Overview

Your adventure kicks off with an exploration of the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon on your opening day, after which you’ll settle in for the evening at our exclusive private Quiswarniyoc campsite, completely enveloped by pristine wilderness. Your second day presents the trek’s most demanding yet gratifying segment—climbing to the spectacular Salkantay Pass situated at 4,700 meters elevation, then making your way down into the humid cloud forest environment before reaching Chawllay camp for the night.

The third day guides you through the picturesque Santa Teresa Valley, abundant with tropical plant life and traditional farming communities, ending with your arrival in Aguas Calientes, which serves as the entry point to Machu Picchu. On your concluding day, you’ll participate in the journey’s crowning achievement: an expert-guided exploration of the world-renowned Machu Picchu sanctuary, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

This itinerary perfectly suits travelers seeking both a physically demanding trek and a profound engagement with the natural environment and Incan heritage, all accomplished in less time than the traditional five-day alternative.

📅 CHECKING AVAILABILITY & MAKING YOUR RESERVATION

To verify space availability and secure your spot on the Salkantay Trek, simply select the “BOOK ONLINE” option to view our live availability calendar. When your desired departure date shows as available, this confirms that Machu Picchu entrance permits are likewise accessible for your visit date, allowing you to move forward with your booking.

After your reservation is finalized, we’ll acquire your Machu Picchu admission ticket, consistently selecting the most favorable circuit option available at your booking moment. Machu Picchu features multiple official touring circuits, and our selection priority follows this sequence: When Option 1 remains available, we’ll secure that circuit. Should it be unavailable, we’ll proceed to Option 2, continuing this pattern based on real-time availability displayed on the official Peruvian government platform, as they maintain exclusive authorization for Machu Picchu ticket sales, with all tour operators purchasing through this identical system.

📅AVAILABILITY & BOOKING

To check availability and book the Salkantay Trek, simply click the “BOOK ONLINE” button to access our real-time calendar. If your preferred start date is available, it means Machu Picchu tickets are also available for your visit day, and you can proceed with the reservation. Once your booking is confirmed, we will purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, always choosing the best available circuit at your booking time. Machu Picchu has several official circuits to visit, and we prioritize them in the following order: If Opt 1 is available, we will purchase that one. If not, we will choose Opt 2, and so on, depending on the real-time availability shown on the official Peruvian government website, as they are the only authorized seller of Machu Picchu tickets, and all agencies purchase through the same system.

Opt 1: Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuito 2 – Circuito clásico / Ruta 2-A: Clásico Diseñada: Includes the classic viewpoint and a full tour of the Inca citadel: Foto & Video
Opt 2: Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuito 2 – Circuito clásico / Ruta 2-B: Terraza Inferior: Similar to Opt 1, with a slightly different route in the urban area: Foto & Video
Opt 3: Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuito 1 – Panorámico / Ruta 1-B: Terraza superior: Covers the upper part and includes the classic viewpoint, but not the citadel: Foto & Video
Opt 4: Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuito 3 – Machupicchu realeza / Ruta 3-B: Realeza diseñada: Visits only the lower part of Machu Picchu, without access to the classic viewpoint: Foto & Video
Opt 5: Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuit 1 – Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Montaña: Includes the hike to the mountain with panoramic views, but not the the citadel: Foto & Video
Opt 6: Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuit 3 – Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Montaña: Includes the Waynapicchu hike and a short visit of the lower part of the citadel: Foto & Video

If Opt 1 is important to you, book at least 4 months in advance—it’s the most popular and sells out quickly. All tickets are sold exclusively by the Peruvian government, and no agency can access tickets beyond what’s available on the official platform. You can check real-time availability of MachuPicchu circuits here: 👉

Trip details

Promotional Badge: Exclusive Offer
Trip Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Starting Price: $280 USD
Special Promotion: Reserve your Salkantay Trek adventure with our agency and receive an incredible bonus—our comprehensive Rainbow Mountain day tour for only $22.
Adventure Category: Trekking & Hiking
Challenge Rating: High Intensity
Maximum Group Capacity: 16 Participants
Included Breakfasts: 4
Included Dinners: 3
Included Lunches: 3
Total Trekking Distance: 65 Kilometers
Departure Schedule: Available Every Day
Destinations Covered: Cusco, Mollepata, Humantay Lake, Quiswarniyoc, Salkantay Mountain, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Meeting Point: Your accommodation in Cusco

