What to Eat During the Salkantay Trek? Tips and Recommendations for 2025

The Salkantay Trek is not only a challenging and rewarding journey through the Andes but also an opportunity to enjoy a variety of nourishing and delicious meals that fuel your adventure. Proper nutrition plays a key role in ensuring you have the energy and stamina to complete the trek, while also keeping you warm and comfortable at high altitudes. In this guide, we’ll explore what to eat during the Salkantay Trek and offer tips and recommendations for the best foods to keep you energized in 2025.

1. What to Expect from Trekking Meals

When booking a guided Salkantay Trek, most packages include meals prepared by experienced cooks who accompany your group. The meals are designed to be nutritious and filling, catering to the dietary needs of trekkers who need to maintain energy and warmth during the trek.

What’s Included in a Typical Salkantay Trek Meal Plan:

• Breakfast: A hearty start to the day often includes hot drinks (coffee, tea, or coca tea), scrambled eggs, bread, pancakes, or porridge. Breakfasts are packed with carbohydrates and proteins to fuel you for the day’s hike.
• Lunch: Lunches are usually served on the trail and include rice, quinoa, pasta, or potatoes, paired with vegetables and a protein source such as chicken or fish. Some lunches may also include a soup starter.
• Dinner: After a long day of trekking, dinner is a hot, multi-course meal. Expect soup to start, followed by a main dish of rice, potatoes, pasta, and a protein like beef, chicken, or trout. Dinner ends with a hot drink to warm you up for the night.
• Snacks: Some trekking companies also provide snacks, such as fruits, energy bars, and nuts, to keep you fueled between meals.

For more details on meal plans and what’s included, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

2. Local Foods to Try on the Salkantay Trek

One of the highlights of trekking in Peru is the opportunity to enjoy traditional Andean foods that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to support high-altitude activities.

Traditional Foods to Enjoy:

• Quinoa: A staple of the Andean diet, quinoa is packed with protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. It’s often served as part of soups, stews, or salads on the trek.
• Potatoes: Peru is home to thousands of varieties of potatoes, many of which you’ll encounter during your trek. They’re commonly served in soups or as a side dish to main meals.
• Aji de Gallina: This traditional Peruvian chicken stew made with a mildly spicy aji pepper sauce is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for replenishing energy at the end of the day.
• Trucha (Trout): Freshwater trout, often sourced from the local rivers, is a popular protein served on the trek. It’s typically grilled or baked and served with rice or potatoes.

For those interested in experiencing more of the local cuisine, Guiding Cusco Expeditions ensures that many meals on the trek feature traditional Peruvian flavors.

3. Hydration and Hot Drinks

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your energy levels and preventing altitude sickness on the Salkantay Trek. Most trekking companies provide boiled water or filtered water during meals and at refilling stations along the trail.

Tips for Staying Hydrated:

• Drink Plenty of Water: Aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day to stay properly hydrated, especially at higher altitudes where dehydration can happen more quickly.
• Coca Tea: Coca tea is a popular drink in the Andes and is believed to help with altitude sickness. Many trekkers drink coca tea in the mornings and evenings to reduce the effects of altitude.
• Electrolytes: Bring electrolyte tablets or powder to mix into your water. These help replenish lost salts and minerals after long hours of hiking.

For more tips on staying hydrated during the trek, contact Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

4. Snacks to Bring for Extra Energy

While trekking companies provide meals and sometimes snacks, it’s a good idea to bring extra high-energy snacks to keep your energy levels up between meals, especially during long trekking days.

Recommended Snacks for the Salkantay Trek:

• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, and trail mix provide a quick and convenient source of protein and healthy fats.
• Energy Bars: Pack a variety of energy bars that are high in carbohydrates and protein. Look for bars made with natural ingredients like oats, honey, and nuts.
• Dried Fruit: Dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, and bananas are packed with vitamins and natural sugars, providing a quick energy boost.
• Chocolate or Dark Chocolate: A small piece of chocolate can provide a burst of energy and is a great morale booster on tough hiking days.

Having snacks on hand is especially important on longer trekking days when lunch might be hours away. For snack recommendations, check out Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

5. Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

If you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, it’s important to inform your trekking company in advance. Many trekking companies, including Guiding Cusco Expeditions, can accommodate a variety of dietary needs.

Common Dietary Accommodations:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Vegetarian and vegan trekkers will find plenty of options on the Salkantay Trek. Meals can be adjusted to include more plant-based proteins like lentils, quinoa, and vegetables.
• Gluten-Free: While some traditional Peruvian dishes contain gluten, many meals can be adapted to be gluten-free by replacing wheat-based products with rice or potatoes.
• Allergies: If you have food allergies, make sure to communicate them clearly to your trekking company so they can prepare safe, allergy-friendly meals.

For more information on how your dietary needs can be accommodated, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

6. Meals at Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes

After completing the Salkantay Trek, most trekkers spend time exploring Machu Picchu before heading down to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved meal. While meals during the trek are hearty and basic, you’ll find a variety of restaurants in Aguas Calientes offering traditional Peruvian dishes and international cuisine.

Where to Eat in Aguas Calientes:

• Local Restaurants: Many local restaurants offer traditional Peruvian meals, such as Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef with vegetables) and Ceviche (fresh fish marinated in citrus juice). These are great options for a post-trek feast.
• Pizzerias: After days of trekking, some trekkers crave comfort food like pizza, and Aguas Calientes has plenty of pizzerias where you can enjoy a hearty meal.
• Cafes: If you’re looking for a light meal or snack, Aguas Calientes has several cafes where you can relax with a coffee and pastry.

To make the most of your post-trek meals, explore Guiding Cusco Expeditions‘ recommendations for dining in Aguas Calientes.

7. What to Avoid Eating on the Salkantay Trek

While trekking, it’s important to avoid certain foods that could potentially cause discomfort, especially at high altitudes where digestion can be more difficult.

Foods to Avoid:

• Heavy, Greasy Foods: Avoid consuming large amounts of fried or greasy foods, as they can cause stomach discomfort and make hiking more difficult.
• Unfamiliar Street Food: If you’re tempted to try street food before the trek, be cautious. Foodborne illnesses can derail your trek, so stick to foods that you know are safe and clean.
• Too Much Alcohol: While it may be tempting to celebrate with a drink, alcohol can dehydrate you and worsen the effects of altitude sickness. Save the celebratory drink for after you complete the trek.

For tips on what to avoid eating before and during the trek, contact Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

Proper nutrition is key to enjoying and completing the Salkantay Trek successfully. By fueling your body with the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, you can stay energized and comfortable throughout the journey. From traditional Peruvian dishes to high-energy snacks, there are plenty of options to keep you well-fed as you trek toward Machu Picchu. Remember to stay hydrated, pack snacks, and enjoy the local cuisine to make your Salkantay Trek food experience in 2025 as enjoyable as the scenery.

For more information or to book your trek, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions, or contact us directly via WhatsApp.