There is a lot to consider when packing for whatever vacation you choose. A Peru packing list is no different. Peru is a diverse country, so you will need to pack for many different climates, seasons, and even occasions.
If you plan to spend time in the Amazon in Peru, wear cooler and breathable clothing. If you plan to visit high-altitude zones like Cusco and Puno, the temperatures can be low. Thus, you should bring warm clothing and rain gear for your trip. In the case of the coast, you should wear breathable and rain-cut clothing.
Of course, not to mention the season you will visit Peru. From April to November, the dry season means wearing clothes that protect against the sun’s rays and are light and comfortable. Otherwise, during the rainy season from December to March, you need to wear warm and thick clothes. These clothes should also be comfortable and water-repellent.
Now, you should analyze the main activities to realize in your Peru journey. If you are going to realize adventure tours, a backpack with light and outdoor clothes will be the best. If you plan to visit cities and cultural sites, choosing a suitcase with casual and comfortable clothes is your way.
But rest assured! Our Machu Travel Peru team has compiled a list of essential items for your vacation in Peru. Face in the best way one of the most megadiverse countries in climate and areas of the world!
Some of the necessary items that you have to take to Peru
- Peru basic clothes
- Top 10 wearable items
- Footwear for Peru
- Clothing for the Amazon
- Clothing for the Andes
- Clothing for the Coast
- Essential portable items
- Medications
- Electronic devices
Peru basic clothes
Whether in the jungle, the Andes, or by the coast, you will always need these items. They are essential for exploring this amazing country of contrasts, and this is true in both the rainy and dry seasons! This is our Peru ultimate packing list for you.
- Daypack with waterproof cover
- Canteen for water (water bottle)
- Local mobile chip
- Portable Phone Power Banks
- Waterproof see-through phone
Top 10 wearable items
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Cotton short-sleeved T-shirt
- Waterproof thermal jacket
- Comfortable and elastic cargo pants (Convertibles them in shorts)
- Non-slip comfortable shoes
- Underwear as much as you think you will need
- Socks as much as you think you will need
- Jeans
- A warm sweater
- A bathing suit
Footwear for Peru
If you are planning a trip to Peru, footwear is also essential to consider, and you have to bring the right type. Walking over stones at Machu Picchu, sand on the north beaches, mud in the Amazon, or cement in Lima can be a real challenge.
Thus, good-quality and all-terrain walking shoes are necessary items. Of course, if you want to bring shoes for each occasion and your backpack supports it, go ahead!
However, in this article, we’ll recommend the most practical and all-occasion shoes to save space in your suitcase.
- High trekking-waterproof boots (Sierra and Jungle)
- Low-top trainers with rough soles (For sand and coast)
- Sneakers or tennis (For the city)
Clothing for the Amazon
The Amazon has a tropical rainy climate with an average temperature of 82°F. That means humid and warm weather almost all year round. Not to mention the heavy rainfall that can occur at any time. Of course, these occur more frequently in the rainy season, from November to March.
In this sense, light cotton is the answer to your jungle excursion as a base layer.
For example,, to avoid mosquito bites in your Machu Picchu tours, wear long pants and long sleeves. In addition to Peru’s basic items mentioned above, the following Peru packing list provides more tips.
- Non-slip comfortable shoes
- Waterproof jacket thermal
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable and elastic cargo pants (Convertible in shorts)
- Rain pants
- Cotton short-sleeved T-shirt
- Sun protection (Sun-block)
- Bug spray
- Flat sandals
Clothing for the Andes
The Andes and highland mountains have an average maximum mean temperature of 75.92°F, ranging from 75.92°F (March) to 61.34° F (July). The climate is dry, with strong sunshine at midday and extreme temperature drops in the mornings and evenings. Without considering the altitude that is over 3,000 m.a.s.l. The rains are present during the rainy season, similar to the Amazon, from November to March.
If you are going to travel to Peru, you will surely travel somewhere up high, and that means it will be cold. The highlands include any of the mountainous areas such as Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Arequipa. It also includes any of the best trekking in Peru, such as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or Salkantay Trek.
- Pair of thermal pants (to be worn under regular pants)
- Thick trekking pants
- A thermal shirt
- A zip-up jacket (preferably fleece)
- Waterproof thermal padded jacket
- Waterproof gloves
- A hat
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Thick socks
- Scarf
Clothing for the Coast
The coast’s climate is hot, with cold breezes, dry to the south, and humid tropical to the north. From 25 °C to 33 °C, depending on relief and altitude. Of course, the rainy season (November to March) coincides with the summer in Peru and in the southern hemisphere. While the rainy season is present in the Amazon and the Andes, on the coast the rains are present, which are drizzling.
As soon as you get off the plane and leave Lima airport, you will notice these characteristics in its climate.
- Any lightweight and breathable clothing
- Sneakers
- Tennis
- Jeans
- A light shirt
- hut
- Sunglass
Essential portable items
- Toilet bag
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Sunblock
- Portable umbrella
- Trekking poles
- Snorkeling mask
- Passport case
- Sleeping bag travel-sized
Medications
Some of the medicines you should carry in your Peru packing list are:
- Pain relievers
- Stomach pain relievers
- Flu medicine
- Something for altitude sickness
- Toilet paper
If you travel to remote areas of the jungle, you may want to ask your doctor about anti-malarial medications. Bandages and blister cream will come in handy if you are walking a lot. Sometimes, it is difficult to find the brands you like in Peru, so bring all the cosmetics you like, as you may not get them there.
Carrying your medications will make you enjoy the different things to do in Peru much more calmly. Of course, Having travel insurance beforehand is the first thing you have to bring to Peru.
Electronic devices
Regarding electronics, Peru has A and C plugs, but citizens of most countries will need to bring an adapter.
- Extra batteries
- DS card for your camera
- Powerbank
- flashlight
- Adaptador
- Headphones
- Kindle/Book
“A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES MUST BEGIN WITH A SINGLE STEP”
In conclusion, the necessary elements that you will have to carry out will depend a lot on the region you are looking to visit. Together with Machu Travel Peru, we hope to have been of help for your future trip to Peru. If you want to know more about our scheduled trips, you can consult with our team of advisers. They can also help you know what to pack and what not to pack. We will be waiting for your prompt consultation.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!