What to Bring

For the five days of Salkantay treks, you need personal trekking gear and a sleeping bag. If you do not have a sleeping bag is possible to rent one from us also if you like trekking poles, you can rent them from us. The rest needed for this trek we provide.

Here is a general packing list for the Salkantay trek that you can use as a reference:

Clothing:

• Hiking boots or shoes
• Hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
• Long pants (hiking pants or leggings)
• T-shirts or breathable shirts
• Fleece jacket or sweater
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Warm hat and gloves
• Swimwear (for hot springs or swimming)
• Sandals / Flip flops
• A towel

Gear:

• Backpack (20-30L)
• Sleeping bag (rated to 0-5 degrees Celsius/32-41 degrees Fahrenheit). If you do not have one, you can rent one from the company
• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Trekking poles (optional but recommended), if you do not have one pair you can rent from the company
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat or cap
• Water bottle or hydration system (at least 1.5 liters capacity)
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
• Personal medication (if necessary)

Optional:

• Camera or phone for taking pictures
• Portable charger or power bank
• Book or Kindle for reading during downtime
• Snacks (such as energy bars, trail mix, or dried fruit)
• Cash in soles (for buying souvenirs or optional activities)
• Also, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable in the Andes, so it’s recommended to dress in layers and bring both warm and waterproof clothing or rain ponchos.

DOCUMENTS YOU MUST CARRY DURING THE TREK

• Original Passport
• Original student card if you have applied for a student discount.

NOTE: Salkantay Treks Peru provides a duffle bag in which you can pack up to 7 kilograms of your personal belongings, which will be carried by horses during the trek. During the trek, you will carry a small backpack with the necessary items for the day hike. The rest of your belongings can be packed in the duffle bag, which will be accessible at each campsite.

Travel Guide

Lares Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Peruvian region of Cuzco. This route will take you through impressive Andean mountains, high altitude lakes and remote Quechua villages. Here is a travel guide to help you plan your Lares Trek experience.

How to get there:

The Lares route starts in the town of Lares, located about 100 km north of Cuzco. To get to Lares, you can take a bus or rent a private car. The trip takes about 4-5 hours from Cuzco. You can also take a train from Cuzco to Ollantaytambo and then a cab to Lares.

When to go:

The best time to hike the Lares route is from April to November. During this period, the weather is relatively dry and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the mountains. It is important to note that temperatures can drop significantly at night, so warm clothing is recommended.

Hiking route:

The Lares Trek is a 3-day trek covering a distance of approximately 33 miles. The first day you walk from Lares to the first camp, located at an altitude of about 3,000 meters. The second day is the longest and most difficult day of the route, where you will cross two high altitude passes, at over 4,000 meters, before descending to the second camp. On the third day, you will hike to the village of Ollantaytambo and take a train to Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu.

What to bring:

It is recommended to pack lightly for the hike to Lares, as you will be carrying your own backpack. The essentials you should bring include a good quality sleeping bag, warm clothes, hiking boots, waterproof jacket, sunscreen, hat and gloves. You should also bring a bottle of water, water purification tablets and snacks for the hike.

Lodging:

During the route, you will camp in tents at designated campsites. The campsites are basic but comfortable and have toilets and a dining tent. You will be provided with a sleeping bag, foam mattress and pillow.

Food: The trek includes all meals, prepared by the trekking company. Meals are usually a mix of Peruvian and international cuisine and include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available upon request.

Guides and porters:

It is mandatory to trek with a certified guide and a team of porters who will carry the camping equipment and supplies. The guides know the local culture and history and are fluent in English and Spanish. It is customary to tip the guides and porters at the end of the trek.

In conclusion, the Lares route is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail for those seeking a less crowded and more off the beaten path experience. With its breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion and demanding hikes, it is a trip that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Inca Trail Avaialability, (Oficial Inca Trail Permits 2024)