Trip Summary

DAY 1: CUSCO → HUMANTAY LAKE → QUISWARNIYOC CAMP

Pickup: 4:30-5:00 a.m. from hotels in Cusco
Route: Cusco → Mollepata (2 hours) → Soraypampa (1 hour) → Humantay Lake (2 hours) → Quiswarniyoc Camp (1.75 hours)
Hiking Distance: 10 km (6 miles), 5-6 hours trekking
Elevation: Start 3,900m → Humantay Lake 4,200m → Camp 4,000m
Highlights: Mollepata breakfast, Humantay Lake exploration (1-1.5 hours), views of Salkantay Mountain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut (panoramic cabin)
Challenge Level: Moderate (training day for altitude acclimatization)
Climate: Cold, windy evenings; temperatures -5°C or lower (dry season)
Important: Coca tea provided at arrival; optional leisurely afternoon walks

DAY 2: QUISWARNIYOC → SALKANTAY PASS (4,700m) → CHAWLLAY CAMP

Start: 5:00 a.m. wake-up with coca tea; 5:30 a.m. breakfast; 6:00 a.m. departure
Ascent: Quiswarniyoc to Salkantay Pass (3.5 hours, 4,700m elevation—highest point of trek)
Summit: 30-45 minutes at pass; traditional ceremony with guide; panoramic views
Descent: Salkantay Pass to Wayracmachay lunch area (2 hours); lunch break; Wayracmachay to Chawllay Camp (2.5-3 hours)
Hiking Distance: 22 km (14 miles), 9-10 hours trekking
Elevation: Camp elevation 2,900m
Transition: Andean to Amazonian environment on descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut
Challenge Level: Demanding (most challenging day of trek)
Climate: Warm to hot at reduced elevations
Important: Day 2 is visually stunning with remarkable mountain vistas; full day available to complete

DAY 3: CHAWLLAY → SANTA TERESA VALLEY → LUCMABAMBA → HYDROELECTRICA → AGUAS CALIENTES

Start: 5:30 a.m. wake-up tea; 6:00 a.m. breakfast; 6:30 a.m. departure
Morning Trek: Chawllay to Lucmabamba (5 hours, predominantly level ground through Santa Teresa Valley)
Activity: Coffee tour with community family; sample Santa Teresa coffee and explore cultivation methods
Midday Meal: Lunch at Lucmabamba after coffee tour
Afternoon: Vehicle ride Lucmabamba to Hydroelectrica (1.5 hours); trek Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (3 hours along train tracks)
Hiking Distance: Approximately 25 km (15 miles), 9-10 hours total (includes vehicle time)
Elevation: Aguas Calientes 2,000m (6,562 feet)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (dinner at 7:00 p.m. in Aguas Calientes restaurant)
Accommodation: Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi
Challenge Level: Extended day trek
Climate: Warm, hot, tropical weather
Important: Confirm Machu Picchu arrangements after dinner; last night in lodging before Machu Picchu

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU VISIT & RETURN TO CUSCO

Morning: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Two options to reach entrance:

Walking Option (1.5 hours):

30-minute level walk to Puente Ruinas checkpoint (passport/permit check)
1-hour uphill climb with ~1,700 steps
For 6:00 a.m. permit: depart 4:30 a.m. after breakfast

Shuttle Bus Option (30 minutes):

$12 USD one direction
Available 5:30 a.m. onwards, every 5-10 minutes, first-come basis

Machu Picchu Exploration:

2-hour guided tour with expert guide
Follow designated circuit per permit
History, architecture, astronomy, water systems, agricultural terraces explained
~30 minutes personal exploration time for photos

Optional Add-ons:

Huayna Picchu hike: 2-3 hours round-trip (requires separate $60 permit)
Machu Picchu Mountain hike: 3-3.5 hours round-trip (requires separate $60 permit)

Return to Cusco: Two Options

Option 1: Train Return (Preferred for later entry times):

Return to Aguas Calientes (walk 1.5 hours or shuttle $12 USD)
Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours)
Vehicle Ollantaytambo to Cusco (2 hours)
Train departure: 2:30-3:30 p.m. (varies by availability)
Arrival Cusco: 7:00-8:00 p.m. (Plaza Regocijo drop-off)

Option 2: Vehicle Return via Hidroelectrica (6:00-9:00 a.m. entry times only):

Hike Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica (3 hours, must arrive by 2:30 p.m.)
Vehicle departure: 3:00 p.m. from Hidroelectrica
Drive to Cusco: 5-6 hours
Arrival: 10:00-10:30 p.m. (Plaza Regocijo drop-off)
Important: Later entry times mean missing vehicle connection; additional night in Aguas Calientes required (extra cost)

Meals: Breakfast (accommodation), no lunch/dinner included this day

Itinerary

Your Salkantay journey to Machu Picchu commences in Cusco with accommodation pickups arranged between 4:30 and 5:00 in the morning. Throughout this window, your guide will collect all participants from their respective lodgings across Cusco. Following group assembly, departure from Cusco occurs around 5:15 AM, traveling by vehicle toward Mollepata town, requiring roughly 2 hours of driving time.

