Gear

Backpack + raincover: As mentioned, the porters will carry most of the gear with them. They’ll even carry your bulkier items such as extra clothing and toiletries. You won’t have access to those items until camp so you’ll need a small backpack to keep some things with you on the trail. Think rain jacket, insulation layers, snacks, sunscreen, maybe a camera, and of course, water! You’ll want your pack to be both lightweight and supportive. No matter how little you’re carrying, you’ll feel every bit a few hours into the journey. And you’ll want something with a rain cover. For this trip, I used my 26-liter Granite Gear pack which was sufficient, but was definitely stuffed to its capacity. I’d recommend maybe a 30-liter pack. Something with waist and sternum straps is advised.

Boots/Shoes: Footwear is arguably the most important item to consider. Your feet are going to be logging lots of kilometers/miles every single day on this trek. There will be uphill, downhill, rocky, slippery, cold, hot…so you need footwear that can keep up with it all. The most important thing is to wear what’s best for your specific feet. Personally, I have some chronic issues that require a bit more support than most. So I opted for my trusty hiking boots. Amazing traction and the ankle support goes a long way on the steep inclines. But I had friends complete the trek in pretty basic boots and some wore trail runners. You’ll definitely want something with good cushioning and good traction. I recommend either a solid trail runner, lightweight hiking shoe or full on hiking boot depending on your specific needs. Leave the sneakers at home…they will not cut it unless you’re a 20-something old backpacker who can hike in anything.

Water bladder/bottle + water filter (optional): Do not underestimate dehydration, especially at high altitudes. Bring either a hydration bladder or standard water bottle. 1-2L should be sufficient. I love this collapsible 1.5L pack from Platypus.

Water filter: I always bring my own water filter. The water provided by your outfitter is perfectly fine and plentiful. But I like being able to fill up my own bottle whenever there’s water rather than relying on designated water breaks. I use the TBD filter paired with this collapsible Hydrapak. It’s a great setup for both trekking and travel.

Trekking poles: Before you judge and shout ‘NERD!’ at me, hear me out. I used to make fun of trekking poles too. Then I tried some and have never looked back. I also turned 30 around that time so did that have something to do with it? Maybe. Regardless, trekking poles make such a big difference on the steep inclines and declines you’ll encounter on this trek. And when you don’t need them, just attach them to your pack and continue on your own two feet. I’d say it’s better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

Gloves: Definitely necessary for the frigid air of the Salkantay Pass. We were lucky to have minimal rain, but it’s possible to encounter snow as well. Either way, you’ll need to stay warm.

Headlamp: Always good to have in case of emergency, but also quite helpful for use around camp at night.

Hat (full-brimmed): You can wear your favorite cap if you want, but a full-brimmed hat is much better for the extremely sunny and hot days on trail.

Buff: So useful for extra warmth or coverage both on trail and at camp.

Sunglasses: Duh. These Goodrs are my absolute favorite sunglasses ever! Lightweight, rugged, polarized, and inexpensive…they’re perfect for travel. Better than cheap brands, but not so expensive to make losing them a tragedy. I’ve taken 2 pairs on all my travels.

Towel: Bring your most packable towel. You’ll only need it a few times on the trek either for camp baths, river dips or hot springs.

Drybag: I recommend a dedicated drybag if you have valuables to protect (such as a camera). Your rain cover should keep your pack dry, but why risk it? I always bring this lightweight Sea to Summit bag on my trips.

Clothing

I suggest packing lightweight, activewear. Function over fashion here people. See the full list below for details on which specific items to pack, but just remember the lighter the load, the easier your trek will be. Lightweight, quick-drying, sun-protecting, multifunctional…you know the drill. Also, lots of people will tell you to pack fresh shirts or pants for each day…unless you absolutely need the freshness, you’ll be just fine taking the bare minimum. This does not apply to underwear and socks!

Trekking shirts: Moisture-wicking activewear is the way to go here. And anything that helps with sun protection as you’ll be exposed for long hours most days. I went with 1 long-sleeve shirt for the first day and then switched to my long-sleeve hooded sun shirt. These are great because they’re super breathable, packable and lightweight but also provide coverages from the sun.

Trekking pants: Some lightweight travel or hiking pants are a must for the Salkantay Pass on day one. These TBD by Kuhl are some of my favorites for rugged missions and they also work for casual wear too.

