The Ultimate Packing List For Peru

Packing for any trip that lasts multiple weeks can be challenging, but the varying climates and unpredictable weather in Peru makes it even more difficult.

To help you out, we’ve put together our tried and tested packing list for Peru that includes all of the essentials and our top recommendations. We spent months backpacking Peru, later returning to live in Cusco for 2 months, so we know exactly what you need in your backpack for every destination and itinerary. 

Whether you are planning to embark on multi-day treks, spot wildlife in the Amazon, city hop or hit the Peruvian coastline, we have you covered!

Packing for Peru Depending on Season

Packing for Peru in May to September

May-September in Peru is winter and also dry season. This means you usually get clear, sunny days and very cold nights, especially when at high altitudes. Temperatures can vary greatly during the winter, with highs of over 20°C to lows of below 0°C. 

This is the best time to go hiking in the Andes, including around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Conditions for visiting popular destinations such as Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and Lake Titicaca are at their best during these months.

During this season you are going to need lots of layers and warm clothes, especially if you plan to camp on multi-day hiking trips. If the Amazon Rainforest is on your itinerary, it remains hot and humid year round so you’ll need some cooler layers for this stop.  

Packing for Peru in December to March

December-March are the warmest months in Peru but also the wettest. Layers will still be necessary in areas of high altitude, but the main item on your packing list should be a waterproof coat. 

If you plan to visit Lima and the coastline of Peru, these months are the best for warm ocean temperatures, sunbathing and surfing. Even though it’s the rainy season, the coastline stays pretty dry so you can pack your best swimsuit, sunglasses, and sun cream.

Packing for Peru in October, November and April

October, November and April are considered the ‘shoulder season’. The weather in these months is a little less predictable but it’s the best time to travel to avoid the crowds and get cheaper rates on accommodation and activities. 

If you travel in these months, make sure to vary your packing to be prepared for all weather.

Now you have decided which season to travel in, let’s continue to the ultimate Peru packing list!

Peru Packing Checklist

Whether you are planning to backpack for months or visit for a 2 week holiday, this packing checklist for Peru has everything you need. 

When going on long-term trips, we aim to pack what we’d need for 2 weeks as it’s always possible to do laundry.

Clothing Essentials

Whichever season you’re travelling in, the weather can be unpredictable in Peru. One moment the sun will be shining and you’ll be putting on your shorts and t-shirt, the next you’ll be freezing and reaching for your coat. Because of this, it’s important to pack lots of layers to regulate your temperature.

Top Layers

• 3-4 T-shirts: Pack a mixture of short and long sleeved t-shirts. We recommend packing ones that are moisture-wicking, breathable, and fast drying. That way if you’re working up a sweat on a hike, or in the hot, humid jungle, you’ll always be kept cool and dry. Merino wool is the perfect material for this.

• 2-3 Sweaters: Bring lightweight sweaters or fleeces that you can easily fit in your day bag and chuck on as an extra layer if it starts to get cold. 

• 1 Insulated Jacket: This is a must if you have some hikes on your Peru itinerary and/or you plan to visit places at high altitude, such as Cusco. It can get very cold, especially in the evening so this jacket will give you that extra layer of warmth. 

• 1 Wind & Waterproof Jacket: Pack a breathable wind and waterproof jacket with a hood that you can wear comfortably over all of your layers. We’d recommend this at all times of year but particularly in the rainy season. We both have the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket and couldn’t recommend it more.

• 1 Evening Outfit: If you enjoy getting dressed up to go out for a fancy meal or drinks in the evening, pack at least 1 nice outfit. 

• 2 Hats: Pack 1 warm, wooly hat for those cold temperatures and 1 cap or sun hat to protect you from the sun. 

• Buff: Don’t forget to bring a buff to keep your neck warm and to pull up over your nose when it gets particularly cold. This was a life saver when we trekked to Machu Picchu. 

• Gloves: Having freezing hands is the worst so make sure to pack some warm, insulating gloves. 

• 2 PJ Tops: Pack 1 long and 1 short sleeved pyjama top so you can switch depending on the temperature.