Reaching Mollepata, you’ll savor a substantial breakfast at a community restaurant, which comes included in your package. Generally, your time in Mollepata, encompassing breakfast and any final supply purchases, spans approximately one hour.

Following breakfast, transportation continues by vehicle heading to Soraypampa for an additional hour. Arriving at Soraypampa, you’ll encounter the support crew of muleteers with their horses, signaling the official beginning of your Salkantay adventure. Prior to starting your hike, all equipment and personal duffel bags get transferred to the muleteers and their horses.

The trek from Soraypampa toward Humantay Lagoon begins at 3,900 meters elevation and climbs to 4,200 meters, where the lake sits. The opening segment involves a moderate uphill walk lasting about an hour, then transitions to a more aggressive climb for the final hour. The complete hike to reach the lagoon requires approximately 2 hours.

Arriving at Humantay Lagoon, you’ll enjoy unstructured time to absorb the magnificent scenery, capture photographs, and hear your guide’s commentary. Time spent at the lagoon generally ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours, conditions allowing. Following your lagoon visit, the descent commences toward Quiswarniyoc campsite. This trek segment involves a 1-hour downhill walk, then a 45-minute relatively level path.

Reaching the Quiswarniyoc campsite, usually by 2:00 PM, you’ll be served a satisfying lunch created by our culinary team. Post-lunch, your guide will direct you to your assigned sleeping accommodations for some deserved relaxation. The afternoon hours following lunch remain free from scheduled hiking, permitting you to take leisurely walks throughout the expansive Quiswarniyoc region, appreciating the commanding views of Salkantay, which towers immediately before the campsite.

Around 6:00 PM, a hearty dinner gets served. Following dinner, you’ll receive crucial details about Day 02 of your trek, which includes reaching the highest elevation point along the entire route.

DAY 01 SUMMARY:

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight Lodging: Mountain Sky Hut
• Challenge Level: Moderate
• Trekking Distance: 10 kilometers (roughly 6 miles)
• Approximate Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Camp Altitude: 4,000 meters elevation
• Climate Conditions: Anticipate cold, windy evenings throughout dry season months (May through August), with temperatures potentially reaching -5 degrees Celsius
• Important Note: This day functions as both training and preparation. It proves ideal for altitude adaptation before Day 02, which represents the trek’s most substantial challenge.

Early Morning Start:

The day commences at 5:00 AM with coca leaf tea called “te despierto,” delivered by our kitchen staff to support altitude adjustment. Following your wake-up, approximately 30 minutes are available for personal preparation and packing.

Morning Meal:

Breakfast typically gets served at 5:30 AM. After finishing your meal, there’s a brief window for final backpack inspections and restroom visits before beginning the climb to the Salkantay trek’s highest elevation.

Ascending Toward Salkantay Pass:

The trek from Quiswarniyoc to the journey’s peak elevation, Salkantay Pass at 4700 meters, begins around 6:00 AM. The uphill journey from camp to this pass requires between 3 and 3.5 hours maintaining a consistent pace, incorporating extended rest breaks every hour for recovery and energy restoration. The climb proves manageable with adequate acclimatization; the primary challenge involves adjusting to the elevation.

Time Spent at Salkantay Pass:

Reaching the summit, you’ll have opportunity to immerse yourself in the spectacular panoramas, photograph the surrounding peaks, and experience the nearness to Salkantay Mountain. Your guide frequently offers information about the location and may include you in a traditional ceremony expressing appreciation to the Apus, considered mountain deities in regional traditions. Approximately 30 to 45 minutes get spent at this peak.

Descending to Lunch Location:

The descent begins with a 2-hour trek from Salkantay Pass to the lunch area at Wayracmachay. Here, our culinary team stands ready with a nourishing midday meal.

