Best Packing list for Peru

ByTravels In Peru

Planning a trip to Peru and not sure what to pack for Peru, then let me help you with this Packing List for Peru. Peru is very big and what you need depends on the area you will visit so I will do a list of general things you need in the whole of Peru and then what you need for specific areas:

As Peru is very close to the equator the temperatures do not vary very much between summer and winter.  I generally find that winter in Peru is hotter in the mountains than summer as it’s cloudier and wetter in the summer. 

If you are planning on hiking and camping in Peru you don’t need to bring everything with you, it is cheap and easy enough to buy tents, sleeping bags etc for your Peru travel.

I would also recommend if you are backpacking Peru to only bring one jumper/fleece with you because as soon as you hit Cusco you will want to buy the jumpers they have there.  You can also buy gloves, scarves and hats for cheap too.

Your Peru travel check list is below.

Travel Insurance

girl on a zipline in the mountains

You must make sure that you have bought travel insurance for your trip to Peru.  You also need to check what activities are covered as standard policies generally do not cover high risk activities. 

For example most only cover hiking up to 2,500 metres whereas most of the hiking in Peru is from 3,000  metres to 5,300 metres.  Huaraz especially most of the hikes are are over 4,000 metres. This means if you have an accident or illness at this altitude your insurance company is not going to  help.  Also ziplining and white water rafting may not be covered so read the cover carefully before purchasing.

Packing List for Peru – What to wear in Peru

If you are back packing in Peru and have 2 weeks in peru or one week in peru and what to know what do people wear in Peru, then check out the list below. It can be difficult to decide what you need to pack as there are many amazing places to visit in Peru and the weather can be different in each as you have the desert, mountains and jungle.

If you want to know what to wear in Peru in June then this would be the same as what to wear in Peru in September. 

The weather in Peru in June is the same as the weather in Peru in September and do for the winter season it is a little drier.

Peru weather in December can be wet and rainy but if you are travelling along the coast then it is warm and you need your bikini for the beach.  The weather in Peru in January along the coast is very hot.

If you are planning on hiking the Salkantay Trek, then check out my guide on what to pack for the Salkantay Trek.

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What to pack when traveling to Peru

Peru Clothing

Packing for Peru? Then here is your backpacking peru packing list.

women in colourful local costume, will lots of powder used for dyeing and wool on a table

Men and Women’s packing list for Peru.

  • 1 Light waterproof jacket
  • 1 thick winter jacket
  • 1 fleece
  • Hiking socks
  • Hiking trousers (even better if they are zip off and can double as shorts)
  • Leggings if you prefer them to hiking trousers
  • 1 pair of shorts – I wouldn’t recommend shorts for the jungle, as the mosquitos will eat you!!
  • 3 t-shirts – would be better if they are fast drying and breathable for hiking
  • Long sleeved top – good for an extra layer and stopping mosquitos and getting burnt while hiking
  • Thermal underclothes – Needed for sleeping during hikes at high altitude
  • Hiking headband
  • 1 Warm hat – easy to buy in Cusco/Arequipa/Huaraz
  • 1 sunhat/cap
  • Sufficient Bra’s and underwear and socks for 1 week
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • Pajamas
  • 1 pair of gloves – easy to buy wool gloves in Peru.  For waterproof gloves bring them with you.
  • 1 swimsuit/bikini – Needed for hot springs on some hikes in Cusco/Arequipa.
  • 1 Dress (optional) Its nice sometimes to get dressed up sometimes.

Consider what to wear in the Amazon Peru, as here there are lots of mosquitos, it may be worth investing in Mosquito proof Clothing.

Perus Shoes

Peru backpacking list.

  • 1 pair of flip flops
  • 1 pair of hiking boots
  • 1 pair of casual trainers
  • 1 pair of hiking sandals (optional)
  • 1 pair of Ballerina pumps (optional) – If you bring a dress then it makes it a little dressier)

Electronics

Peru travel backpacking list.

Peru Essentials – Toiletries

Bestpacking list for Peru.

  • Mosquito Spray – This is essential for the jungle.
  • Deet free Mosquito repellent bracelets
  • Sunscreen
  • Lipbalm
  • Makeup – The option of a mascara or lipstick for a night out is great.
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Travel Sickness Bands/Tablets
  • First Aid Kit
  • Altitude sickness pills
  • Malaria Tablets – Discuss with your doctor before coming whether you need them.
  • Eye Mask and Ear Plugs – These are a must if you are staying in hostels so you get a good nights sleep.
  • Activated Charcoal tablets

You can buy buy spray and sunscreen in Peru but it is very expensive, so if you are able to buy from your home country and it’s not too expensive there, then bring it with you.

Back Packing Gear List

Packing List Peru.

  • Backpack for all your stuff
  • Daypack – big enough for daily/multi day hikes
  • Crossbody Handbag
  • Passport Pouch
  • Padlock for Bags
  • Packing Cubes
  • Dry Bag
  • Waterproof case for phone – This is great if you are hiking and it’s raining.
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Camelback Backpack, Water bottle or Water Filtration Bottle
  • Trekking Pole – you can easily rent in Cusco/Arequipa/Huaraz if you don’t want to bring your own
  • Sleeping Bag – you can easily rent in Cusco/Arequipa/Huaraz if you don’t want to bring your own
  • Tent – you can easily rent or buy in Cusco/Arequipa/Huaraz if you don’t want to bring your own

If you want to read more about what to do in Peru, then read the Lonely Planet for Peru (Kindle Version) or if travelling around South America then the South America version.

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a pin created by travels in peru about the best packing list for Peru showing a girl in the colca canyon wearing traditional peruvian clothing

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