Considerations to Packing for a Peru trip

Planning for extended trips can be stressful, especially with a varied itinerary in Peru. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

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Temperature Variations in Peru

Peru’s temperatures can be extreme. You might find yourself boiling in the desert and freezing in the Andes. Remote areas often lack heating, and higher altitudes mean harsher sunlight. Pack for a wide range of conditions.

Unpredictable Peru Climate

Weather in Peru, particularly in the Andes or around Lake Titicaca, can be unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden thunderstorms. For example, a blizzard can occur on the train from Cusco to Lake Titicaca. Peru has two main seasons:

May-September (Peruvian Winter): Dry but cold, especially at night. Pack warm clothes for activities like homestays or overnight camping.
December-March (Peruvian Summer): Hot with heavy rains.
October/November and April (Shoulder Season): Weather can vary, but these months often have fewer crowds.

Dressing Up

Mixing luxury with adventure can enhance your travel experience. Dress up for fine dining at renowned restaurants like Maido or Central and for luxury train rides like the one from Cusco to Puno.

Clothing Essentials

Layering is key. Choose pieces that mix and match easily and avoid high-maintenance fabrics.

3 light sweaters
1 heavy sweater
2 tank tops
3 t-shirts
1 wrinkle-free dress
1 pair of shorts
2 pairs of jeans (skinny and boyfriend)
Enough underwear and bras
Pajamas (one pair of pants and two tops)

Hiking & Outdoor Clothing

Prepare for varied terrain and conditions.

1 pair of thermal pants (for under regular pants)
1 pair of leggings/yoga pants
1 thermal shirt
1 dry-fit long sleeve shirt (for sun protection)
1 dry-fit t-shirt
Rain pants and jacket
Foldable down jacket
Gloves, scarf, hat

Footwear

Water-resistant hiking boots
Ballet flats
Comfortable walking shoes

Accessories

Sunglasses
Swimsuit (for pools or spas)
Moneybelt (useful for bus travel)
Baggage locks (with TSA symbol)
Spork (for street food)
Reusable water bottle
Small umbrella

Toiletries & Snacks

Medication (keep in carry-on)
Painkillers, stomach medication
Hand sanitizer
Reef-safe sunblock (SPF 30+)
Insect repellent
Ear plugs
Tissues and wet wipes (for trails)
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Toothbrush and toothpaste tablets
Granola bars, beef jerky, fiber-rich snacks
Body cream, basic skincare products
Contact lenses and solution (if needed)

Documents

Travel insurance
Original Passport
Copies of important documents (passport, ID, credit cards) and digital backups

Electronics

Camera gear (reference below)
Adapter
Phone charger
Headphones
Kindle or book

Best Luggage for Backpacking Peru

Backpack vs. Suitcase

Decide based on your travel style, movement frequency, and transport types. Backpacks fit more easily into cars, especially for group travel.

Choosing a Backpacking Bag

Opt for a lightweight, water-resistant backpack with a sturdy back, designed for your body type. Try them on in stores for the best fit.

Day Bag

For day hikes or overnight stays, pack a day bag with lunch, rain gear, camera, toiletries, sweater, pajamas, and a change of clothes. A 25L backpack works well.

Pro Packing and Sustainable Tip

Use reusable silicone bottles for liquids to save space and reduce plastic waste. Avoid using disposable hotel toiletries if possible.

Plan Your Laundry

Laundry services in Peru are affordable. Use hotel services for convenience. Keep clothes fresh with a spray for underarms and a wash and stain bar for emergencies.

Pro Packing Tip

Include dryer sheets in your bag to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Camera Gear

Plan your shots in advance to decide what gear to bring. For Peru, a versatile lens like the 16-55mm f/2.8 is ideal, with a backup 35mm f/2 lens for indoor shots. Include cleaning supplies, spare batteries, SD cards, a polarizer filter, a solar-powered battery charger, and protective wraps for your gear.

By considering these factors, you can ensure a more enjoyable and well-prepared trip to Peru.