Salkantay Trek Packing List: Everything We Packed for the 5-Day Trek to Machu Picchu
We hiked the 5-day Salkantay Trek with Salkantay Trekking Company in October 2025 and experienced everything from freezing temperatures at Salkantay Pass to warm, humid conditions near Aguas Calientes. If you’re planning to do the hike, here’s everything our Salkantay Trek packing list, including what we found most useful along the way.
Salkantay Trek Packing Essentials
Trek Length: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Highest Elevation: Salkantay Pass (15,190 ft / 4,630 m)
When We Hiked: October
Tour Company: Salkantay Trekking
Most-Used Item: Hiking Joggers
Essential Gear: Trekking Poles
Footwear: Waterproof Hiking Boots
Complete Packing Checklist
Before diving into the details, here’s the complete packing list we used for our 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Keep in mind that temperatures can range from warm and humid in the jungle to below freezing at the Salkantay Pass, so layers are key.
Clothing
- 3 moisture-wicking hiking shirts
- 2 long-sleeve hiking shirt
- 1-2 sun shade hoodies (I could have worn these every day)
- 2 hiking pants (women’s) (mens)
- 1 hiking joggers (my favorite pants I took!)
- 1 pair of leggings
- 1 pair of shorts (didn’t end up wearing)
- 1 pair merino wool base layer (top and bottom)
- 1 lightweight fleece
- 1 insulated puffer jacket
- 1 waterproof rain jacket
- 5 pairs of hiking socks
- 5 pairs of underwear
- Sports bras (if applicable)
- Swimsuit (for hot springs)
- Pajamas
- Beanie
- Baseball hat
- Bucket hat (essential for sun protection at higher elevations!)
- Neck gaiter
- Lightweight gloves
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots (highly recommend)
- Camp shoes or sandals
We both wore waterproof hiking boots and were happy with that choice. The trails were rocky, uneven, and occasionally muddy. While some hikers wore trail runners, we appreciated the extra support and waterproofing, especially as there were multiple river crossings.
Backpack & Storage
- Daypack (20-30L)
- Duffel bag (provided by many tour companies)
- Pack rain cover
Hiking Gear
- Trekking poles (definitely a must-have!)
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder
- Portable charger
- Charging cables
- Camera and/or phone
- Passport
- Cash (Peruvian Soles)
If I could only choose one piece of gear besides my boots, it would be trekking poles. They helped tremendously on the long descents and took a lot of stress off the knees, especially on Days 2-3.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Deodorant
- Bug spray
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper or travel tissues
- Hairbrush
Health & First Aid
- Prescription medications
- Diamox (if using for altitude)
- Ibuprofen or Tylenol
- Electrolyte packets (key for altitude sickness)
- Blister patches (Compeed or Leukotape)
- Band-Aids
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Motion sickness medication
Snacks
- Protein bars
- Trail mix
- Dried fruit
- Energy chews or gummies
- Favorite comfort snacks
If you want a better idea of what the Salkantay Trek is like, make sure to watch our videos
What Does Salkantay Trekking Provide?
Before packing for the trek, it’s helpful to know what is already included with your tour. We completed the 5-day Salkantay Trek with Salkantay Trekking, which provided several items that reduced the amount of gear we needed to bring ourselves.
Included in our trek package:
- One duffel bag for gear transport
- Meals throughout the trek
- Accommodations each night
- Transportation to and from the trek
- First Aid Kit
- Backpack cover for the rain
- Professional guide
- Emergency oxygen
- Water for the trails
- Daily snacks
We booked the premium package, which also includes a few other things like:
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag
These are both available as an add-on if you booked the classic trek.
** Always confirm current inclusions before your trip, as policies may change.
Our Most-Used Items on the Salkantay Trek
If we were packing for the Salkantay Trek again tomorrow, these would be the five items we’d prioritize bringing:
Understanding the Weather on the Salkantay Trek
One of the biggest challenges of packing for the Salkantay Trek is preparing for multiple climates in a single trip. During our trek, we experienced everything from cold, windy mountain conditions at Salkantay Pass to warm afternoons in the cloud forest. Realistically, you’ll pass through several different climate zones over five days. This is why it’s so important to pack versatile layers for all climates.