Bottom Layers

• 2 Pairs of Hiking Bottoms: Whether you are hiking in the mountains or trekking in the rainforest, hiking bottoms are a must. Dan has some that zip off into shorts which are great for the varying temperatures. I prefer to hike in leggings which also work well.

• 1 Pair of Comfortable Trousers: A pair of leggings, joggers or comfortable floaty trousers are perfect for long travel journeys and chilling in your accommodation. 

• Wind and Waterproof Pants: These are great as an extra layer when trekking in cold temperatures at altitude. 

• 1 Pair of Shorts: Whatever your itinerary, we recommend packing at least one pair of shorts. If you plan to stay along the coast or head into the jungle for a longer period of time, you may want to bring more pairs. 

• 1 Pair of Jeans: Jeans are great for days spent in the city but you can pack whichever type of casual trouser you prefer. 

• 2 PJ Bottoms: We recommend bringing 1 pair of long, warm pyjama bottoms, and 1 pair of shorts. You’ll need warmth on the cold nights in the mountains but you don’t want to overheat when in the jungle or on the coast.  

Base Layers

• Underwear: We like to pack enough to last 2 weeks so that we don’t need to do laundry as often. Merino wool undies are a great option as they take up less space, are less heavy and are very comfortable for adventuring.

• 1 Thermal Base Layer: A thermal top and pair of leggings that you can wear under anything are perfect for regulating your body temperature, especially when at high altitudes.

• 2 Sports Bras: Bring supportive bras that are comfortable for long hikes, adrenaline activities, and bumpy bus journeys.  

• 2-3 Pairs of Hiking Socks: We recommend a mixture of light socks for the warmer climates and heavy, warm socks for the colder days and nights. 

• 1-2 Swimsuits: If you are spending some time by the coast then a swimsuit is a must. However, you’ll also need one for the mountains if you want to have a soak in the thermal pools and hot springs.

Comfortable Footwear

• Hiking Boots: Gore-Tex or waterproof hiking boots that provide ankle support are a must for the hikes in Peru. If you are planning on doing multi-day treks, such as the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, trainers will not be sufficient. Make sure to break them in before your trip! 

• Trainers: A pair of comfortable walking shoes such as trainers are needed for long days of city walking.

• Camp Shoes: Whether you prefer flip flops, birkenstocks or crocs, pack a good pair of camp shoes to run to the bathroom in when camping or when at your hostel. It’s best to bring a waterproof pair so that you can wear them in communal showers.  

Hiking in Peru: What to Pack

We’ve covered what clothes to bring, but there are also some extra essentials that you’ll need to pack for hiking in Peru.

• Water Bladder: When on a long hike, carrying multiple bottles of water to get you through the day can take up a lot of space. A water bladder is perfect for carrying large amounts of water and makes it easier to drink regularly while hiking. 

• Trekking Poles: If you have your own trekking poles, you may want to bring them with you rather than spending money on renting them. 

• Sleeping Bag Liner: A sleeping bag liner is a perfect extra layer of warmth when camping. You can also pack your own sleeping bag if you’d prefer but they are always available to rent. Rented sleeping bags however, are not always washed between uses which is an extra reason we like to pack sleeping bag liners.

Accessories

Below are the essential accessories that we recommend including in your Packing List for Peru:

• Filtered Water Bottle: The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink so we recommend packing a filtered water bottle. This is much more sustainable and affordable than buying lots of plastic water bottles. 

• Inflatable Travel Pillow: Travel pillows make night buses and plane journeys much more comfortable. We also used ours while on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu as pillows were not provided. Buying an inflatable pillow will save lots of space in your bag.

• Sunglasses: Pack some uv-blocking, polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the strong equatorial sun.  

• Money Belt: We always use a money belt for our cash, bank cards and phones to prevent them being stolen by pickpockets. To this date we have had nothing stolen (touch wood) so we’ll always recommend using one. 

• Locks: Bringing locks is an essential when you are staying in hostels to keep your valuables safe. Hostels rarely provide locks for their lockers so it’s important you bring your own. They can also be useful for locking your bags on travel days.  

• Ear Plugs & Eye Mask: Whether you are staying in hostel dorms or want to get a good sleep on night buses, a good pair of silicone ear plugs and an eye mask will be your best friends. 