Post-Lunch Break & Second Descent:

Following lunch, there’s limited time for rest, weather conditions allowing. The concluding descent portion for this day runs from the lunch location to the second campsite at Chawllay. This downward journey, spanning between 2.5 and 3 hours, features somewhat steep terrain yet provides remarkable views as you transition from Andean to Amazonian environments.

Reaching Chawllay:

Arriving at Chawllay, your second overnight location at 2900 meters, your guide will escort you to your evening accommodations. The day wraps up with a delectable dinner created by our cooking staff.

This Day 02 schedule balances demanding ascents and descents with substantial chances to value the natural splendor and cultural importance of the Salkantay territory.

DAY 02 SUMMARY:

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight Lodging: Mountain Sky Hut
• Challenge Level: Demanding
• Peak Altitude: 4,700 meters at Salkantay Pass
• Trekking Distance: 22 kilometers (roughly 14 miles)
• Approximate Hiking Time: 9 to 10 hours
• Camp Altitude: 2,900 meters
• Climate Conditions: Warm to hot at reduced elevations
• Important Note: Day 02 represents the most challenging segment of your entire trek. However, the full day remains available to complete it and arrive at Campsite 02. It also stands as the most visually stunning day given the remarkable mountain and Salkantay vistas.

Morning Commencement:

The day launches with an energizing wake-up tea at 5:30 AM, provided by our kitchen crew, then time for organizing and readying yourself for today’s expedition. A filling breakfast gets served at 6:00 AM to power you through the upcoming trek.

Trek from Chawllay to Lucmabamba:

The hike begins approximately 6:30 AM from Chawllay, proceeding toward our third overnight location at Lucmabamba. This 5-hour journey predominantly covers level ground through Santa Teresa Valley. Throughout the route, appreciate the region’s extensive biodiversity, concluding with an educational coffee tour in Lucmabamba.

Coffee Tour Activity:

In Lucmabamba, participate in a coffee tour presented by a community family. Here, you’ll sample the exceptional Santa Teresa coffee and explore the coffee cultivation methods distinctive to this territory.

Midday Meal at Lucmabamba:

Following the coffee tour, return to the campsite for a delicious lunch, freshly created by our skilled culinary team.

Post-Lunch: Journey to Aguas Calientes:

After lunch, begin a 1.5-hour vehicle ride from Lucmabamba to Hydroelectrica. Reaching Hydroelectrica, prepare for the concluding 3-hour trek to Aguas Calientes. This picturesque walk, running parallel to the train tracks, gets facilitated by a pedestrian pathway, smoothing the journey.

Arriving in Aguas Calientes, check into your accommodation where you can unwind, shower, and refresh before dinner. Savor a wonderful dinner at 7:00 PM in a community Aguas Calientes restaurant, followed by confirming arrangements for tomorrow’s Machu Picchu visit.

DAY 03 SUMMARY:

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight Lodging: Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Challenge Level: Extended day trek
• Trekking Distance: Approximately 25 kilometers (roughly 15 miles)
• Approximate Hiking Time: 9 to 10 hours
• Aguas Calientes Base Elevation: 2,000 meters (6,562 feet)
• Climate Conditions: Anticipate warm, hot, tropical weather
• Important Note: On day three, you’ll experience a 5-hour morning hike, a refreshing lunch interval, a 1.5-hour vehicle ride, and a 3-hour afternoon walk. The day finishes with comfortable hotel lodging in Aguas Calientes, positioning you perfectly for tomorrow’s Machu Picchu exploration.

🏔️ Final Day – Machu Picchu Visit

Your tour’s final day focuses entirely on exploring the magnificent Incan sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Your admission time depends on the schedule printed on your entrance permit, making it essential to reach the primary gate precisely at that designated time.

To travel from Aguas Calientes (your overnight town) to Machu Picchu’s main entrance, two options exist:

🚶‍♂️ Walking Route (approximately 1.5 hours):

Begin with a 30-minute level walk from your accommodation to Puente Ruinas (the initial checkpoint), where you’ll present your passport and Machu Picchu permit. From there, climb uphill for roughly 1 hour, ascending approximately 1,700 steps.

➤ For a 6:00 AM permit, plan to start walking at 4:30 AM, following breakfast at your accommodation.

🚌 Shuttle Bus Service (30 minutes):

Should you prefer avoiding the walk, comfortable buses run to the entrance. Tickets cost $12 USD one direction and can be purchased the previous evening or that morning. Buses start operating at 5:30 AM, running every 5–10 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis.

Regardless of your selected option, the crucial point is arriving at the main gate at your ticket’s designated time.