Don’t underestimate the sun!
Even when temperatures felt cool at higher elevations, the sun was incredibly intense. Our sun hoodie and bucket hat ended up being two of the most-used items on the entire trek.
Day 1: Cool Mornings & Sunny Hiking Conditions
Day 1 started cool but warmed up quickly once we began climbing.
What I wore:
- Hiking pants
- Long sleeve shirt
- Light-weight fleece
- Beanie
- Puffer jacket
We started in layers but removed them as the day went on.
Once we got to the first basecamp, it was warmer, but it was also higher elevation. We got ready to hike Humantay Lake, I ended up changing into:
- Sun shade hoodie
- Baseball hat
- Rain jacket
This will be the coldest night of the trek as well, due to the high elevation, so make sure to have layers and a beanie you can wear to bed.
Day 2: The Coldest Day of the Trek
Day 2 is when you’ll cross the famous Salkantay Pass, reaching over 15,000 feet. This was by far the coldest part of the trek for us.
We started hiking before sunrise and wore nearly every warm layer we packed. Temperatures were cold enough that we started off the day with:
- A Puffer jacket
- Fleece layer
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Neck Gaiter
- Rain Jacket (packed in the daypack)
- Waterproof hiking boots
Once we crossed the pass and started descending we gradually removed layers throughout the day. We had crazy weather today, some sun, some sleet and lots of rain, so we used all our layers today, and make sure to have your rain jacket (or poncho) on you!
Day 3: Cloud Forest Conditions
After descending from the mountains, the environment changes dramatically. The air becomes warmer and more humid, and we found ourselves hiking in much lighter clothing.
It’s definitely more humid, so the mosquitoes are out. This is where our sun hoodies came in super handy. They provided protection from the sun and bugs without feeling too hot.
What we wore today:
- Sun hoodie
- Hiking joggers
- Bucket hat
Day 4: Warm and Humid
By Day 4, we were firmly in the cloud forest and jungle environment, which was the warmest day of the trek for us.
Most hikers were wearing short sleeves by midday, and we spent very little time in our insulating layers.
This is also where quick-drying clothing becomes important. We are both prone to mosquitoes so we tried to stay as covered as possible even though it was hot.
Today, we were mostly in:
- Sun shade hoodie
- Hiking pants
- Neck gaiter
- Sunglasses
Day 5: Early Morning at Machu Picchu
The final day starts early, often before sunrise.
While not nearly as cold as Salkantay Pass, the morning temperatures can still feel chilly while waiting to enter Machu Picchu. The day we entered, we had clouds and fog in the morning, so we were glad we had our layers. I wore my lightweight fleece, and Tip wore a long sleeve shirt under his shirt. Plus we had our rain jackets, just in case.
A lightweight layer was enough for us until the sun came up. By the time we got to the circuit 1, the sun was out and we were in our short sleeves.
The Biggest Packing Lesson
The challenge isn’t packing for cold weather or warm weather—it’s packing for both. We basically used all the different clothes and layers that we packed, including puffer jacket, beanie, sun hoodie, and bucket hat.
That’s why layering is so important on the Salkantay Trek. Instead of bringing bulky clothing, focus on versatile pieces that can be added or removed as conditions change throughout the day.
Footwear: Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make before the Salkantay Trek is whether to wear hiking boots or trail runners.
After completing the 5-day Salkantay Trek ourselves, we’re firmly in the hiking boots camp -especially if it’s your first time trekking in the Andes.
For our trek in October, we both wore waterproof hiking boots and never regretted the decision.
Why We Chose Hiking Boots
The Salkantay Trek isn’t a smooth dirt path. Over five days, you’ll encounter:
- Rocky mountain trails
- Steep ascents and descents
- Loose gravel
- Uneven terrain
- Muddy sections
- Stream crossings
- Long days on your feet
The added ankle support and stability gave us confidence on the more technical sections of the trail, especially during the descent from Salkantay Pass.
