Picchu Guide

With hundreds to choose from, choosing a guide for your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be difficult. PAP Adventures stands apart from the rest. Their chefs have attended culinary training, and will amaze you with their artful presentation of food in the remotest of places. You will not find a more delicious meal on the trail. PAP is a locally owned and managed tour operator.

BOOK SALKANTAY TREK TRIP

Food
Food/snacks: You will be provided with 4 meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a tea time snack. You will also be provided with fruits and bread to take with you for hiking. However, if you have any favorite foods, snacks or drinks: such as Starbucks travel coffee packets , shot bloks, energy bars, sports drink powder, you should bring them. Instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate (Milo) is provided, but may not be what you are accustomed to. Coca tea and other tea is provided to help alleviate altitude sickness and digestion issues.

You will be provided with plenty of food to keep you going. However, if you would like additional snacks. Snacks can be purchased in town before the hike.

About Salkantay Trek:

The mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba rise to form a ragged chain between the regions' two great rivers; the Urubamba and the Apurimac. Along the cordillera's northern side, massive snow peaks collide with lush tropical rain forests. Located northwest of Cusco, Nevado de Salkantay, the cordillera's tallest peak, is at the eastern end of the chain and rises to 6271 meters above sea level. The name Salkantay means 'Savage Mountain' which may refer to the swirling clouds that rise up from the jungle lowlands and engulf the peak.

When to go?
January - April is the rainy season. May - September is high season.

Scheduling: It is recommended that all Machu Picchu tours are scheduled six months in advance, to guarantee spots available. It is recommended to arrive in Cusco, two to three days before hiking, to allow time to acclimate to the higher altitude. It is also recommended to have a rest day in between tours. You will need some downtime, in between Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Amazon jungle tours.

Preventing Altitude Sickness: It is suggested that you arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before your trek to allow yourself time to acclimatize. The more acclimatized you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. Take it easy when you arrive in Cusco. Resist the urge to rush out and sightsee. Relax, take a nap, for a few hours, before you start walking around. Do not consider doing this hike without taking Diamox, or another prescribed medication to prevent high-altitude sickness. Staying well hydrated is the most effective way to minimize the symptoms of high altitude. Avoid alcohol and caffeine the first 48 hours. Participate in only mild exercise for the first 48 hours. A diet high in carbohydrates can reduce both the onset and severity of altitude sickness. Because carbohydrates require less oxygen to metabolize, they are the preferred energy source at elevation. Travelers consuming 70% or more of their calories from carbs have shown to acclimate more readily than those who do not. Taking ibuprofen before a trip to the mountains may help some people avoid the headaches and nausea that come with altitude sickness. But do not take it, instead of diamox. Having a high-altitude exposure at more than 9,000 ft (2,750 m) for 2 nights or more, within 30 days before the trip, is useful.

Taking Diamox: This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters). Please refer to the CDC guide on Altitude Illness for additional information. The medical name for diamox is Acetazolamide. CDC recommended dose is 250 mg twice per day. Prescription dose can vary widely by doctor and manufacturer. If you have a chance to try out your dosage ahead of time, above 10,000 ft, it will help greatly to know whether the side effects/dosage are too strong for you. In which case, the dosage may need to be adjusted for you. However, do not consider doing the hike without taking it at all. Some diamox is always better than no diamox.

Machu Picchu Hotel

For a real treat after your hike, stay overnight at the only hotel on the grounds of Machu Picchu: The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu. (pictured below). This is a very luxurious hotel with landscaped ponds and direct views of the Huayna Picchu Mountain. After taking so long hiking to get to Machu Picchu, why rush off to Cusco immediately? Spend some time enjoying the beautiful scenery and relaxing in style.

Hotels near Machu Picchu (in Aguas Calientes):

Just a twenty minute bus ride away from Machu Picchu, is the town of Aquas Calientes. All trekkers go to Aquas Calientes after their hike and all trains to Cusco depart from here. There are many nice hotels to choose from, ranging from hostel to 5 star luxury. The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (pictured below) is a 5- star luxury hotel offering comfort, elegance and relaxation. Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel has spacious, luxurious rooms with a sitting area. All include a cable TV and are equipped with heating. Some rooms feature a private balcony with views of the mountains and the Urubamba River.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo (pictured below) is an intimate 85-casitas luxury hotel in sprawling Andean style village within the secluded12 acres of exquisite beauty. Follow stone pathways along the terraced hills, melding with the sacred energy of the mountains. Indulge in Inkaterra’s spa services which use sublime natural essences. A first-class restaurant boasts stunning views of the rushing Vilcanota River.

Terrazas del Inca Bed & Breakfast (pictured below) is located in the heart of the upper part of town, on the banks of the Aguas Calientes River. It is far from the noise of the main street, and in a peaceful place where you will find it very easy to relax. They have three terraces which have beautiful, panoramic views. You will be able to relax and enjoy a hot tea or a cold drink, while you listen to the soothing sound of the rushing river.

Hatun Sumay (pictured below) is located just a few steps from the central train station as well as the largest craft market in the region.

Other Packing tips:
Do not overpack. You will not need a change a clothes for every day.

For Cusco airport (airport closest to Machu Picchu), airlines, Cusco hotels, Lima and other airports, sleeping at Lima airport info, travel insurance, health, CDC vaccination guide, currency, tipping, wiFi, communications, toilets and other info related to Peru:
View the Peru destination guide.