Useful Salkantay Trek

CLOTHING

It will be below freezing on the first night in the mountains. The frigid conditions are also exaggerated by high humidity. You must have winter clothing and a warm sleeping bag. My 0°F down Big Agnes was very comfortable. Bring chemical foot warmers or boil some water for a hot water bottle or regular bottle to keep your feet warm at the bottom of the sleeping bag.
It will get very hot during the day, especially at lower altitudes. Synthetic (non-cotton) light clothing is essential.
Good hiking boots are a must. You will be carrying a lot of weight uphill for 1 day and downhill for 3 days. You shoes must be able to protect your feet; but athletic tape is always a good backup.
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco/Peru)

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

• 
  Backpack 65lt and big enough rain cover or plastic bag to cover the backpack when the horse will be carrying
•  Sleeping bag can be hired from our office for $5 USD per day
•  Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco/Peru)
•  Strong comfortable and waterproof footwear
•  One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porter, see  options below)
•  Sweater and jacket (something warm)
•  Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)
•  Flashlight and batteries
•  Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
•  Sun block (sun protection cream)
•  Insect repellent
•  Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
•  Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc
•  Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
•  Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs)

 You also need to bring your original passport on the trail
 Optional: walking sticks or poles

Dealing With Altitude (Sickness)

The highest point along the trek is at 4,600-4,800m / 15,100-15,700ft. Everyone is different but most people do feel 15,000ft in one way or another; generally, around 10,000-11,000ft you start sensing the elevation effects beyond the basic breathing difficulties.  lightheadedness, etc, and were prepared for the worst on the trek.

The key to dealing with altitude sickness is acclimatization. Your body *will* get used to the height and lack of oxygen if you give it enough time. At the very least, spend 2-3 days in Cuzco, which is located at 3,360m / 11,000ft. If you have the time, do your best to plan the order of your Peru itinerary to gain elevation gradually, ie:
      - Arequipa: 2,500m / 8,200ft
      - Ollantaytambo: 2,850m / 9,350ft
      - Pisac: 2,960m / 9,700ft
      - Cuzco: 3,360m / 11,000ft
      - Puno: 3,830m / 12,600ft
This will save you a lot of headache (literally) and you will be well prepared for the hike.

Mild altitude sickness symptoms include headache, possibly increasing to slight dizziness or light-headedness. Moderate symptoms elevate to nausea and loss of appetite. A good comprehensive description is here: http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm

Coca leaves, widely used throughout Peru as well as for the Incas to cure practically everything, are known to provide significant relief of the altitude sickness symptoms by improving oxygen absorption, reducing fatigue, and providing many vitamins and minerals.