Peru Packing List: What I Brought and How I Prepared

The combination of scenic photos and using your phone for navigation will drain your battery faster than you think, especially in areas with spotty service. Keep a power bank handy so you’re never caught with a dead phone mid-tour.

Staying hydrated is absolute key for helping your body adjust to the high altitude in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Bringing your own bottle is a great way to save money and ensure you always have water while you’re out exploring.

I like to keep a tiny kit with bandages and pain relievers in my daypack just in case. It’s much better to have it right there than to be hunting for a pharmacy when you have a minor issue while exploring the ruins.

A dedicated wash pouch keeps your bathroom essentials organized and ensures that a leaky bottle won’t ruin your favorite clothes. I love the ones that hang up for easy access in those varied Peruvian accommodations.

Whether you’re staying in a lively city center or a hotel near a busy plaza, a pair of ear plugs is absolute gold for ensuring you get some quiet rest between all those days of exploring Peru.

Separating your dusty trekking clothes from your clean items is a simple way to stay organized, especially when you’re moving between different regions and dealing with the varied terrain in Peru.

I honestly can’t travel without these anymore because they make organizing varied climate gear so easy. They’re perfect for keeping your city clothes separate from your hiking and cold-weather gear in your bag.

Choosing the right size and type of luggage is key for navigating Peru’s varied terrain and local transit. You’ll want something durable that can handle being the only bag you carry for a few weeks.

If you’re planning on doing some serious shopping for local products, you’ll want to keep an eye on your bag’s weight. A quick check with a scale can save you from those annoying surprises at the airport.

A lightweight daypack is absolute key for carrying your essentials while you’re out exploring ruins or wandering through markets. Look for something that fits well and offers quick access to your gear.

I find a sling bag to be one of the most versatile things I pack because it works for city walks and keeps my most important things right at my chest during my travels through Peru.

A dedicated dopp kit keeps your bathroom essentials organized and ensures that a leaky bottle won’t ruin your favorite clothes. It’s one of those small things that makes travel a lot smoother.

I always pack at least one long-sleeve shirt for providing extra sun protection and for staying comfortable during those cooler high-altitude transition days. It’s an easy piece that provides so much extra versatility for your trip.

A few lightweight and breathable short-sleeve shirts are perfect for staying comfortable in the humid coastal environment of Lima. They’re also absolute gold for layering when the temperature drops in the mountains.

I always pack a few comfortable tank tops for those warmer moments when the sun clears in the desert or during coastal days. They’re also perfect for layering under a light jacket if the mountain breeze picks up.

While the coastal days can be active, those cooler high-altitude evenings in Cusco and Arequipa can get surprisingly chilly. A pair of long pants or comfortable jeans is essential for staying warm after your visit.

A pair of comfortable shorts is absolute key for staying cool and relaxed while you’re out exploring the coastal areas or enjoying a casual day in the village. You’ll definitely want a pair that fits well!

I find lightweight joggers or pants to be some of the most versatile things I pack because they work for long bus rides and as extra sun protection during the day. You’ll definitely want a pair that quick-dries!

Versatile and comfortable, leggings are perfect for those more active days or for staying comfortable during your travel plans. They’re an easy piece that provides so much extra comfort throughout the day.

A warm sweater or fleece is absolute gold for those cooler highland transitions or for staying comfortable during those breezy Cusco nights. It’s an easy piece that provides so much extra warmth when needed.

A reliable light jacket or windbreaker is an absolute necessity for those breeze highland regions or for protection from a quick mountain rain shower. Look for something that offers both protection and breathability.

Mountain rain can happen any time of year in Peru, so a reliable rain jacket or even a simple poncho is an absolute necessity for staying comfortable and dry while you’re out exploring.

A versatile scarf is absolute gold for providing extra sun protection at ruins and for staying comfortable during your evening plans in the highlands. It’s one of those small things that adds so much comfort.

You’ll probably be showering and changing more than usual after those long days of exploring and trekking. Bring plenty of extras so you always have a fresh pair throughout your trip.

