Essential Packing Guide for Your Trip to Peru

1.) Your Suitcase/Luggage

Preparing for our journey to Peru presented unique challenges when it came to packing. With extensive travel experience, I have developed an effective packing strategy. Under normal circumstances, should I have been informed of a taxi arriving within twenty minutes to take me to an airport for a flight to a destination such as New York, I would readily have sufficient time to prepare my belongings, even allowing for a brief tea break.

Over time, I have refined this skill to an art form, abandoning the lists I once relied on in my earlier travel days. This evolution stems from a growing awareness of essential items needed for travel versus those that may simply be desirable.

The climatic conditions in Peru present a stark contrast to other destinations. The rapid shift from frigid to tropical temperatures within hours necessitates a diverse clothing selection.

Very few regions globally allow for such stark contrasts, where one may require winter apparel one moment and find summer attire more suitable moments later. This experience was distinctly unique compared to my previous journeys.

Moreover, our itinerary included activities such as hiking, an endeavor I am not naturally inclined towards. Unlike hikes I have previously undertaken, the Peruvian landscape offers little refuge from its elements; rain leads to absolute soaking, rising temperatures leave one seeking shade, and snowy conditions need no further elaboration—it’s a direct confrontation with the environment.

Furthermore, travelers should not miss capturing the extraordinary vistas present in Peru, making it crucial to refrain from minimalist packing that could lead to forgetting essential photography equipment such as additional camera lenses, GoPro, or tripod, which are requisite for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. It is not worth losing the chance to photograph a condor simply because of the oversight of not carrying a zoom lens. (Notably, I did not encounter a single condor).

The range of scenery varies significantly, from the picturesque villages of Lake Titicaca, ideal for macro lenses, to the expansive citadel of Machu Picchu, where a wide-angle lens is absolutely imperative. Thus, thorough preparation is warranted to ensure all necessary items are included.

Moreover, the risk of altitude sickness prompted me to consult my physician prior to departure, ensuring I received appropriate medication to mitigate altitude challenges—something I had not previously considered for other trips.

Therefore, meticulous preparation for the journey to Peru proved to involve significantly different aspects of organization.

In light of this, to assist you in minimizing potential stress, we have compiled a comprehensive list of essential items for your trip to Peru.

2.) Waterproof Clothes

If you are determined to experience all that Peru offers, spending time outdoors is inevitable, which naturally leads to exposure to varying weather conditions. Although I typically do not travel with waterproof attire, the amount of time we intended to spend outdoors at locations such as Machu Picchu necessitated bringing waterproof clothing.

Fortunately, you really only need two essential pieces—a hooded jacket (here’s an example) and waterproof trousers to wear over your regular pants (which can be removed once the rain stops—these are an option). We acquired these at the last minute, thanks to Amazon Prime, allowing for same-day delivery within just two hours.

These waterproof garments proved invaluable during our experience, particularly while we waited in heavy rain for the bus at Machu Picchu. We were compelled to stand in the rain for a full two hours to avoid missing our entry time, and the foresight to pack waterproof clothing was a tremendous relief.

3.) Tripods

To ensure you capture quality photographs during your trip, I would strongly advise bringing a tripod with you, particularly if it is a travel-sized variant. Activities such as capturing time-lapse footage over Machu Picchu or the Rainbow Mountains require that your camera remain exceptionally still, further emphasizing the necessity of a tripod.

During daylight hours, improvisation may allow you to avoid using a tripod (for example, using your camera bag), but at nighttime, it becomes nearly impossible to take long-exposure photographs without one.

4.) Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Waterproof hiking shoes are essential, mirroring the reasoning for waterproof clothing. It is crucial that these shoes are both sturdy and suitable for trekking, as numerous activities in Peru require considerable amounts of walking and hiking. The last situation you wish to encounter is discomfort while hiking due to inappropriate footwear.

Having previously attempted mountain climbing in Sri Lanka while wearing flip-flops—an endeavor that resulted in two pairs being broken—it can pose significant dangers to your safety, especially if you find yourself on rocky terrain without proper shoes.

5.) Water Bottles or a Camel Bag

While accessing clean water is generally straightforward in urban settings, many attractions are located away from city centers, such as Rainbow Mountain. In such cases, when bottled water is not readily available, it is vital to bring your own supply. (This model is particularly suited for hikes).

6.) Flip Flops or Sandals

It’s essential to have an alternative footwear option should the temperatures become excessive, allowing for comfortable walking without the encumbrance of heavy hiking boots and thick socks. (These options will serve you well!)

7.) Anti Sickness Medication and Headache Pills

Additionally, ensure you carry any personal medications along with those targeting high-altitude symptoms. This may include headache relief, anti-sickness medications, and most specifically, Acetazolamide (commonly known as Diamox).

Acetazolamide assists in counteracting altitude sickness, which can arise when at altitudes exceeding 2,400 meters (8,000 ft), correcting the chemical imbalance in your body linked to reduced oxygen levels. It is advisable to start taking this medication several days before your arrival and continue for a few days after reaching your destination (I adhered to this schedule throughout my stay). Please consult a medical professional prior to beginning this medication.

