Inca Trail Camping Equipment

Sleeping tents

On the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, conditions can vary between cold nights, humidity, and intense solar radiation. That’s why we use 3- and 4-season tents, carefully selected to provide maximum protection and comfort in high-altitude environments.

For this route, we allocate the best of our camping equipment: Eureka Timberline and Doite Pro Aconcagua 3. These are lightweight, waterproof, and durable tents designed for conditions above 16,400 ft (5,000 m) — well above the highest point of the Inca Trail, Warmiwañuska (13,829 ft / 4,215 m). This allows us to provide an extra margin of safety and comfort.

Main features:

• Comfortable capacity for 2 travelers per tent
• Two doors for better ventilation and accessibility
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• High resistance to wind and moisture
• Excellent thermal insulation

Our tents are set up before passengers arrive at the campsite, allowing them to rest immediately after each day’s hike.

Dining tent

To create a comfortable space where the group can gather, dine, and recharge after each day, Salkantay Trekking uses cabin-style dining tents, specially designed for multi-day mountain trekking routes. These are spacious, stable structures that provide a cozy and protected environment at the end of the day.

Main features:

• Cabin-style structure with a pitched roof
• Durable canvas walls
• High-durability waterproof roof
• Side windows with roll-up curtains
• Open front area for enhanced ventilation
• Capacity for up to 12 people (expandable depending on group size)

These tents are spacious and well-ventilated while also insulating against the cold and nighttime winds of the Peruvian Andes. The result is a warm, comfortable atmosphere where the experience continues even after leaving the trail.

Bathroom tent

On the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, sanitary infrastructure is limited. While many agencies use basic systems or traditional pit latrines, Salkantay Trekking operates with Cleanwaste toilet systems, a higher standard in mountain expeditions.

Our private Cleanwaste bathroom tent is designed to provide comfort, hygiene, and true privacy during the trek. It is a fully enclosed structure with enough height to stand comfortably and use the portable toilet in a clean, ventilated space protected from wind and moisture.

We use special Cleanwaste chemical waste bags, and as part of our sustainability policy, we remove 100% of the waste, disposing of it only in areas authorized by SERNANP. No waste is buried or left along the route, protecting the soil and biodiversity of the Inca Trail.

The tent is set up at each campsite and is available for the group’s free use while we remain in the area.

Camping Kitchen Equipment

Our kitchen equipment — pots, pans, cutlery, plates, pitchers, and cups — is primarily made of stainless steel. This material allows us to reduce weight without compromising durability, protecting our porters’ load while avoiding the use of disposable products.

All tableware is reusable and long-lasting, designed for multi-day mountain expeditions.

The tables and chairs are made of lightweight, portable aluminum, designed to provide real comfort at every meal.

In addition to being practical and lightweight, our tablecloths feature Andean-inspired patterns, adding a cultural touch that connects travelers with the surroundings from the very first campsite.

You’ll also have lighting provided by powerful lamps installed inside the dining tent, rechargeable with portable batteries, allowing you to enjoy comfortable, well-lit dinners even on cold mountain nights.

Complimentary extras for added comfort

On the Inca Trail, every detail matters in making the experience more comfortable — especially after demanding days of hiking.

As part of our service standards, we include extras that elevate your comfort at camp:

• Insulated sleeping pads
• Pillows
• Hot water bottles for cold nights
• Additional blankets

These items help improve sleep quality at high altitude and maintain body warmth when temperatures drop during Andean nights.

Sleeping Bags

We offer mummy-style Marmot sleeping bags, designed for the low temperatures of the Inca Trail. Featuring 650-fill duck down and Down Defender technology, they maintain insulation even in humid conditions. High quality, cleanliness, and maintenance guaranteed. Sleeping well isn’t optional — it’s an essential part of the experience.

Thermal specifications:

• Comfort: 27°F (-3°C) — ideal temperature for comfortable sleep
• Limit: 16°F (-9°C) — minimum functional temperature without compromising safety
• Extreme: -18°F (-28°C) — survival level in exceptional conditions

Each sleeping bag is washed, disinfected, and properly stored after every use, ensuring hygiene and optimal condition for each new expedition.

Trekking Poles with Rubber Tips

On the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, trekking poles with rubber tips are mandatory to help protect the historic trail. Ours are adjustable and available in two versions:

• Aluminum: strong, durable, 0.99 lb (450 g) per pole
• Carbon fiber: ultralight, 0.44 lb (200 g) per pole

Both feature a Quick Lock system (easy to adjust even while wearing gloves) and ergonomic grips that absorb impact. Ideal for gaining stability on any terrain along the Inca Trail.