• Headlamp or Flashlight & Extra Batteries: While camping on multi-day hikes, a headlamp or flashlight is a must for finding your way to the bathroom and back to the tent. These are also great for spotting wildlife on night walks in the Amazon Rainforest. 

• Waterproof Phone Case: This is not an essential for everyone but if you are planning on taking your phone to the beach, a waterproof case is a great thing to pack. This means you can take your phone in the sea with you rather than leaving it on the beach where it’s at risk of getting stolen.  

• Travel Hair Dryer: As it can get so cold, going to bed or outside with wet hair is not fun. For this reason it’s a good idea to pack a travel sized hair dryer.

Toiletries

• Medication: Make sure to pack any prescription medication, as well as some ibuprofen or paracetamol. We’d also recommend bringing some imodium and rehydration sachets as food poisoning or a bad stomach from consuming the water is not uncommon.   

• Hand Sanitiser: Great for some extra hygiene, especially when there is no soap in public bathrooms, on bus toilets or while hiking and camping. 

• Sun Cream: The Peruvian sun is really strong, even in the winter. This means it is essential to pack sun cream. To be kinder to the environment, it is important to purchase biodegradable sunscreen, especially if you are visiting the Amazon Rainforest.

• Insect Repellent: Powerful bug spray is a must, particularly in the jungle where mosquitos are prevalent. As with the sun cream, make sure to be sustainable in your choices and choose a biodegradable spray. 

• Toilet Paper: Emergency toilet paper or tissue is very important when packing for Peru. Often public bathrooms will not have any and it’s likely that you won’t find any while trekking. 

• Microfibre Towel: Bring a fast-drying microfibre towel that can be packed down small in your bag.

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste 

• Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash

• Skincare 

• Hair Brush and Hair Ties 

• Laundry Bag for Dirty Washing

Documents

• Passport: It’s important to make sure your passport is valid for 6 months from the date of entry and that it has at least one blank page.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance might seem like an annoying extra expense but it’s really important. If anything goes wrong during your travels you’ll be grateful to have it. Make sure your travel insurance includes good medical coverage, emergency evacuation and repatriation. We use Big Cat Travel Insurance but we also recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance and SafetyWing for long backpacking trips.

• Visas: The majority of tourists get 90 days visa free in Peru. However, make sure to check the entry requirements for your specific passport and apply for a visa if you need one. Learn more about visas for Peru here.

• Photocopies of your Documents: Just in case you lose any important documents, such as your passport, it’s a good idea to take some photocopies with you.

Electronics

• Camera Gear 
• Plug Adapter or Power Converter 
• Portable Charger 
• Device Chargers 
• Headphones

Money

Should you bring cash or card to Peru?

Most big cities and tourist areas in Peru have ATMs, meaning it’s possible to withdraw cash while in the country. Bring a travel card that offers a good exchange rate and doesn’t charge you expensive withdrawal fees. Some good ones to consider are Monzo, Revolut, Wise and Starling Bank. 

Wise is a favourite of ours as it doesn’t have foreign transaction fees. Once you’ve loaded it up with your home currency, you can withdraw cash or pay by card in Peru with no fee and a great conversion rate.

Some ATM machines in Peru charge a withdrawal fee for international cards. The bank that doesn’t charge any fees is called Banca de la Nación Multired so make sure to use their ATMs where you can.

If you prefer to bring cash we recommend bringing US Dollars as they can be easily exchanged to the local currency, Sol. To get the best value for money, don’t exchange your dollars at the airport as the exchange rates are usually very low. Instead compare the ‘Cambios’ in the first city you visit to find the best exchange rate.

How much money should you bring to Peru?

Depending on whether you backpack on a budget or travel in luxury, your costs will vary. At the lower end of a budget, you can expect to spend around $20-$25 USD a day. With a little more luxury $40-$45 USD is a feasible amount.

For a breakdown of some typical costs while travelling Peru, you can read our backpacking Peru guide.

Best Luggage for your Trip to Peru

Should you bring a backpack or a suitcase to Peru?

