Salkantay Trek Packing List

Clothing & Footwear

	Item	Notes	Priority
	Waterproof Hiking BootsAnkle support essential on rocky terrain	Ankle support essential. Break them in weeks before.	Must Have
	Camp Sandals / Crocs	Relief for feet after long days on the trail	Optional
	Merino Wool Socks × 5 pairs	One extra pair vs Inca Trail — 5 days of hiking	Must Have
	Heavyweight Thermal Base Layer (top + bottom)	Heavier weight than Inca Trail — pass reaches −15°C	Must Have
	Quick-dry T-shirts × 3	For lower altitude jungle sections (Days 3–4)	Must Have
	Convertible Trekking Pants × 2	Zip-off essential — huge temperature swings per day	Must Have
	Down / Insulated Jacket	Full down jacket — not just fleece — for the pass night	Must Have
	Fleece Mid-layer	Wear under down jacket at the pass	Must Have
	Waterproof Rain Jacket / Poncho	Essential especially on jungle sections Days 3–4	Must Have
	Wide-brim Hat or Sun Cap	UV extreme above 4,000 m	Must Have
	Warm Beanie / Wool Hat	For camp nights near the glacier	Must Have
	Buff / Neck Gaiter	Wind protection near Salkantay Pass	Must Have
	Warm Gloves (waterproof)	Waterproof gloves — not just liners — for the pass	Must Have
	Moisture-wicking Underwear × 5	One per day — synthetic preferred	Must Have
	Gaiters	For snow/mud near the pass on Days 1–2	Optional

Backpack & Camping Gear

	Item	Notes	Priority
	Day Pack 30–40 LSlightly larger than Inca Trail	Slightly larger than Inca Trail — 5 days, more layers needed	Must Have
	Duffel Bag (for horse/mule)	Max 7 kg. Carried by horse or mule on most days.	Must Have
	Waterproof Pack Cover	Heavy rain on jungle sections Days 3–4	Must Have
	Sleeping Bag (rated −10°C or lower)	Camp near Salkantay Pass is extremely cold	Must Have
	Sleeping Bag Liner	Extra warmth layer — highly recommended here	Must Have
	Trekking Poles	Essential on steep rocky descents and snow near pass	Must Have
	Headlamp + Spare Batteries	Day 2: pre-dawn start for the pass (3:00 AM)	Must Have
	Dry Bags / Ziploc Bags	Waterproof everything — 5 days of mixed conditions	Must Have
	Sleeping Mat / Pad	Usually provided by operator — confirm in advance	Optional

Health & First Aid

	Item	Notes	Priority
	Altitude Medication (Diamox / Sorojchi)	Even more important here — pass is 400 m higher than Inca Trail	Must Have
	Ibuprofen / Paracetamol	Altitude headaches very common near the pass	Must Have
	Blister Plasters & Sports Tape	5 days — more time for blisters to develop	Must Have
	Water Purification Tablets	Stream water available but must be purified	Must Have
	Insect Repellent (DEET 30%+)	Essential on jungle sections Days 3–5	Must Have
	Sunscreen SPF 50+	Glacier reflection at 4,638 m intensifies UV	Must Have
	Lip Balm SPF 50+	Wind and cold near the glacier dries lips severely	Must Have
	Anti-diarrhea & Rehydration Salts	Remote trail — no medical facilities for 3+ days	Must Have
	Elastic Ankle Bandage	Rocky uneven terrain throughout	Optional
	Personal Prescription Medications	Bring more than 5 days — no pharmacies on route	Must Have

Hydration & Snacks

	Item	Notes	Priority
	Water Bottles × 2 (1 L each)	Drink 3–4 L daily — more at high altitude	Must Have
	Hydration Bladder / Camelbak 2 L	Hands-free drinking on long ascents	Optional
	Energy Bars / Trail Mix	5 days of high-energy output — pack generously	Must Have
	Electrolyte Tablets / Powder	Prevents cramping on long ascent days	Must Have
	Coca Candy / Coca Tea Bags	Traditional remedy — very helpful at 4,638 m	Must Have
	Chocolate / High-calorie Snacks	Your body burns far more calories at altitude	Must Have

Documents & Money

	Item	Notes	Priority
	Original Passport	Required for Machu Picchu entry on Day 5	Must Have
	Machu Picchu Entry Ticket (printed)	Included in your tour package — keep it dry	Must Have
	Peruvian Soles — Cash	Tips for guides, cook and horse handler: S/50–100 each	Must Have
	Travel Insurance (incl. evacuation)	More remote than Inca Trail — evacuation can be harder	Must Have
	Digital Copies in Cloud	Email passport and insurance copies as backup	Optional

Electronics & Accessories

	Item	Notes	Priority
	Camera or Smartphone	Salkantay glacier views are world-class	Must Have
	Power Bank ≥ 20,000 mAh	Larger than Inca Trail — 5 days, very limited charging	Must Have
	UV400 Sunglasses	Glacier glare can cause snow blindness without protection	Must Have
	Headlamp + Spare Batteries	3:00 AM start on Day 2 for the pass	Must Have
	Earplugs	Shared dome tents at camp	Optional

Toiletries & Hygiene

	Item	Notes	Priority
	Microfiber Towel	Some campsites have basic showers	Must Have
	Biodegradable Soap & Shampoo Bar	Environmentally sensitive route	Must Have
	Toilet Paper + Waste Bags	Leave No Trace — carry everything out	Must Have
	Hand Sanitizer	Before every meal — especially important on multi-day treks	Must Have
	Toothbrush & Toothpaste (travel-size)	Travel-size to save weight	Must Have
	Wet Wipes	Quick freshen-up on days without shower access	Must Have

5-Day Trek Overview