Essential Gear for the Salkantay Trek: 2025 Guide

The Salkantay Trek is an unforgettable journey through the rugged landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, offering breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems, and the ultimate reward—Machu Picchu. However, to fully enjoy this challenging adventure, it’s important to come prepared with the right gear. In this 2025 Guide, we’ll go over the essential gear for the Salkantay Trek to ensure you’re ready for whatever the trail throws your way.

1. Trekking Boots: Your Most Important Gear

When preparing for the Salkantay Trek in 2025, your boots are the most crucial piece of gear. The trek involves hiking over various terrains, from rocky mountain passes to muddy jungle trails. Having a reliable, well-fitted pair of trekking boots will make a huge difference in your comfort and safety.

What to Look for in Trekking Boots:

• Waterproof: The weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, and rain is always a possibility. Waterproof boots are essential for keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
• Ankle Support: The uneven terrain of the Salkantay Trek can put stress on your ankles, so boots with good ankle support are a must.
• Comfort: Be sure to break in your boots before the trek. Blisters and sore feet can ruin the experience, so comfort is key.

2. Layered Clothing: Prepare for All Weather Conditions

The Salkantay Trek takes you through several different climates, from high-altitude cold in the Salkantay Pass (4,650 meters) to warmer, humid conditions in the jungle areas near Machu Picchu. To stay comfortable, you’ll need to dress in layers.

Essential Layers:

• Base Layer: A moisture-wicking base layer will help regulate your body temperature and keep sweat away from your skin, preventing you from getting cold.
• Mid Layer: A warm fleece or down jacket for insulation, especially for the cold mornings and nights at higher elevations.
• Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential for protection against rain and wind.

Packing lightweight, packable layers ensures that you’re prepared for any weather conditions without carrying unnecessary weight. For more tips on what to pack, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

3. Backpack and Rain Cover: Carrying Your Gear Comfortably

You’ll need a good-quality backpack to carry your essentials throughout the Salkantay Trek. While your tour operator might provide porters or mules for heavy camping gear, you’ll still need a daypack for items like water, snacks, and layers.

Backpack Features:

• Capacity: A 30-40 liter backpack is usually enough to carry your daily essentials.
• Padded Straps: Look for a backpack with comfortable, padded shoulder straps and a waist belt to distribute weight evenly.
• Rain Cover: Given the unpredictable weather, a waterproof rain cover for your backpack is essential to keep your gear dry during the trek.

For longer treks or if you’re carrying more of your own gear, a larger backpack with more capacity might be necessary. Contact Guiding Cusco Expeditions for more details on the best pack size for your trek.

4. Trekking Poles: Essential for Stability and Support

The uneven and steep terrain of the Salkantay Trek can put extra strain on your knees and legs, especially during long descents. Trekking poles are highly recommended as they provide stability and reduce the impact on your joints.

Benefits of Trekking Poles:

• Balance and Stability: Poles help you maintain balance on rocky or muddy terrain, especially when crossing rivers or navigating steep descents.
• Reduce Fatigue: By distributing weight, trekking poles can help reduce muscle fatigue and protect your knees, particularly during long days of hiking.

5. Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad: Comfort in the Cold

Nights can get quite cold on the Salkantay Trek, especially at higher altitudes. A high-quality sleeping bag and pad are essential for staying warm and comfortable.

What You’ll Need:

• Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) is recommended for the cold nights in the Andes. Most tours offer sleeping bags for rent, but you can also bring your own.
• Sleeping Pad: A good sleeping pad will provide insulation from the cold ground and extra comfort for a good night’s rest.

Some tours may provide these items, so be sure to check with your operator in advance. To ensure you have everything you need, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

6. Water Bottle or Hydration System: Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to staying energized and avoiding altitude sickness. The dry mountain air and physical exertion can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful.

Recommended Hydration Gear:

• Reusable Water Bottle: Bring at least 2 liters of water with you every day. Avoid disposable plastic bottles to help preserve the environment.
• Water Purification: Some treks provide boiled or purified water at camps, but bringing water purification tablets or a portable filter is a good backup in case clean water isn’t available.

7. Headlamp and Extra Batteries: A Must for Early Starts

Many days on the Salkantay Trek will start before sunrise, especially on the final day when you’ll begin your ascent to Machu Picchu in the early morning hours. A headlamp is essential for navigating in the dark.

Features to Look For:

• Brightness: Look for a headlamp with at least 200 lumens to provide sufficient light on dark trails.
• Battery Life: Ensure your headlamp has a long battery life and bring extra batteries to avoid being caught in the dark.

8. Snacks and Energy Bars: Fuel for the Trek

You’ll burn a lot of calories during the Salkantay Trek, so packing high-energy snacks is crucial. Even though meals are typically provided by your trekking company, having your own snacks will keep your energy levels up between meals.

Best Snacks for Trekking:

• Energy Bars: Easy to pack and high in calories, energy bars provide a quick boost when you need it.
• Nuts and Dried Fruit: A great source of protein and healthy fats to keep you fueled throughout the day.

9. Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Protect Yourself from the Sun

At high altitudes, the sun’s UV rays are much stronger, and sunburn can happen quickly. Protecting your skin and eyes is crucial when trekking at altitude.

Sun Protection Essentials:

• Sunscreen: Use SPF 30 or higher, and reapply throughout the day, especially on exposed skin like your face and neck.
• Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses are essential to shield your eyes from harmful rays, especially at higher altitudes where sunlight can be intense.

Having the right gear is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience on the Salkantay Trek 2025. From sturdy trekking boots and layered clothing to hydration systems and trekking poles, every piece of gear plays a role in making your trek safer and more comfortable. Be sure to prepare well in advance and consult with your tour operator to ensure you have everything you need.

For more information or to book your trek, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions, or contact us directly via WhatsApp.