A common question most people ask is ‘should I bring a suitcase or backpack to Peru?’. We recommend bringing a backpack as it is much more convenient.

A lot of towns and cities in Peru have unpaved or narrow, cobbled streets that are hard to wheel a suitcase through. Alongside this, backpacks fit more easily on buses, boats, trains and in taxis. We definitely recommend a backpack if the Amazon Rainforest is on your Peru itinerary as it’s much easier to carry through the jungle to your accommodation. 

Having said this, it really does depend on your travel style. If you aren’t moving around too much and plan to take more luxury modes of transport rather than jumping on the local buses, a suitcase might be better for you. Also, if you suffer from back problems, carrying a backpack might not be the best idea.

Choosing the Perfect Backpack

Choosing a backpack that is comfortable and that provides easy access to your belongings is absolutely essential. Here are some things to consider when shopping for your backpack: 

• Lightweight: The last thing you want is a backpack that’s heavy before you’ve even started packing it. Getting a good quality, lightweight backpack will save you future back issues and will be much more comfortable.

• Opens like a Suitcase: Choose a backpack that opens up fully like a suitcase so that you can easily get to the thing you need. It’s super annoying having to rummage through your bag for that one t-shirt when the only access is from the top. 

• Size: To save some money, it’s a good idea to bring a backpack that fits in the aeroplane’s overhead cabin. This way you don’t have to pay for checked baggage, you can get through the airport quicker and there is no chance of your luggage going missing. To check the maximum size for cabin bags, go to your airlines website.  

• Water Resistant: A water resistant bag will save all your belongings from getting soaked in the rain. Getting one that comes with a waterproof cover is even better.

• Designed for you: Backpacks are usually designed specifically for men or women to ensure that they fit well to your back. We recommend going into a shop and trying a few to see what is comfortable for you. 

The backpack brands we love are Cotopaxi and Osprey. We’ve used these all over the world and they’ve never let us down.

Bring a Day Bag

For many overnight treks such as the hikes to Machu Picchu, it’s not possible to take your big backpack. It is likely that you will have to leave it somewhere secure and just take your small day bag. 

Due to this, we recommend bringing a small backpack that is well suited for hiking. Your bag will need to fit some extra layers, any camera gear, a change of clothes, pyjamas, your lunch, snacks and water. 25L is the perfect size. 

If you aren’t hiking, packing a day bag is still a good idea as it’s likely you’ll be heading out for the day and will need to take some things with you. 

Best Backpack for Camera Gear

If you are like us and you are bringing a camera with many lenses, a drone, Go Pro and all the accessories, you may also need a specific bag for all your gear. 

We recommend the Peak Design Everyday Backpack. We love this bag because it keeps our gear protected, provides easy access through side zips and has customisable organisation with adjustable dividers. This is not an advert, we just truly swear by this bag. 

Pro Packing Tips

But how on earth are you going to fit all of this into your backpack? Packing for Peru and its varying climates can be difficult but these pro tips will help:

• Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are amazing for organisation and saving space. We like to pack in categories and get different coloured cubes so that we can find what we’re looking for really easily. Compression packing cubes are the absolute best for space saving. 

• Use a Cable Organiser: If you are like us and bring lots of camera gear, it’s likely you’ll have loads of cables. There is nothing worse than all of the cables getting tangled in your bag. To avoid this, we use a cable organiser.

• Bring Solids: Packing large bottles of liquids that can easily leak is not ideal. Instead pack bars of solid soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste tabs and refillable deodorant. This will save you space, last longer and reduce your plastic usage. We use Wild Refillable Deodorant and like to shop in Lush for the rest of the products.

Packing for Peru: Takeaways

If you take anything from this Peru packing list, let it be that you need to pack lots of layers. The temperature really can change so quickly so this will make your visit much more comfortable. Alongside this, don’t forget to take a Wise bank card to avoid foreign transaction fees. 

Packing the correct gear and essentials will make you extra prepared for any eventuality while backpacking Peru. We hope that this comprehensive packing list has made your trip preparation just that little bit easier. 

As always, if there are any questions you have, make sure to check out our destination specific guides or contact us by email, we’ll be happy to help!

---