Jess at Sea

Packing for Peru can feel like preparing for three different trips at once. One minute you’re wandering colonial streets in Cusco, the next you’re hiking at 4,000 meters, and then you’re sipping pisco sours by the Pacific in Lima. Add in the unpredictable weather of the Andes, and it’s no wonder most travelers find themselves asking: What do I actually need to pack for Peru??

After traveling all around Peru and completing the iconic 4-day Inca Trail trek, I’ve put together this guide to help you pack smart. Whether you’re a city explorer, adventure junkie, or future Inca Trail conqueror, here’s everything you’ll want in your backpack (and what you can leave behind).

General Packing Tips for Peru

• Layer, layer, layer. Weather varies wildly depending on the region and altitude. Think cool mornings, hot afternoons, and chilly nights.
• Pack light but practical. You’ll likely be moving around a lot between cities, buses, and treks. A sturdy backpack or duffel bag is more practical than a giant suitcase.
• Don’t forget cash. Smaller towns and markets often only accept soles in cash.
• Bring some “just in case” medicine. Altitude sickness tablets, motion sickness pills (for those winding bus rides), and stomach meds are worth having on hand.

Clothing Essentials

✅ Comfortable walking shoes – cobblestone streets and ruins aren’t high-heel friendly.
✅ Lightweight layers – think T-shirts, long sleeves, and a fleece or sweater.
✅ Rain jacket or poncho – especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season (Nov–Mar).
✅ Warm jacket – temperatures in the Andes drop quickly after sunset.
✅ Quick-dry pants/leggings – good for hikes or day trips.
✅ Casual outfit – something nice for dinners in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco.
✅ Hat & sunglasses – the Andean sun is no joke.
✅ Bathing Suit – just incase you visit some hot springs on your travels

Travel Gear Must-Haves

🎒 Daypack – for carrying water, snacks, and your camera on day trips.
💧 Reusable water bottle – tap water isn’t safe to drink, but you can refill with filtered water at hotels/restaurants. I also brought a Lifestraw filtered water bottle just in case.
📸 Camera or smartphone with plenty of storage – trust me, you’ll take hundreds of photos.
🔋 Portable charger – for long bus rides and treks.
🧴 Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF – even when it’s cool, the high-altitude sun burns fast.
🧻 Toilet paper/tissues/wipes & hand sanitizer – public bathrooms can be… unpredictable.

Toiletries & Health

🪥 Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner (travel-size is best).
💊 Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, ibuprofen, altitude meds, motion sickness pills).
🧼 Wet wipes (lifesavers on multi-day hikes).
🦟 Insect repellent (especially if you’re heading to the Amazon).

Packing for the Inca Trail (Special Section!)

If you’re tackling the Inca Trail, packing gets a little more specific. I trekked the 4-day route with G Adventures, and while they provided tents, sleeping mats, and food, there were a few things I was so glad I packed:

👟 Broken-in hiking boots – your feet will thank you on those steep Inca steps.
🎒 Good backpack with a rain cover – porters carry the big stuff, but you’ll still need your essentials.
💤 Sleeping bag (or rent one in Cusco) – nights get cold at high altitude.
🧥 Warm layers – I lived in my fleece and puffer jacket at camp.
🧦 Wool socks – bring multiple pairs, because nothing feels better after a long day.
💧 Hydration system (CamelBak or bottles) – staying hydrated is key at altitude.
🧢 Hat & gloves – essential for chilly mornings.
🍫 Snacks – granola bars, chocolate, or coca candy for an energy boost.
📷 Camera for Machu Picchu – that first glimpse of the Sun Gate is a moment you’ll want to remember forever.

👉 Pro tip: If you’re trekking with a company like G Adventures, you can rent bulky items (like sleeping bags or trekking poles) in Cusco so you don’t have to lug them across the country.

What Not to Pack

❌ Too many fancy clothes – you’ll be in hiking gear most of the time.
❌ Heavy books – swap them for a Kindle or audiobooks.
❌ Excessive toiletries – you can buy most basics in Peru.
❌ Hair dryers – not worth the space and most hotels/hostels don’t have the outlets for them.

Packing for Peru doesn’t have to be stressful – you just need to be ready for a little bit of everything. From the desert oasis of Huacachina to the cobblestone streets of Cusco, the lush Sacred Valley, and the once-in-a-lifetime Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – the key? Versatile layers, solid hiking gear, and a sense of adventure. Trust me – you’ll come home with a bag full of llama souvenirs, an even fuller heart, and memories that outweigh anything you packed.

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