We also appreciated the waterproof protection during chilly mornings and occasional wet conditions, like crossing streams!
Why Some Hikers Prefer Trail Runners
That said, you’ll see plenty of hikers wearing trail runners.
The biggest advantages are:
- Lighter weight
- Faster drying
- More breathable
- Often more comfortable right out of the box
Many experienced hikers and backpackers swear by trail runners and complete the trek without any issues.
If you’re already comfortable hiking long distances in trail runners and know they work well for your feet, they can absolutely be a good option.
Our Recommendation
If you’re trying to decide between the two, here’s our simple advice:
Choose hiking boots if:
- This is your first multi-day trek
- You prefer more ankle support
- You’re concerned about rocky terrain
- You already own a comfortable pair
- You’ll be trekking during wetter months
Choose trail runners if:
- You’re an experienced hiker
- You regularly hike in trail runners
- You prioritize lightweight gear
- You don’t mind getting your feet wet occasionally
The Most Important Thing Isn’t Boots vs Trail Runners
No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is that your footwear is already broken in.
The Salkantay Trek is not the place to wear brand-new hiking shoes for the first time.
Over five days, you’ll spend hours climbing, descending, and walking across uneven terrain. A well-worn pair of boots or trail runners that you’ve already tested on longer hikes will be far more valuable than the “perfect” shoe that still needs breaking in.
What We Wore
For our October trek with Salkantay Trekking, we both wore waterproof hiking boots paired with quality hiking socks. Between the cold morning temperatures, rocky trails, and long descents, we’d make the same choice again.
If we were packing for the Salkantay Trek tomorrow, waterproof hiking boots would still be one of the first items on our packing list.
Our Salkantay Trek Footwear Picks
🥾 Women’s Hiking Boots
🥾 Men’s Hiking Boots
🧥 Insulated Puffer Jacket
🦯 Trekking Poles
What Goes in Your Duffel Bag vs Daypack
This is something almost every first-time Salkantay hiker wonders about, and it’s not always explained well by the tour companies.
If you’re doing this trek with a tour company, you’ll carry a small daypack while a duffel bag is transported separately by horse or mule. Each night when you reach basecamp, you will receive your duffel bag and can get anything you need out of the duffel. Understanding what goes in each bag can make your trek much more enjoyable.
We hiked with Salkantay Trekking, which provided a duffel bag for our larger items, allowing us to hike comfortably with just the essentials during the day.
What We Kept in Our Daypack
These were the items we wanted access to throughout the day:
- Water bladder or water bottle
- Electrolytes
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Rain jacket
- Beanie/gloves during the first 2 days
- Any extra layers
- Phone/Camera
- Portable charger
- Passport
- Cash
- Trekking poles (when not in use)
Our Daypack Tip
Don’t overpack your daypack.
Every extra pound feels so much heavier after several hours of hiking. We tried to keep ours limited to items we’d realistically need between breakfast and camp each day. You don’t want to be carrying more than you need.
What We Packed in Our Duffel Bag
Our duffel bag carried the items we only needed at camp or at the start of the next day.
- All Extra clothing
- Pajamas
- Puffer jacket (except for first 2 days)
- Toiletries
- Additional snacks
- Charging cables
- Camp shoes
- Extra socks
- Gloves/Beanie (after day 2)
After arriving at camp each afternoon, we’d grab our duffel bags, shower (where available), change clothes, and get ready for dinner. Then each morning, you’ll take what you need in your daypack, and pack up your duffel for the porters to take.
Don’t Make This Mistake
One of the biggest mistakes we saw was hikers carrying too much in their daypacks.
Remember: you’ll be hiking for 5 days, often at high elevation. A lighter pack means less fatigue and a more enjoyable experience.
If you’re debating whether you’ll need something during the day, ask yourself: “Will I realistically use this before reaching camp tonight?”
If the answer is no, it probably belongs in the duffel bag. That means you can grab your toiletries, your pajamas, and whatever else you’ll be needing for the next day.
