Spring is the season of choice for a hiking adventure in the Andes Mountains. With Machu Picchu as our end goal, much husband and I chose the path less travelled in order to reach this famous Incan city, namely: the Salkantay (Sell-can-tee) trail.
This high altitude, glacier-enclosed, four-season trek was remarkable and challenging in ways we had never expected. What we have learnt from our varied travel experiences is that preparation is not only the key to survival, but to joy.
I will share with you the essential, must-haves for a week trekking in South America, through the Andes in October.... and other tips.
10must-haves for hiking in Peru
One. Insect repellent
LOTS. OF. IT. APPLIED. GENEROUSLY. AND. CONSISTENTLY.
I really can't stress this enough. I bathed in it, quite literally.
It can be purchased in the city prior to the hike, but coming from South Africa (mosquito infested inland around water) I was well-equipped.
Almost every foreigner we clapped eyes on had been viciously attacked by these microscopic beasts. They are smaller than the average anopheles and not malaria carrying but exist in swarms in the jungles through which you will walk and bite you through your clothes and around all hot spots on the body, including elbows.
The bites appear as large red welts and last weeks. Well, the few that gas-masked their way onto my skin did. Spray as if you are spraying to save your life (no holding back on the drama).
Two. Altitude medication
If you are a beach-dwelling, low altitude happy camper, buy the meds (sold in any of the many local pharmacies). That was me.
In fact, I strongly recommend three-day advance acclimation in the city, Cusco prior to your trek. You think all will be well because you are fit and 'hike all the time'. Ha. My thoughts exactly. How wrong can you be? Very, so I learned.
Three. bottled water
Refrain from drinking water out of taps in third-world countries.
Local do it? Sure they do, they've grown up there. We, visitors, are not used to the chemicals and bacteria in foreign water.
Solution: buy bottled water for drinking and even brushing teeth. You have enough to worry about with the altitude, a bacterial infection shouldn't be another.
Four. Bandages and aids
Waterproof hiking shoes are necessary for hiking in Peru. I recommend the ones that support your ankles. The terrain changes from dirt paths to rocky outcrop and good shoes, including inner pads are essential.
After hiking for over 20km, you are bound to experience irritation or pain in your feet, from wet socks or rubbing shoes. This can be alleviated with strapping or bandages and band aids. You won't regret packing them.
Five. Clothing for all seasons
Day one of my hike started at 4 a.m. and it was really cold. Breakfast at the base was even colder. The hike didn't warm up and then, it rained, a lot.
Day two started frosty near the Salkantay Glacier Peak and warmed up to be wearing a tank top. Then, it rained. A lot.
Day three was a scorcher. It was hot and humid all day.
^^Perfect examples of the necessity to pack for all seasons.
Further packing recommendations
- A T-shirt a day or one for every two days
- A pair of shorts and tights/longs
- Long sleeved top for layering at night
- Something warm (down jacket) or wool sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants (very important)
- A pair of long hiking socks per day
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Alternate, comfortable shoes to wear at night (even when it rains)
- Poncho and backpack cover
- Toiletries
- Gloves for the evenings
- Scarf (a lama wool, colorful one can be bought there) or buff
- Beanie, cap (headgear)
Six. Sanitation
On your four or five day trek you will probably only get one opportunity to shower (the night before the Machu Picchu trek) and many opportunities to "relieve yourself" in nature throughout the day.
Toilet paper and a plastic disposal packet will help, as will waterless hand sanitizer to clean your hands and wet wipes to clean your body at the end of the day.
Extras that might slip your mind that you should consider packing
- Two liter water bottles or camelback
- Altitude medication (see #2)
- Muscle relief cream (Icy Hot and the like)
- Sunscreen
- Wet wipes (you won't be showering along the trek)
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Hiking poles—optional
Seven. Camera
I don't know anyone that doesn't snap Instagram-worthy pictures or tweet throughout a holiday, the envy of all your followers. For convenience, my husband often uses his iPhone.
Thankfully ,one of us captures the surrounding glory but I strongly suggest an actual camera or GoPro if you plan on enlarging your pictures, for better quality images. The sights are out-of-this-world breathtaking and photos will never do them justice but for the purpose for memory capturing, snap away!
Eight. Local coins
Soles or 'sun' money
Locals expect tips for their services.
Keeping notes and coins for tipping is important to remember as well as small currency for using the toilet where you can (you pay to use the bathroom everywhere other than a restaurant you are dining at). The currency in Peru is the Sol.
Nine. headlamp
On the trails, you won't have much access to electricity (at least not in your tent or for late-night bathroom trips). Headlamps are the hands-free alternative to flashlights/torches and I never travel without mine.
Ten. Plastic bags
As mentioned, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Plastic bags are excellent waterproofing from the rain. Compartmentalize your clothes into plastic bags for easy access in your pack and to keep them dry.
I use use packet for tops/jackets, one for pants/tights, one for bathing suit/underwear/socks etc.
I hope this helps. Feel free to comment or question.
Would you go on a backpacking adventure in Peru?
Much love,