WHAT TO BRING
You are responsible only for personal clothing and gear listed below. We'll take care of everything else. A gear check will be completed before you depart for the trail. This list does not include additional clothing/items you may want for travel or for your time off the trail. Any luggage not needed on the trail can be left at the hotel in Cusco during your expedition. See current weather conditions for Salkantay Pass and Cusco, Peru.
Packing System: This expedition includes pack animals for bag transport. You are only responsible for carrying a daypack. A duffle bag will be provided for your carried bag. The 15 lb weight limit for porter transport should include your sleeping bag.
Carried bag weight limit: 15 lbs / 7 kg
Rentals Available:
Sleeping Bag - $45 USD
Trekking Poles - $25 USD
Must be confirmed no later than 1 week prior to expedition start date - contact us to confirm!
Don't forget
We need you to have everything on the list below for our expedition to go smoothly, so there is no one item that is more important than another. Double-check your entire list and make sure to have/review these important items below.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your arrival date in Peru.
Medical insurance card
Should anything happen, we can get you the care you need.
Required Vaccinations
It is important to receive required (or recommended) vaccinations before traveling abroad. Check the CDC's recommendations for Peru here.
The List (check it twice)
Trekking Gear
Change of clothes for Cusco - to be kept in storage during expedition
Down jacket
Fleece jacket or vest
Synthetic hiking pants (zip-away shorts are a great option)
Rain jacket
Waterproof pants
Wool or synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)
Wool or synthetic t-shirt
Wool or synthetic hat
Gloves
Waterproof hiking boots
Wool blend socks (3)
Sandals for walking around the camp in the evening
Day pack
Water bottle and/or bladder (2 liters)
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Quick-dry towel
Personal toiletries and medicine
Sleeping bag 10º F
Insect repellent
Toilet paper in ziplock bag
Extra ziplock baggies for toilet paper waste on the trail
Documents and Logistics
International flights booked and confirmed to Cusco
Passport valid for 6 months after arrival date (to be carried at all times)
Photocopy of passport
Medical insurance card
Cash for tipping guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc.
Note: Please bring crisp US bills. Many places will not accept torn, wrinkled, or worn bills
Other (optional)
Reading material for the trail
Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
Collapsible hiking poles (recommended – may be rented in Cusco)
Hotel reservations for extended time in Cusco (if applicable)
Guidebooks
Camera
Zip-lock bags for waterproofing passport and other valuables
CLIMATE OVERVIEW
The Peruvian winter (May – September) is the driest season and a great time of year to travel. In the shoulder months (April and October) the weather can still be be nice but a bit more unpredictable. The Peruvian summer (December – March) is warmer, but is also the wettest season with frequent heavy showers. Rain is common throughout the year in Peru, so it’s always good to be prepared.
Machu Picchu is almost 8,000 feet above sea level and like any high altitude trek, the sun is very powerful during the day and the evenings cool down a great deal. Layers are essential in this climate to keep you prepared for the fast changing weather.
ELEVATION PROFILE
- Elevation
- Elevation