In your daypack, you only want to carry things you’ll need for that day, so any layers you want, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick, Iphone charger, snacks. You want to keep your daypack as light as possible.
What We Wish We Packed
I feel like we packed pretty well. I ended up loving my hiking joggers and sun shade hoodie, and I did wish I brought a few more to cycle through, instead of some of the other hiking pants and shirts I had. The joggers and hoodie are just so lightweight and breathable, while also protecting from the sun, bugs, and smells.
We also wished we would have packed some older items, like socks, so we could have just thrown them out and not worried about packing them back. The last couple days when it was warmer and more humid, some of our stuff got so sweaty, that we didn’t even want to pack it in our duffel to take back. We did end up throwing out some socks for that reason.
What Not to Pack
When you’re preparing for a multi-day trek, it’s tempting to pack for every possible scenario. Trust us- we were guilty of overthinking a few items too!
After completing the 5-day Salkantay Trek, here are the things we’d leave at home next time.
Too Many Clothes
The biggest mistake most hikers make is overpacking clothing. You don’t need a fresh hiking outfit every day. We found ourselves re-wearing several items throughout the trek, especially:
- Hiking joggers
- Sun hoodies
- Outer layers
Because you’re layering and changing temperatures throughout the day, versatility matters much more than quantity. Pack fewer clothes than you think you need and focus on pieces that can be worn multiple times.
Heavy Camera Equipment
The scenery on the Salkantay Trek is incredible, so it’s easy to justify bringing every camera accessory you own.
But remember – you’re carrying your daypack for hours every day.
Unless photography is a major priority, consider whether you really need:
- Multiple lenses
- Large tripods
- Extra camera bodies
- Drones
We took out drone with us, but because we were so tired most days, we didn’t even have time to bring it out and use it. So we lugged the drone around the whole time, which took up space and weight in our bag. For most hikers, a phone or lightweight camera setup is more than enough.
Full-Size Toiletries
Every ounce adds up. Transfer essentials into travel-size containers whenever possible.
This includes:
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Lotion
You’ll appreciate the lighter bag.
Extra Snacks
If you know us, you know we take snacks everywhere we go. And we brought some with us on the trek as well. We weren’t sure just how much food we’d be getting at each meal. Well I’m here to tell you, you don’t need more snacks, unless you have food sensitivities or are a picky eater.
Salkantay Trekking Company provides you with snacks each morning, things like local snacks, or fresh fruit. Plus the meals they provide are huge and delicious!
So we did pack snacks, but we didn’t need them and wish we hadn’t taken up space with them.
Our Packing Philosophy
The goal isn’t to bring everything you might need. The goal is to bring the items you’ll actually use.
For us, the most valuable items ended up being:
- Hiking joggers
- Trekking poles
- Sun hoodie
- Bucket hat
- Waterproof hiking boots
None of them were fancy or expensive—they were simply the items we reached for over and over again.
FAQs
How cold does the Salkantay Trek get?
The Salkantay Trek can get as cold as 20°F (-6°C) at night, especially during the dry season from May to September.
How much weight can you bring on the Salkantay Trek?
This depends on your tour operator. When we hiked with Salkantay Trekking, our larger items were transported in a duffel bag carried by horses, while we carried only a daypack.
What size backpack do you need?
We recommend a daypack in the 20–30 liter range.
Do I need trekking poles?
You don’t need them but we can tell you for our experience, having trekking poles was one of the most valuable pieces of gear we brought.
Can I wear trail runners?
Yes. We saw plenty of hikers successfully complete the trek in trail runners.
What should I wear to Machu Picchu?
Comfortable hiking clothes are perfectly acceptable at Machu Picchu. On our visit, we wore the same clothing we’d been hiking in throughout the trek, along with a light layer for the cool morning temperatures.
What month is best for the Salkantay Trek?
The dry season, which generally runs from May through September, is often considered the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek because of more predictable weather and clearer mountain views.
Do you need hiking boots for the Salkantay Trek?
No, hiking boots aren’t required, but we were very happy we chose waterproof hiking boots for our trek.
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