What to Pack for Peru: The Complete Packing List

Peru spans some of the most extreme climatic contrasts in the world. A single trip might take you from Lima’s cool coastal fog to Cusco’s cold altitude nights to Amazon heat — all in a week. The key principle is layers, not bulk.

Core Clothing for the Highlands (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno)

Dry Season (May–October)

• Down jacket or warm fleece — Nights in Cusco regularly reach 2–5°C. Non-negotiable. Packable down (600g or less) packs small and is versatile.
• Lightweight waterproof jacket — Even in dry season, afternoon showers can occur at altitude. A shell-only waterproof that packs to the size of a fist is ideal.
• Moisture-wicking base layer (2–3 tops) — Merino wool is excellent: odour-resistant, temperature-regulating, quick-drying. Synthetic alternatives are lighter and cheaper.
• Mid-layer fleece or thermal — For very cold mornings (Puno, Huaraz).
• Trekking trousers (zip-off are practical) — 2 pairs for multi-day treks; 1 pair for city sightseeing.
• Lightweight comfortable trousers/jeans — For Cusco restaurants and evenings.
• T-shirts (2–3) — Light layers.
• Thermal base layers — For Puno’s below-freezing nights and cold highland mornings.
• Warm hat and gloves — Essential for early morning treks and cold nights.
• Sun hat — UV at altitude is intense even when it feels cool.
• Underwear (5–6 sets) — Merino wool underwear is worth the investment.
• Light hiking socks and warm wool socks — Mix for different conditions.

Wet Season (November–April) Additions

• Waterproof trousers/rain pants — For serious trekking in wet season.
• Waterproof pack cover — Protects bag and electronics in heavy rain.
• Gaiters — For muddy highland trails.
• Extra dry bags — Electronics, important documents.

Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support — For any highland trekking. Break them in before arrival.
• Comfortable walking shoes or trail runners — For city days and easy day hikes.
• Flip flops or sandals — For showers at hostels, Lima, and the Amazon.

For Lima and the Coast

Lima’s climate is mild and not extreme in any direction. Pack:

• Light clothing (t-shirts, light trousers, a dress if preferred)
• A light jacket for evenings and the garúa season (June–October)
• Swimwear for summer months (December–April)
• Smart-casual outfit if planning fine dining

For the Amazon (Iquitos and Jungle Lodges)

The Amazon is hot (27–33°C), humid, and full of insects.

• Light long-sleeve shirts (2–3) — Sun and insect protection without overheating.
• Light long trousers — Keep bare skin to a minimum near dusk.
• Strong DEET insect repellent (50% DEET minimum) — Buy full-strength in Lima; weaker formulas are ineffective against Amazon insects.
• Head net — For mosquito-dense environments.
• Quick-dry clothing — Cotton stays damp; synthetics dry in an hour.
• Waterproof sandals or rubber boots — Most lodges provide rubber boots; check ahead.
• Swimwear — For river swims (check lodge safety guidance on wildlife).

Gear for Trekking

• Trekking poles — Highly recommended for the Inca Trail, Santa Cruz, and Salkantay descents; reduces knee strain. Can be hired in Cusco and Huaraz for approximately S/10–S/20 per day.
• Headlamp with spare batteries — Essential for early morning starts and the Sun Gate on the Inca Trail.
• Sleeping bag (comfort rating -5°C or below) — For camping treks. Check if your tour operator provides these.
• Daypack (20–30 litres) — For day hikes and day visits. Most porter-supported treks allow one small personal daypack.
• Water bottle (1.5 litres minimum) or hydration bladder — Staying hydrated is essential at altitude.
• Water purification tablets or filter — For multi-day wilderness treks.

Sun Protection (Critical at Altitude)

UV radiation at 3,000m+ is approximately 50% more intense than at sea level, even when temperatures feel cool. Sunburn at altitude is easy to underestimate.

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ — Apply daily, including overcast days.
• Sunglasses (UV400) — Glacier glare on the Cordillera Blanca requires quality UV protection.
• Lip balm with SPF — Altitude dries and cracks lips rapidly.

Health and Medications

• Altitude sickness medication: Consult a doctor before departure. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is available in Peru pharmacies but discuss dosage with a medical professional.
• Oral rehydration salts — For dehydration from altitude or stomach illness.
• Ibuprofen or paracetamol — For altitude headaches.
• Stomach medication (loperamide, Pepto-Bismol) — Traveller’s diarrhoea is common in the first week.
• Antibiotic prescription — Ask your doctor about a single-course antibiotic for severe stomach illness.
• Personal prescription medications — Bring enough for your full trip plus 1 week extra.

Tech and Documents

• Power bank — Essential for multi-day treks and lodge stays with limited charging.
• Universal adapter — Peru uses US two-pin sockets (Type A) and round two-pin (Type C). A universal adapter is the simplest option.
• Camera/phone — Altitude photography is excellent; ensure adequate storage.
• Offline maps — Download maps.me or Google Maps offline for areas without signal.
• Photocopies of passport and documents — Keep in a separate bag from originals.
• Yellow fever certificate — Required by jungle lodges and some border crossings if entering from high-risk countries.