During our visit, both Lloyd, Georgia, and I utilized this medication and successfully avoided altitude sickness. Admittedly, we experienced breathlessness during exertion, which is typical. While the symptoms persisted to some extent, we found our ability to manage exertion improved over time. Chris, who did not take the medication, reported no issues as well.

8.) Travel Adapters

Due to the variety of plug types present in hotels throughout Peru (European, American, and even Japanese), it can be unpredictable, thus it is wise to carry a universal adapter. This ensures compatibility with any electrical outlet available in your hotel. (Here are some options for Brits and options for North Americans).

9.) Winter Jackets, Hats and Gloves

The necessity for winter attire largely depends on your specific location. However, many high-altitude sites present chilly nighttime temperatures. We experienced significant cold upon our arrival in Cusco, yet it is important to note the dramatic temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Be ready to adjust clothing layers as you progress further into the afternoon (and easily put them back on at nightfall, including gloves), as the temperature varies widely during the day.

10.) Sunscreen

Owing to the higher altitude and proximity to the equator, you will notice increased susceptibility to sunburn. It is thus advisable to apply sunscreen generously to protect your skin.

11.) Lip Balm

Due to the arid conditions, particularly at higher altitudes, the use of lip balm becomes essential. Dehydrated and cracked lips are an undesirable outcome while traveling, so be sure to include this essential item.

12.) A Lighter Backpack (waterproof)

When embarking on hikes or simply wandering the city, it is practical to carry a compact backpack to hold not only your water but also the multiple layers you may need throughout the day.

This bag should also be waterproof, given that it will likely be subjected to varying weather conditions.

13.) Insect Repellent

Be forewarned; without proper insect repellent, you may find yourself quite compromised by insect bites (there is a wide variety available in the US). While mosquitoes that carry diseases like Zika and Malaria are less of a concern at high altitudes, they are not entirely absent.

14.) Swimwear

Also, make sure to pack swimwear! Although much of our itinerary did not necessitate swimsuits, we did have the pleasure of staying at luxurious hotels that boasted spas and pools, making it sensible to pack swimwear.

15.) Passport Wallet

This may appear to be a mundane item, but it bears mentioning due to its significance. Upon entering Peru, immigration will issue a slip which you will be required to present frequently throughout your stay, along with your passport. From purchasing bus tickets to Machu Picchu to hotel check-ins, you will find this slip essential.

While it is feasible to keep this in your pocket, doing so without a protective covering leaves it vulnerable to rain or potential loss when shuffled around in your camera bag. Therefore, a secure passport holder or wallet is advisable to keep all necessary documents together.

16.) Flashlight

This is a consideration for instances of power outages or when hiking in low light. While we did not experience any outages, having a flashlight might provide peace of mind.

17.) Tissues for Hikers

The hiking facilities often lack adequate toilet supplies. It is wise to pack your own for such occasions.

18.) Travel Water Purification System

While we planned meticulously for our hydration needs, those undertaking lengthy hikes such as the four-day Inca Trail may find their water carrying capacity limited. Users have recounted their experiences of either consuming boiled water or paying exorbitant prices for bottled water—far beyond reasonable limits. Thus, they suffered consequent illnesses. Therefore, bringing along water purification tablets and devices allows you to ensure safe drinking water wherever your explorations may lead.

19.) Spare Batteries

Expect to spend considerable time out of your hotel exploring various attractions. With the potential for substantial battery drain, it is advisable to carry spare batteries for your devices.

For example, I usually carry a spare USB battery charger for my phone (and this one is quite effective too), but this time I also brought along two spare batteries for my camera (*US options here) as well as two for my video camera (*US options here). If your video camera charges via USB, consider the convenience of utilizing a phone charger in lieu of additional batteries.

Thus, it is essential to procure spare batteries in preparation for outings, especially given their affordability on platforms such as Amazon.

20.) Travel Games

Prepare for lengthy travel times; even when choosing faster forms of transit, such as trains versus buses. We embarked on a substantial train ride exceeding 10 hours from Lake Titicaca to Cusco, which whilst scenic, could be enjoyed with a selection of travel games to pass the time, enhance entertainment, and complement any delicious snacks.

21.) The Obvious Essentials – Clothes, Electronics & Toiletries

This category encompasses items you would normally bring on any trip: appropriate clothing, with additional layers for cooler temperatures; electronics such as your camera or laptop; and standard toiletries (including body lotion, toothpaste, and deodorant). Packing this essentials should be straightforward and is independent of destination.

In conclusion, this list features 21 critical items that proved immensely beneficial on our expedition to Peru. Our adventures took us through diverse landscapes and each item was impactful in one way or another. Ensure that all these essentials are accounted for as you prepare for your extraordinary journey to Peru!

Check out our YouTube channel for travel videos!

You May Also Like