what to packf or peru

What to Pack (and Not Pack) for Peru

There is an incredible destination that is extremely popular among travelers: Peru. What is it famous for? The list is infinite but one of the main things is its incredible diversity. With three different climate zones (coast, highlands, and jungle), Peru counts with many diverse ecosystems and places to explore. So, depending on your travel plans -where and when you want to come-, you have to pack the right items. Cusco Peru Travel will give you a detailed list of what to pack for Peru. Reading this, you will pack your bags like a pro for your perfect Peru vacation!

You should know this before packing

Rainy season

pack for peru rainy machu picchu

November through April is considered the rainy season. It’s especially strong in the highlands such as Machu Picchu. The temperature is milder but there are heavy rains. 

At the same time of the year, the coastal areas -Lima and northern beaches- are very warm and dry. The days are sunny and bright but nights can get a little chilly due to the sea breeze. If you plan some luxury Peru tours in the jungle, you must know that the Amazon is hot and humid all year round. It is characterized by frequent rain showers and steamy temperatures. Also, due to the presence of mosquitos, we recommend wearing long and light clothing.

Thus, wherever you are in Peru during this season, you must bring your raincoat or poncho and rain boots as part of your “What to pack for Peru” list. Light fabrics would be the best option, they are not heavy when they get wet.

Dry season

pack for peru dry season la raya

From May to October. These months are considered the most popular ones to visit Peru due to the best weather conditions.

If you plan to hike to Machu Picchu, you will walk under blue skies and the days will be sunny. But keep in mind that the higher you go the colder it gets. So, be prepared for cold nights, a wool sweater would be perfect. If you can’t bring everything you need, you can buy alpaca products anywhere in Peru.

Along with the coastal areas, the temperature is milder but the weather is more humid. So, how to pack for Peru? Pack lightweight clothing and of course, a swimsuit. 

Essential Packing List

What to pack for Peru? The idea is to pack light and wisely. If you are strategic, nothing will go wrong.

Electronic

pack for peru electronic stuff

First off, the electrical outlets in Peru are different, they have a voltage of 220 volts. It means that you will need an adapter and if your devices can’t handle this voltage, you must get a step-down converter.

Peru boasts some of the most impressive and stunning sceneries on this planet. Thus, consider investing in a high-quality camera, you will catch the Peruvian beauty in all its splendor. Also, bring an extra battery and SD cards. But if you can’t afford to buy the best camera because you are already figuring out the Peru vacation cost, don’t worry. A medium-quality camera or even a good cellphone would be completely fine.

Finally, getting a local SIM card is always a good idea but be aware that in remote parts of Peru, you won’t have a phone signal. Consider a portable charger as well.

Clothing

Layering clothes is always good for any trip. Cotton or special fast-drying outdoor clothes would be great.

What to pack for Peru? We recommend you to pack light-weighted t-shirts, shorts, long trekking pants, jeans, cotton socks and trekking socks, a jumper or zipper, a poncho or a lightweight rain jacket, an scarf, a hat, sunglasses, a dressy outfit (for going out) and bathing suit (if you plan to go to beaches, hot springs or the Amazon).

Footwear

pack for peru footwear

Everybody knows that the best way to explore a new place is on foot. The Peruvian highlands such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley of the Incas and Colca Canyon have big cobblestones. A lot of ups and downs, ups and downs… For this reason, bring hiking shoes (waterproof hiking boots during the rainy season), preferably with high ankles. Athletic shoes can be fine as well, just make sure they are comfortable and have good treads on the bottom. It will give you good support and your feet won’t sore after your tours.

If you are heading to beaches or the Amazon, we recommend athletic sandals. Flip flops are good too, but the Peruvian roads/paths are not good enough as you can expect in any western city.

Toiletries & Medicine

What to pack for Peru depends on what region of Peru you plan to visit. To illustrate, in the Andean mountains -above 2,000 meters of altitude-, the sun is extremely intense and altitude sickness can hit you badly. In the jungle, mosquitoes are a big problem (in Machu Picchu as well); also, yellow fever and rabies are an issue.

So, do bring: Bag with all the basics (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc.), sunscreen, moisturizing lotion (it’s very dry in the highlands), altitude-sickness medicine (you can try coca leaves as well) or any prescription medicine you might need, insect repellent and painkillers (maybe for relieving pain after your tours).

Other items to pack

  • Copies of all your important travel documents such as your passport.
  • Copy of your travel insurance Peru.

Keep these things off your packing list

  • Jewelry: Expensive jewelry or flashy goods can make you an easy target for crooks.
  • Lots of cash: Of course it’s completely understandable you want to take an amount of emergency cash but don’t carry large sums. There are ATMs almost everywhere. Also, lots of places take credit cards too.
  • Unnecessary devices: Although Peru is a safe destination, like any other country, it has its own bunch of scoundrels, crooks, and thieves. So, take into consideration that if you carry too many devices, you will definitely be a target. Or there could be a risk of damaging them.
  • Sleeping bag: Hotels will provide all the bedding you need. They even have all the equipment for camping. 
  • Mosquito net: Hotels or lodges will also provide you the mosquito net. You definitely don’t need to carry a bulky net with you.

To conclude, Cusco Peru Travel also recommends you to leave extra empty space for your Peruvians souvenirs. Peru counts with marvelous things such as colorful and beautiful textiles. In fact, one of the most charming in the world!

pack for peru souvenirs shop

Peru has many wonders waiting for you to be discovered. Here in Cusco Peru Travel, our speciality is to make your trip an outstanding experience, fill-in this form and let your tailor-made luxury Peru vacation begin.


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