Food on the Salkantay Trek

Food on the Salkantay Trek. The trek is one of the most demanding due to the distance traveled. The physical strain is intense, which is why it is necessary to recover energy with good nutrition. Our company uses a wide variety of fresh products, produced and processed by the people of the region of Cusco, and it is one of the best letters of introduction we have on this trek to the city of Machu Picchu.

If You Go with a Guided Trek Food on the Salkantay Trek

Most travelers join guided treks (the trail is remote and multi-day). Food is usually included:

• Meals: Hot breakfasts, filling lunches, and hearty dinners cooked by trek chefs.
• Typical Dishes:
  • Soups (quinua, vegetable, chicken) to start meals
  • Rice, pasta, or potatoes with chicken, beef, or trout
  • Vegetarian options available if requested in advance
  • Fresh fruit, tea, and coca tea for altitude
• Snacks: Popcorn, crackers, or cookies in the afternoon; trail snacks like granola bars, candies, or local fruits.
• Special Touches: Some companies provide a “last night celebration” meal with cake or a more elaborate dinner.

If You Go Independently

• You’ll need to carry your own food or buy simple supplies along the way (small shops exist in a few villages like Soraypampa, Chaullay, and Lucmabamba).
• Good options to bring: instant noodles, pasta, rice, oatmeal, tuna, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars.
• Water can be refilled from streams/rivers but must be purified (filter, iodine, or chlorine drops).

Food Highlights Along the Trail

• Lucmabamba: Known for local coffee farms—you can sometimes get fresh-brewed coffee on day 3 or 4.
• Hydration: Coca tea is common to help with altitude, plus hot drinks at camp.

Typical Food on the Salkantay Trek.

Breakfast

• Hot drinks (coca tea, coffee, hot chocolate)
• Oatmeal, quinoa porridge, or pancakes
• Scrambled eggs, omelets, or bread with jam and butter
• Fresh fruit when available

Lunch (served on the trail)

• Soup (Andean soups like quinoa, vegetable, or chicken)
• Main dish: rice or pasta with vegetables, chicken, beef, or trout
• Fresh salad (often avocado, tomato, cucumber)
• Herbal teas or juices

Dinner (at camp)

• Hot soup (to warm up at altitude)
• Main dish: hearty Peruvian meals such as lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), aji de gallina (chicken in creamy sauce), or trout with rice and veggies
• Carbs: potatoes, rice, or pasta
• Dessert: pudding, fruit, or small cakes
• Hot drinks

Food on the Salkantay Trek

Snacks

• Treks usually provide trail snacks: fruit, chocolate bars, cookies, popcorn, or hot drinks during afternoon tea.
• Many trekkers also bring their own energy bars or nuts.

Drinking Water

• Boiled or filtered water is provided after the first day.
• Always refill at camp each morning and lunch stop.