What to Pack for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

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Getting excited to head out for your trek to Machu Picchu?! Exactly what to pack can be a little overwhelming so I’m here to help. Keep reading for exactly what to pack for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu if you’re hiking with Mountain Lodges!

Tank | Boots | Socks

To say I didn’t know what to expect when I hiked the Salkantay Trek is a huge understatement. Here I was thinking it was a 3 day hike up a few mountains. I was VERY wrong. It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but you can read more about that experience here if you’re interested!

What to pack became a concern for me because I wouldn’t say I was a huge hiker going into this trip. I know, I know, why did I even go?! Well, let me just say that after this hike, I now want to be a hiker so I’d say it was successful.

Below is my curated list of all the clothing you will need to hike the Salkantay Trek with Mountain Lodges. Keep in mind, we stayed in cabins the entire way and didn’t have to carry our own bags. That would definitely influence how you should pack for this trip. However, you still have to keep your bag pretty light. Our limit was 10 kilos and I think that was on the higher end of what you were allowed.

For reference, I went on this hike in June. If you’re going at a different time with more rain, or hotter weather, it’s important to change this packing guide accordingly.

What to Pack for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

4 pair of hiking socks (if you don’t plan on doing any laundry, make it 6)

1 pair of hiking boots (worn in)

1 pair of slip on shoes

3 pairs of active pants (2 leggings, 1 hiking pants)

1 pair of rain pants

1 pair of hiking shorts

5 workout tops (2 tank tops, 2 short sleeves, 1 long sleeve)

1 fleece sweater

1 rain jacket

1 puffer jacket

1 hat

1 bathing suit

1 pair of sunglasses

1 small backpack

1 bandana

1 set of comfy wear (pyjamas, comfy set, etc)

bandaids

1 water bottle

Puffer Jacket | Fleece | Leggings | Boots | Socks

There were a few things on this list that I didn’t bring and regretted it. AKA why I’ve made sure to include them here. My biggest suggestions is take as many socks as days you’re hiking. Unless you’re able to wash things halfway through. I didn’t do this and fully regretted it.

You definitely have the option or rewearing pieces you bring, but the amount of dust and grime that gets on your clothes, you’ll be happy to be able to change.

When I say you need a pair of worn in hiking boots, I really mean it. Wear them in people! It’s not worth the 6 days of pain you’ll have hiking up a dang mountain because you didn’t wear in your hiking boots before.

Having all this stuff will make your trip up the Salkantay Trek SO much more enjoyable, I can pretty much guarantee it!

What are your hiking must-haves?! Let me know in the comments.

xx Victoria