Peru Packing List: Essential Items for Travel 2025

Complete Peru packing list. Essential items for altitude, weather, trekking, and travel. What to pack for Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon.

Packing for Peru can be challenging because the country has many different climates and altitudes. You might need warm clothes for high-altitude Cusco, light clothes for coastal Lima, and rain gear for the Amazon. This guide tells you exactly what to pack for different parts of Peru and different activities.

Essential Items for All Travelers

Must-Have Items

✓ Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
✓ Travel insurance information
✓ Copies of important documents (passport, insurance, tickets)
✓ Credit/debit cards and cash
✓ Phone and charger
✓ Universal power adapter
✓ Reusable water bottle
✓ Daypack or small backpack

Comfort and Safety

✓ Comfortable walking shoes
✓ Sunscreen (high SPF, high altitude = strong sun)
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Hat or cap
✓ Rain jacket or poncho
✓ First aid kit
✓ Hand sanitizer
✓ Tissues or toilet paper (not always available)

What Clothes to Pack for Peru

Peru has many different climates, so packing layers is important. You'll need different clothes for coastal areas (Lima), high-altitude cities (Cusco), and the Amazon rainforest.

For Lima (Coastal)

Lightweight clothing
Light jacket for evenings
Comfortable walking shoes

For Cusco/Machu Picchu (High Altitude)

Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)
Long pants and long sleeves
Warm hat and gloves
Warm jacket for cold nights

For Amazon

Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
Long sleeves and pants
Rain gear
Closed-toe shoes

Clothing Checklist

3-4 t-shirts or quick-dry shirts
2-3 long-sleeve shirts
2-3 pairs of pants (one warm, one lightweight)
1 warm fleece or sweater
1 down jacket or warm jacket (for high altitude)
1 rain jacket or poncho
Underwear and socks (quick-dry if possible)
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
Warm hat and gloves (for high altitude)
Sun hat or cap

Packing for High Altitude (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca)

High-altitude destinations like Cusco (3,400m), Machu Picchu (2,430m), and Lake Titicaca (3,812m) require special preparation. Nights can be very cold, and the sun is strong during the day.

Warm layers: Fleece, down jacket, warm hat, and gloves are essential for cold nights
Sun protection: High altitude means stronger sun. Bring high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Altitude sickness items: Coca tea (available locally), water bottle, and altitude medication if prescribed
Comfortable shoes: You'll do a lot of walking, so bring comfortable, broken-in shoes
Rain gear: Weather can change quickly, so pack a rain jacket or poncho

Complete Altitude Sickness Guide | Cusco Travel Guide

Packing for Trekking in Peru

Essential Trekking Gear

Good hiking boots (broken in before your trip)
Backpack (30-50L for day hikes, 50-70L for multi-day treks)
Rain jacket and rain pants
Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)
Hiking pants and quick-dry shirts
Warm hat, gloves, and buff or neck gaiter
Headlamp with extra batteries
Water bottles or hydration system (2-3 liters capacity)
Trekking poles (helpful for steep sections)

Additional Trekking Items

Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses
First aid kit
Water purification tablets or filter
Snacks and energy bars
Camera
Cash (for tips, emergencies)
Passport (required for Inca Trail)

Note: Many trekking companies provide tents, sleeping bags, and camping equipment. Check what is included when booking.

Complete Peru Trekking Guide

Packing for the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon requires special packing considerations. The climate is hot and humid, with frequent rain and lots of insects.

Clothing: Lightweight, quick-dry, long-sleeve shirts and long pants (for insect protection). Light colors are better than dark.
Rain gear: Rain jacket, rain pants, and waterproof bags for electronics
Footwear: Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, waterproof if possible. Extra socks.
Insect protection: Strong insect repellent (DEET recommended), long sleeves and pants, mosquito net if needed
Other items: Binoculars for wildlife viewing, flashlight or headlamp, water bottle, and waterproof camera case

Complete Amazon Peru Guide

Important Documents and Papers

Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, with copies stored separately
Travel insurance: Policy information and emergency contact numbers
Flight tickets: Printed copies and digital copies on your phone
Hotel reservations: Confirmation emails and addresses
Tour bookings: Machu Picchu tickets, trekking permits, tour confirmations
Vaccination records: Yellow fever certificate if visiting Amazon
Emergency contacts: List of important phone numbers
Credit card information: Keep separate from cards, with bank contact numbers

Tip: Keep digital copies of all important documents in cloud storage and on your phone. Keep physical copies in a safe place separate from originals.

Health and Medical Items

Essential Health Items

✓ Prescription medications (with copies of prescriptions)
✓ Altitude sickness medication (if prescribed)
✓ Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
✓ Anti-diarrheal medication
✓ Antihistamines (for allergies)
✓ Bandages and first aid supplies
✓ Hand sanitizer
✓ Water purification tablets

For Amazon Travel

✓ Strong insect repellent (DEET recommended)
✓ Malaria medication (if prescribed)
✓ Yellow fever vaccination certificate
✓ Antiseptic wipes
✓ Anti-itch cream
✓ Water purification tablets

Important: Talk to a travel health clinic before your trip for current recommendations.

Altitude Sickness Guide | Practical Health Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for Peru?

Pack layers for varying temperatures (Peru has many climates), good walking shoes, rain gear, sun protection (high altitude = strong sun), altitude sickness medication if needed, and comfortable clothing. Bring copies of important documents and travel insurance information.

What clothes should I bring to Peru?

Bring layers: lightweight clothing for coastal areas (Lima), warm layers for high altitude (Cusco, Machu Picchu), rain jacket for wet season, comfortable walking shoes, and a warm jacket for cold nights at altitude. Quick-dry clothing is useful for trekking.

Do I need special gear for Machu Picchu?

For Machu Picchu, bring comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket (weather changes quickly), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water bottle, camera, and your passport (required for entry). If hiking the Inca Trail, you'll need full trekking gear. Learn more in our Machu Picchu guide.

What should I pack for the Amazon in Peru?

For the Amazon, pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing, long sleeves and pants for insect protection, insect repellent, rain gear, waterproof bags, binoculars, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Light colors are better than dark (attracts fewer insects). Learn more in our Amazon guide.