Hi, I’m Chey (Shy), the Founder of Trapeze. When I went to Peru in November 2021, I packed completely wrong. I followed a group packing list without doing my own research – and I definitely paid for it.
So I put together this ultimate Peru packing list to help you avoid the same mistakes.
From hiking to Machu Picchu to wandering the historic streets of Cusco and exploring the Amazon rainforest, what you pack can make or break your experience. This guide covers exactly what to bring for every climate, region, and type of trip—so you can pack efficiently without missing anything important.
Why Packing for Peru Is Different
Peru isn’t a one-climate destination. Most packing lists don’t account for how drastically the weather can change.
On a single trip, you might experience:
- Cool, high-altitude weather in the Andes
- Warm, sunny days and cold nights in the mountains
- Hot, humid conditions in the Amazon
- Mild, often overcast weather in Lima
- Snow at higher elevations like Rainbow Mountain
That’s why the key to a successful Peru packing list is simple: layers and versatility.
While you might be tempted to only pack hiking gear, it’s worth bringing at least one nicer outfit for dinners, Pisco sour tastings, and museums.
Clothing: What to Wear in Peru
When deciding what to wear in Peru, focus on building outfits you can layer throughout the day.
Start with lightweight, breathable basics like t-shirts and tank tops. Add long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and cooler temperatures. A fleece or sweater is essential for mornings and evenings, especially in areas like the Sacred Valley.
A packable down jacket is one of the most important items you can bring. Even if the day feels warm, temperatures can drop quickly at higher elevations.
If you’re visiting Rainbow Mountain in colder months, pack a scarf, gloves, and a beanie. You can buy them along the way, but it’s much cheaper to bring your own.
For bottoms, bring a mix of hiking pants, leggings, and comfortable travel pants. If your itinerary includes the Amazon, pack shorts as well.
There are also plenty of great restaurants and nightlife spots, so bring 2-3 slightly nicer outfits. I dressed up for dinner at Maido, a disco we stumbled into, and a final day out for Pisco Sours.
Don’t forget a bathing suit—I brought two and ended up using them more than expected for spas, hot springs, and white water rafting.
Clothing Checklist
- Lightweight t-shirts and tank tops
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Fleece or sweater
- Packable down jacket (Similar to mine)
- Hiking pants or leggings
- Sports bras (my favorite)
- Comfortable travel pants or jeans
- 2-3 lightweight nicer outfit (sun dress or linen shirt)
- Shorts (for warmer regions)
- Undergarments and socks (including wool socks – I’ve worn these on so many trips)
- Warm accessories (beanie, gloves, scarf depending on season)
- Bathing suits
- Baseball hat: a must-have for sleeping on planes and hiking.
Shoes: What Footwear to Pack for Peru
You’ll likely be walking more than you expect—on uneven streets, trails, and stairs.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cities like Cusco and Lima. If you plan to hike or visit Machu Picchu, bring sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes or boots.
A pair of sandals or slides is also helpful for relaxing at the end of the day.
Footwear Checklist
- Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes (I’ve worn these around the world)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops (ideally for walking. I ditched my Naots for these years ago).
Travel Gear You’ll Actually Use
Packing the right gear can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
A lightweight daypack is perfect for day trips. I don’t believe in packing cubes normally (I prefer to roll my clothes), but they may help you stay organized when dressing across so many different climates.
A reusable water bottle and portable charger are small items that make a big difference.
Travel Gear Checklist
- Daypack
- Packing cubes
- Reusable water bottle (obsessed with this Yeti)
- Portable charger
- Travel pillow (I’ve had mine for almost 10 years. Here’s one like it.)
- Dry bag
- Portable fan (My partner made fun of me for buying this, but I love it)
Toiletries and Health Essentials
Your standard toiletries will cover most needs, but a few items are especially important in Peru.
Sunscreen is essential due to stronger UV exposure at high altitude. Lip balm with SPF is also helpful. If you’re heading into the jungle, insect repellent is a must.
Altitude sickness is very common in places like Cusco—everyone in our group experienced it to some degree. Many hotels offer coca tea or candy to help. Staying hydrated and taking it slow your first few days makes a big difference.
If you’re hiking any part of the Inca Trail, be prepared for limited restroom access. You may encounter basic facilities – or none at all – so it’s smart to carry tissues or toilet paper with you. These might not be a bad idea.
Toiletries Checklist
- Sunscreen with high SPF (Ideally something like this)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Basic first aid kit (how cute is this?)
- Prescription medications
- Snacks
Packing for Different Regions in Peru
What you pack should reflect where you’re going.
Andes & Machu Picchu
Focus on warm layers, hiking gear, and sun protection. Temperatures change quickly throughout the day, so flexibility is key. If you’re planning your itinerary, give yourself time to acclimate in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu.
Amazon Rainforest
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin will help protect against insects and humidity. Waterproof gear is also useful.
Lima & Coastal Areas
Casual outfits work well here, along with a light jacket for cooler, overcast days. Plan on bringing a nice outfit or two.
Travel Documents and Essentials
Make sure you have all the essentials ready before you go:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Travel insurance information
- Printed and digital copies of reservations
- Credit cards and some local currency (Peruvian soles)
- Crossbody bag or money belt
What Not to Pack for Peru
Overpacking can make travel more difficult, especially when navigating uneven streets and multiple destinations.
Avoid heavy luggage, too many outfit options, or impractical shoes. Peru is best experienced comfortably, not overpacked. If needed, you can usually find laundry services along the way.
Final Thoughts
I created Trapeze so that other travelers won’t make the same mistakes I did. If you’re thinking about traveling to Peru, let AI do the heavy lifting. You can explore itineraries, book your trip, then receive a customized packing list specifically for your trip.
Peru Packing FAQ
Plan for about 5–6 days of outfits and rewear items. Focus on mix-and-match layers like t-shirts, long sleeves, and one jacket. Laundry services are widely available, so you don’t need to pack a full outfit for every day.
Avoid bringing restricted items like fresh food, plants, or anything that could violate customs regulations. Drones are also restricted in certain areas, especially around archaeological sites like Machu Picchu.
Large backpacks, tripods, and certain professional camera equipment are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. Stick to a small daypack with essentials like water, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
Yes, especially if you’re hiking or visiting remote areas. Public restrooms and trail facilities often don’t provide toilet paper, so it’s best to carry your own.
Yes, absolutely. Shorts are common in warmer areas like Lima and the Amazon. In more traditional or highland areas, you might choose longer layers, but it’s not required – just a personal preference.
You can, but it’s not ideal. Jeans aren’t great for hiking or changing weather conditions. Lightweight hiking pants or leggings are much more comfortable and practical.
It depends on your travel style, but most people carry around $200–$400 USD worth of Peruvian soles for small purchases, tips, and markets. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities but less so in rural areas.
Yes, as long as they have good grip. For light walking, sneakers are fine—but if you plan to hike or explore more rugged areas, trail shoes or hiking boots are a better choice.