🗺️ Guided Machu Picchu Tour

Arriving, you’ll join your group and professional guide, who’ll conduct a 2-hour guided exploration of Machu Picchu. The tour follows the designated circuit assigned to your permit. Your guide will illuminate the location’s fascinating history, impressive architecture, and spiritual significance, while providing time for photography and scenery appreciation.

⛰️ Additional Hiking Options (for those holding supplementary permits)

Should you have reserved an extra permit for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you may begin the climb following the guided tour. These hikes require roughly 3 hours round-trip and demand advance reservation due to restricted availability.

🚆 Returning to Cusco – Two Alternatives:

After completing your Machu Picchu activities, it’s time returning to Cusco. Two return alternatives exist:

🚆 Alternative 1: Returning by Train

Travel back to Aguas Calientes either walking (1.5 hours) or via shuttle bus (30 minutes / $12 USD)
• Board the train toward Ollantaytambo (1.5-hour journey)
• Upon reaching Ollantaytambo, continue by tourist vehicle to Cusco (2-hour drive)
• Trains typically depart between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, subject to availability
• Arrival in Cusco occurs between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM

🚗 Alternative 2: Returning by Vehicle via Hidroelectrica

Hike from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica, requiring approximately 3 hours
• You must reach Hidroelectrica by 2:30 PM to board the sole available vehicle departure at 3:00 PM
• The drive to Cusco spans between 5 and 6 hours, with anticipated arrival between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM
• Critical: This return alternative only functions when your Machu Picchu entry time falls between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. For later ticket times, you won’t arrive promptly to catch the vehicle and must spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes, returning the following day
• Any supplementary expenses for accommodation, meals, or other services become the traveler’s responsibility

Inclusions

Included

Pre-Trek Orientation Attend a mandatory 7 PM orientation at the Machu Picchu Reservations office in Cusco the evening before departure. Meet your guide and group members. Receive printed train passes, Machu Picchu entrance permits, and a duffel bag (7 kg capacity). Option to settle remaining payment and rent sleeping bags or trekking poles.
Professional Guides Certified professional guides fluent in English and Spanish lead the entire trek and Machu Picchu tour. All guides carry first aid kits and oxygen cylinders for emergencies.
Pickup & Transportation Hotel pickup between 4:30-5:00 AM (exact time confirmed at orientation). Private tourist vehicle transports your group from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point), approximately 3 hours. Alternatively, arrive at the office at 5:00 AM.
Accommodations Three nights included: one night in star domes (glass panoramic structures), one night in panoramic cabins, and one night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes with private bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. All accommodations include mattresses and pillows; sleeping bag rental available.
Meals & Nutrition Includes 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, plus daily snacks prepared by specialist chefs. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary options available at no extra cost. All meals are fresh, nutritious, and energy-enhancing.
Luggage & Gear Duffel bag service allows you to pack 7 kg of belongings per person, transported by horses to each camp. Trek carrying only a daypack. Muleteers and horses handle all camping equipment, food, and cargo. Complimentary luggage storage in Cusco (4:30 AM-10:00 PM daily).
Machu Picchu Admission permit included. Your guide secures the best available circuit (preferably Circuit 2: Llaqta/Classic Route 2-A for 70% access, or Circuit 2-B for 60% access). Book 3-4 months in advance for preferred circuits. Includes 2-hour guided exploration (2.5 hours total) with 30 minutes personal time.
Return Journey Options Train: Depart 2:30/2:55/3:20 PM, 1.5-hour ride to Ollantaytambo, then 2-hour vehicle transfer to Cusco (arrive ~6:30 PM). Walk ~1 hour or take bus ($12) to station. Arrive 30 minutes early.
Vehicle: 3-hour hike from Machu Picchu to hydroelectric station (depart by 11 AM). 30-40 minute descent, then 1.5-2 hours level walking. Catch 3:00 PM vehicle for 6-7 hour journey to Cusco (arrive ~10 PM).
Emergency Support All guides equipped with oxygen cylinders and fully stocked first aid kits.

Not Included

Humantay Lagoon Entrance Fee: 20 soles (foreigners) / 10 soles (Peruvians), paid in cash at the entrance.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent at $15 (suitable for temperatures down to -10°C).
Trekking Poles: Rental available for $15 for the entire trek.
Drinking Water for Bottles: Not included. You can buy water along the trail (5–12 soles per 2.5L) or bring a filter/purification tablets.
Internet Access: No signal until the second camp (Wi-Fi available there for 10 soles). Signal returns after the third day.
Showers & Extra Restrooms: Some restrooms may cost 1 sol along the route. Hot showers at second camp cost 10 soles (cold showers free). Other shower options available later in the trek.
Gratuities: Optional but appreciated.
Travel Insurance: Not included; recommended to purchase in your home country.