Trekking shorts: I switched to shorts after the first day for a bit more comfort and air flow during the hot days.

Rain jacket/Poncho: Always bring a rain jacket, but especially on this trek when rain could happen at any time. I’ve also recently become a huge fan of ponchos for certain adventures. Easy to throw over yourself and your pack to stay dry. 

Insulated jacket: You’ll want something warm for the high altitudes, but also lightweight and packable for the times you won’t need it (which will be most of the time). This Patagonia TBD has become my go-to insulation layer.

Fleece/Sweatshirt: This is essential for layering on the Salkantay Pass and good for the chilly nights.

Underwear: Pack a fresh pair for each day! Trust me, reusing a shirt or pants is one thing, but undies are small enough to load up on. Again, moisture-wicking is the way to go.

Socks: Same as underwear…a fresh pair for each day. Putting on dirty, sweat-drenched socks from the day before is not enjoyable. I also highly recommend Injiji toe socks for treks like this. Yes, you’ll get some weird looks, but they actually help prevent blisters.

Toiletries

Obviously, toiletries are highly personal. And in case it wasn’t obvious, I am a man. So these are just the essentials. But I warn against overpacking too much. Think about whether you really want the extra weight of certain items.

Sunscreen: Bring plenty for your specific skin needs. You will be exposed to the sun for the majority of this trek.

Deodorant: Do your fellow hikers a favor and pack some. Showers will be limited and you’re guaranteed to work up a sweat.

Wet wipes: Speaking of limited showers, these are great for freshening up a bit before switching to those new undies and socks.

Hand sanitizer: Always good to have on hand, especially for lunch breaks on trail.

Toilet paper: One of those “better to have and not need” items.

Tissues: Optional.

Lip balm: Cold nights, dry air and sun exposure = chapped lips.

Toothbrush + toothpaste

First Aid: Your outfitter will have their own first aid kit, but it’s always wise to pack any specific items you may want to be sure is on hand. In this case, you might want some altitude sickness pills, Imodium, or ibuprofen just in case.

Earplugs: You’ll likely be so tired that you won’t have any problems falling asleep each night. But you’ll also be camping in a group and if there’s a snorer amongst you, you’ll be glad to block it out. Earplugs will help ensure a good night’s rest.

Electrolytes: Hydration is key so some extra electrolytes go a long way. Plus the flavor makes for a refreshing treat on trail. I always pack Liquid IV on all of my hikes.

Miscellaneous

Portable charger: There won’t be outlets in your tents so make sure you can keep your devices charged for all the amazing photos you’ll be taking!

Camera or phone: You will be taking hundreds of photos so make sure you have your preferred device.

Camp shoes/sandals: It’s nice to have something a bit more comfortable for around camp. That way you can take a break from your hiking shoes each night.

Ziploc bag: I usually bring one just for random things like trash or maybe an extra layer of water protection.

Lacrosse ball: See Tip #2

Passport: Usually wise to keep on you rather than leaving in Cusco.

Cash: You will definitely want some cash on hand in case you need to buy some snacks or souvenirs along the way. In my case, the most expensive Snickers bar of my life.

Tip money: Have this set aside and packed from the start (if you plan to tip your guides). One of our porters had to leave before we made it to Aguas Calientes so I was happy to tip him then and there.

Deck of cards: Small, lightweight entertainment!

Salkantay Trek Packing List

• GEAR
  • Backpack + raincover
  • Boots/Shoes
  • Water bladder/bottle + water filter (optional)
  • Trekking poles
  • Gloves
  • Headlamp
  • Hat (full-brimmed)
  • Beanie/Buff
  • Sunglasses
  • Towel
  • Drybag
• CLOTHING
  • Trekking shirts: 2-3
  • Trekking pants: 1
  • Trekking shorts: 1
  • Rain jacket/Poncho: 1
  • Insulated jacket: 1
  • Fleece/Sweatshirt: 1
  • Underwear: 5
  • Socks: 5
• TOILETRIES
  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorant 
  • Wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Tissues
  • Lip balm
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste
  • First Aid
  • Earplugs
  • Electrolytes
• MISCELLANEOUS
  • Portable charger
  • Camera or phone
  • Camp shoes/sandals
  • Plastic bag
  • Lacrosse ball
  • Passport
  • Cash
  • Tip money
  • Deck of cards