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).

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All links in this post are items I have bought previously for my travels and would recommend.

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

Pack a range of outfits including casual outfits for cities like Lima, Arequipa and Cusco, hiking outfits for the Andes and a bathing suit for hot springs and the beach. Here is a list of the main clothing items you will need for you trip:

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Base layers	Thermal Underwear for Women Long Johns Set	Ensure your base layers are thermal for ultimate warmth.
Mid layers	33,000ft Women’s Zip Up Fleece Jacket	Fleece jackets or light sweaters to add warmth without the bulk.
Outer layer	33,000ft Women’s Softshell Jacket	A waterproof and windproof puffer jacket to protect against the cold as well as sudden rain or gusty winds.
Pants/Leggings	baleaf Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings Thermal Warm Winter Tights	Comfortable, durable pants that are flexible enough for hikes and waterproof just incase it rains. I would recommend fleece lined water resistant leggings as I found jeans a little chilly in the colder areas.
Waterproof Hiking Boots	Columbia womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped	Choose a pair with insulation and good grip.
Warm Socks	Anlisim Merino Wool Hiking Running Socks for Women	Wool socks are ideal for the mountainous weather and will keep your feet warm even in cold, wet conditions.
Hat/Beanie	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	A wool or fleece hat will help retain heat and keep you cozy. Make sure it covers your ears.
Gloves	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	Insulated, touchscreen-compatible gloves will ensure your fingers stay warm while still allowing you to use your phone or camera.
Scarf/Neck Warmer	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	A thick scarf or neck gaiter is perfect for protecting your neck and face from biting winds.
Bathing Suit		Just incase you visit some hot springs or the beach on your trip
Flip Flops		For the beach, hot springs or camping sites

Travel Gear Must-Haves

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Daypack	WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag	For carrying water, snacks, and your camera on day trips.
Reusable Water Bottle	Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle	tap water isn’t safe to drink, but you can refill with filtered water at hotels/restaurants.
Lifestraw	LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle	I brought a Lifestraw filtered water bottle just in case I desperately needed water – luckily it wasnt needed on my trip but I felt safer drinking out of this water bottle.
Camera/Smartphone	8K Digital Camera for Photography	Trust me, you’ll take hundreds of photos.
Portable Charger	Miady 2-Pack Portable Charger	For long bus rides and treks.
Tripod	EUCOS 62″ Phone Tripod	Great for taking self-timer pics.
Adapter and Chargers	VINTAR Universal Travel Adapter 30W	Pack a suitable adapter to charge your electronics.
Umbrella	BAODINI Mini Travel Umbrella with UV Sun Protection	Just in case it rains – this came in handy for me a few times on my trip!
Raincoat	33,000ft Women’s Rain Jacket	Just in case :)
Sunscreen	Banana Boat Sport SPF 50	Even when it’s cool, the high-altitude sun burns fast.
Lip Balm with SPF	Vaseline Lip Therapy Care Original	Essential as the air up on the Andes is cold and dry.
Moisturizer/Lotion	Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion	Be sure to also keep your skin moisturized in the dry air
Toilet paper/tissues/wipes	Amazon Basics Flushable Wipes	Public bathrooms can be… unpredictable.
Hand Sanitizer	Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer	Always essential
Basic First-Aid Kit	Protect Life Travel First Aid Kit for Car	Include band-aids, ibuprofen, altitude meds, motion sickness pills.
Insect Repellent	Repel 100 Insect Repellent, 4 Ounces	Especially if you’re heading to the Amazon
Toiletries		Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner (travel-size is best).
Earplugs	LYSIAN Soft Foam Ear Plugs for Sleeping	Sometimes the camps can be noisy at night

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:

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Broken-in Hiking Boots	Columbia womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped	Make sure you are not hiking in brand new boots – be sure to take them on a few hikes prior to the Inca Trail to avoid blisters.
Hiking Backpack	WATERFLY Small Lightweight Packable Backpack	The porters carry the big stuff, but you’ll still need your essentials in your day pack.
Backpack Rain Cover	Frelaxy Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover	A cover for your backpack in case it rains during your hike.
Sleeping bag (or rent one in Cusco)	Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bag	Nights get cold at high altitude. I rented a sleeping bag from my hiking company but found I was still freezing at night.
Wool Socks	Anlisim Merino Wool Hiking Running Socks for Women	Bring multiple pairs of wool socks, because nothing feels better after a long day of hiking than fresh socks.
Hat & Gloves	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	Essential for chilly mornings.
Snacks		Granola bars, chocolate, or coca candy for an energy boost.
Poncho for Machu Picchu		Buy a cute llama wool poncho from one of the vendors in Cusco before your hike for iconic pictures at Machu Picchu (this was very much worth taking up precious back pack space for the piccies!)
Wet Wipes/Toilet Paper	Amazon Basics Flushable Wipes	BYO because not all toilets on the trail have toilet paper!!
Trekking Poles	Foxelli Trekking Poles	You can hire these from your trekking company or bring your own if you are planning on doing multiple hikes on your trip.

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.

Planning a trip to Peru? Check out my 3-Week Peru Itinerary here!

Peru Helpful Links

How to Get Around Peru
Getting around Peru can be an adventure in itself, but it’s very doable with a little planning. For longer distances, domestic flights are a huge time-saver, while comfortable long-distance buses connect most major cities and tourist routes.

One of the easiest and most popular options for first-time visitors is Peru Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus service designed specifically for travellers. It connects destinations like Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, and Cusco, with flexible stops, local guides, and hotel pick-ups included making it a stress-free way to see the country.

For shorter trips or exploring at your own pace, taxis, uber, and car rentals round out the options nicely.

Peru SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Peru is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling lomo saltado near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Peru data plan before you even land.

There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.

👉 Get your Peru eSIM with Airalo here

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