Packing & Preparation

Packing for Peru can be tricky. One day you’ll be in a T-shirt on Lima’s sunny coast, and the next you’ll be bundled in a jacket in Cusco’s chilly evenings. Add in the Amazon’s humidity or the Andes’ rain, and layers become your best friend.

Clothing Essentials

• Layers, Layers, Layers: Temperatures swing drastically between day and night. Bring base layers, a fleece or sweater, and a rain jacket.

• Hiking Gear: Comfortable hiking shoes, moisture-wicking socks, and a daypack are musts for treks.

• Rain Protection: Even in dry season, sudden showers happen in the Andes. A packable rain jacket and backpack cover are lifesavers.

• Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the Andean sun. It is powerful, even when it feels cool.

👉 Our experience: In Cusco, we went from wearing T-shirts in the afternoon to bundling up in puffy jackets after sunset (in the same day). Actually, depending on if you were in the sun or in the shade would make a drastic difference. That's why we are stressing layers.

Gear & Accessories

• Water Bottle/Filter: Tap water isn’t drinkable, so bring a filter bottle to cut down on plastic.

• Headlamp/Flashlight: Handy for treks, power outages, or early morning tours.

• Portable Power Bank: Outlets aren’t always accessible on buses or in lodges.

• Travel Adapter: Peru uses 220V, Type A & C plugs. Many hotels have dual sockets, but bring an adapter just in case.

Toiletries & Health

• Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes: Useful in markets and when bathrooms don’t have supplies.

• Medication: We are not doctors, but feel it is always good to have basic pain relief and stomach medicine on hand. We also would recommend Dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness, since Peru has many windy roads. And if your doctor recommends, pack altitude meds (though we are going to show you some other options.

• Bug Repellent: Essential for the Amazon and even some Andean valleys.

• Toilet Paper: Many public restrooms don’t supply it. We recommend carrying a small pack of tissues for this purpose.

Hiking & Outdoor Add-ons

• Trekking Poles: Helpful for steep or uneven trails (available for rent in Cusco if you don’t bring your own).

• Camping Gear: Only if you’re doing independent treks; most guided treks provide it.

• Swimwear: For hot springs, thermal baths, or Amazon lodges.

Special Notes

• Earthquake Preparedness: Tremors are common in Peru. Know your exit routes in hotels and keep essentials (shoes, flashlight, passport) close at night.

• Bathrooms: Many places don’t allow flushing toilet paper. Instead, you will typically see a small trash bin next to the toilet for this purpose.

• Cash for Trails: Some hikes and ruins require small entry fees, often cash-only.

✨ Bottom Line: Peru demands versatility in your suitcase. Pack smart with layers, sturdy shoes, and a few practical extras, and you’ll be ready for anything from city strolls to jungle treks.