Pricing

Group Service Prices – 2025 & 2026 Season

The prices for the Salkantay Trek vary based on whether you are a student or an adult, and your chosen return option—by train or by car. Below, we outline the group service pricing details:

Salkantay Trek 4D-3N with Return to Cusco by Car: +info

Student: $280 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
Child: $280 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
Adult: $300 USD per person

Salkantay Trek 4D-3N with Return to Cusco by Train: +info

Student: $350 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
Child: $350 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
Adult: $370 USD per person

Check Student Price: +info

Please review the information in the provided link to learn about the requirements needed to qualify for the special student price. This rate applies to all students under the age of 25 who meet the conditions outlined in the link.
Make sure you meet all the listed requirements to take advantage of this benefit.

Shared Service Pricing

Private Service Pricing

Tour Upgrades

Addon Name: SLEEPING BAG FOR THE WHOLE TREK – Addon Price: +$15
Addon Name: TREKKING POLES 01 PAIR – Addon Price: +$15
Addon Name: UPGRADE TO VISTADOME TRAIN – Addon Price: +$45

Travel Guide

FAQs

What to Bring

Hiking Gear

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
Comfortable hiking socks
Lightweight, quick-drying pants and shorts
Breathable, moisture-wicking shirts
Fleece jacket or down vest for colder temperatures
Waterproof and windproof outer shell or rain jacket
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Lightweight gloves and a buff or scarf for warmth

Sleeping Gear

Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures
Sleeping pad or mat for insulation and comfort

Backpack and Daypack

Durable backpack with rain cover (30-40 liters capacity) for personal belongings during the trek
Daypack (20-25 liters capacity) for carrying essentials during daily hikes

Hydration and Snacks

Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder (at least 2 liters capacity)
Water purification tablets or filter
High-energy snacks: trail mix, granola bars, chocolate for quick nourishment

Clothing

Lightweight, moisture-wicking underwear and sports bras
Extra pairs of comfortable hiking socks
Thermal base layers for colder temperatures
Comfortable sleepwear

Rain Gear

Lightweight, packable rain poncho or rain cover for your backpack
Waterproof bags or dry sacks to protect belongings

Personal Care Items

Sunscreen with high SPF
Insect repellent
Travel-sized toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap)
Quick-drying towel
Wet wipes or hand sanitizer
Personal medications and basic first aid kit

Other Essentials

Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Trekking poles for added stability and support
Portable charger for electronic devices
Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
Cash in small denominations for snacks, drinks, and tipping

Important Packing Tips: Pack light and only bring essentials. Leave unnecessary valuables at home and organize your backpack for easy access. Wear and carry layers, as weather can change throughout the trek.

Salkantay Trek Packing List

ESSENTIALS

Original valid passport
Student ID (if applicable)
Small, ergonomic daypack
1.5–2 liters water storage (Camelbak recommended)
Lightweight hiking boots with good traction
Headlamp for early/late visibility

Horses transport up to 7 kg of gear, including your sleeping bag, in a duffel bag.

CLOTHING

2–3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
2–3 hiking pants
3 sets undergarments and hiking socks
1 fleece and 1 warm down jacket
1 rain jacket and pants
1 sun hat and 1 wool hat
Comfortable camp shoes and sturdy walking boots

GEAR

Waterproof/ski gloves
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Quick-dry towel
Small soap bottle
Battery charger (limited power on trail)
Large plastic bags (organizing and protection)
Sleeping bag (rated -10°C minimum)

TOILETRIES

Sunscreen and face moisturizer
Bug spray and hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and paste
Toilet paper
Personal medication and first aid kit

DAYPACK CONTENTS (Note: bags over 25L not permitted at Machu Picchu; larger bags must be stored outside)

Water for first morning (refills provided later)
Rain gear and fleece
Camera or smartphone
Music device
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag
Extra cash for purchases and tips
Earplugs

PACKING TIPS Waterproof all items to protect from rain. Wear well-fitted, broken-in footwear to prevent blisters. Use compartments to keep essentials accessible.

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Salkantay trek 4 days to Machu Picchu

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