Choosing a comfortable and supportive bra is key for those long days of exploring and trekking through the Andes. You might want to pack an extra one or two for the trip just in case.

I’ve learned the hard way that good socks are just as important as the shoes themselves in a country with such varied terrain. Quality moisture-wicking pairs will keep your feet dry and comfy even during those long trekking days.

Believe me when I say you’ll be doing a lot of walking through dusty village paths and up steep temple steps. Your feet will definitely thank you for choosing a sturdy, comfortable pair that’s already well broken in before you arrive.

If you’re planning on hiking the Inca Trail or visiting Machu Picchu, a sturdy pair of hiking boots is absolute gold for navigating the varied terrain. They provide much more support and stability for those longer days on the trails.

A reliable pair of sandals or flip-flops is absolute gold for relaxing at the coast or during those warmer Andean afternoons. They’re also perfect for when you need to let your feet breathe after a long day of exploring.

Choosing a comfortable and breathable pair of everyday socks is key for those long days of walking through Peruvian cities. Quality moisture-wicking pairs will keep your feet dry and comfy even in the warmer coastal weather.

I’ve learned the hard way that good socks are just as important as the shoes themselves when you’re out on the trails. Quality moisture-wicking pairs will keep your feet dry and comfy even during those longer Peruvian hikes.

I honestly can’t emphasize this enough: you’ll want a reliable pair of waterproof hiking boots for the mountain trails. Make sure they’re already well broken in before you arrive to avoid any unpleasant surprises during your trek!

A lightweight and comfortable daypack is absolute key for carrying your essentials while you’re out exploring the Andean mountain trails. Look for something that fits well and offers quick access to your gear.

Andean weather can change surprisingly quickly, especially at high altitudes. A reliable rain jacket is essential for staying comfortable and dry while you’re out exploring the mountain trails.

Protecting your head from those cooler mountain breezes is absolute key for staying comfortable while you’re out exploring. A good hat or beanie will keep you warm even during those longer Andean visits.

Staying hydrated is absolute key for helping your body adjust to the high altitude in the Andes. Bringing your own bottle is a great way to save money and ensure you always have water while you’re trekking.

I like to keep a tiny kit with bandages, pain relievers and some stomach medicine in my daypack just in case. It’s much better to have it right there than to be hunting for supplies while you’re out exploring.

Having a small bottle of hand sanitizer is absolute key for staying clean while you’re out enjoying Peruvian street food adventures. It’s an easy thing to keep in your daypack for quick access.

The high-altitude sun can be surprisingly intense, even during those cooler mountain moments. A good sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is absolute key for protecting your skin while you’re out exploring.

Providing some extra protection from mosquitoes is absolute key for staying comfortable while you’re out exploring the lower elevation areas. A good repellent will keep those pesky bugs away during your visit.

I find a fanny pack or sling bag to be one of the most versatile things I pack because it works for city walks and keeps my most important things right at my chest during my travels through Peru.

Having a guidebook or offline maps is so helpful for navigating those areas where cell service might be spotty. It’s one of those things that provides so much extra peace of mind when you’re out exploring.

Protecting your eyes from the intense high-altitude sun is absolute key, especially when you’re out exploring the coastal areas. A good pair of sunglasses will keep you comfortable and stylish throughout your visit.

Providing some extra shade with a hat or cap is absolute gold for staying comfortable while you’re out enjoying the Peruvian sun. It’s a simple way to stay cool during those longer sightseeing days.

Staying hydrated is absolute key during those long days of exploring and traveling through Peru. Bringing your own bottle is a great way to save money and ensure you have enough water for the entire day.

Believe me when I say you’ll be doing a lot of walking through dusty village paths and up steep temple steps. Your feet will definitely thank you for choosing a sturdy, comfortable pair that’s already well broken in before you arrive.

Whether you’re exploring the city or wandering through markets, a crossbody bag with a secure closure is absolute gold for keeping your phone and wallet close. Look for something that fits well and keeps your gear safe.