🎒 What to Pack for Peru: The Ultimate List (Without Bringing Half Your House)

Let’s be real — packing for Peru is tricky.
Not because it’s hard, but because you’re essentially packing for three different climates in one trip.

While Lima might be 70°F (20°C) and cloudy, Cusco can drop to 32°F (0°C) at night, and the Amazon jungle can reach 95°F (35°C) with 90% humidity.

After 20 years watching travelers pack (and unpack), I’ve noticed a pattern:
Most bring too much of what they don’t need — and too little of what they actually do.

I’ve seen people arrive in Cusco in July with only T-shirts, shivering.
And others show up in Puerto Maldonado with a down jacket… in the jungle.
Don’t be that traveler.

This guide will give you:

• Lists based on region, season, and activities
• Smart packing tips
• And most importantly: what not to bring

The Reality: Three Climates, One Suitcase

That’s what makes packing for Peru so complex.

COAST (Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Máncora)

Summer (Dec–Apr): 25–30°C / 77–86°F – Warm & sunny
Winter (May–Nov): 15–20°C / 59–68°F – Cloudy, humid, not cold
☔ It almost never rains (coastal desert climate)

HIGHLANDS (Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Huaraz)

• Days: 18–22°C (64–72°F), sunny and pleasant
• Nights: 0–5°C (32–41°F), cold — especially in Puno
• Dry season (May–Oct): sunny, crisp, dry air
• Rainy season (Nov–Mar): colder, cloudy, humid

JUNGLE (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Tarapoto)

• All year: 25–35°C (77–95°F), hot and humid
• Frequent rain (tropical climate)
• Humidity 80–100%

If you’re visiting all three regions (like 70% of travelers do), you’ll face heat, cold, rain, sun, and humidity — all with one suitcase.

Solution: Layering system + versatile clothing + plan to do laundry mid-trip.

Before You Pack: The Golden Rules

1️⃣ Bring Less Than You Think You Need
You’ll find laundry services everywhere.

2️⃣ Layers Beat Bulk
Three light layers > one heavy jacket.

3️⃣ Function Over Fashion
That tight pair of jeans won’t feel good after 8 hours on a bus.

4️⃣ Multi-Use Items Only
If it’s only useful for one activity, leave it.

5️⃣ Dark / Neutral Colors
They hide dirt, match easily, and draw less attention.

6️⃣ Technical Fabrics Are Worth It
Quick-dry, wrinkle-free, lightweight materials = gold for travelers.

👕 What to Pack by Region

For the Coast (Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Máncora)

Summer (Dec–Apr)

Tops:

• 3–4 short-sleeve shirts (mix cotton & technical)
• 1 lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for sun protection)
• 1 hoodie or light sweatshirt (for AC or buses)
• 1 light windbreaker

Bottoms:

• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1–2 lightweight pants (avoid heavy jeans)
• 1 swimsuit (for beach or hotel pools)
• Underwear for 5–7 days (you can wash on the road)

Footwear:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Flip-flops for the beach

🌫️ Winter (May–Nov)

Lima is overcast and cool — think “European autumn,” not “Canadian winter.”

Tops:

• 2–3 short-sleeve shirts
• 2 long-sleeve shirts or blouses
• 1 sweatshirt or pullover
• 1 mid-weight jacket (softshell or thick hoodie)
• 1 light scarf for misty wind

Bottoms:

• 2 pants (one can be jeans)
• 1 pair of shorts (still warm during the day)
• Enough underwear & socks

Footwear:

• Closed, comfortable walking shoes
• Optional casual pair for evenings

 

FOR THE HIGHLANDS (Cusco, Puno, Arequipa) — THE MOST IMPORTANT SECTION

This is where most travelers make mistakes.
The Andes are extreme in temperature swings:

• Midday sun: 20°C / 68°F – you’re in a T-shirt
• Night: 0°C / 32°F – you’ll wear everything you own

Layering Is Key

BASE LAYER (Next to Skin)

• 3–4 short-sleeve technical shirts (merino or synthetic quick-dry)
• 2 long-sleeve thermal shirts (for mornings/nights)
• Thermal underwear (especially if traveling Jun–Aug or visiting Puno)
• 5+ pairs of quick-dry underwear

MID LAYER (Insulation)

• 1 medium-weight fleece or pullover
• 1 warm hoodie or sweatshirt
• 1 vest (optional but useful)

OUTER LAYER (Protection)

• 1 waterproof jacket with hood (ESSENTIAL)
  • Dry season: lightweight is fine
  • Rainy season: get a good-quality shell
• 1 down or synthetic insulated jacket (ESSENTIAL for nights)
  • Doesn’t need to be “Everest-grade,” but must be warm
  • Compressible = bonus

BOTTOMS

• 2 pairs trekking/outdoor pants (quick-dry, comfortable)
• 1 pair thermal leggings (for sleeping or very cold days)
• 1 pair shorts (for warm daytime exploring)
  Skip heavy jeans — they’re heavy, don’t dry, and uncomfortable for walking.

CRITICAL ACCESSORIES

• Beanie / wool hat (ESSENTIAL): you lose up to 40% of body heat through your head
• Gloves (highly recommended): Puno mornings can freeze your hands
• Buff / scarf (ESSENTIAL): multipurpose neck, face, or head protection
• Sun hat or wide-brimmed hat: Andean sun is strong even at cool temps
• Sunglasses (MANDATORY): high UV exposure at altitude

FOOTWEAR (Andes)

• Hiking boots (for treks): ankle support, waterproof, broken in before trip
• Trail shoes (for lighter hikes)
• Comfortable casual sneakers (for cities)
• Sandals/slides (for hotel/rest days)

SPECIFIC ANDES TIPS

If visiting Puno (Lake Titicaca):

• Elevation 3,827m / 12,555 ft — colder than Cusco
• Nights on islands (homestays) can be freezing
• Bring all your thermal layers

If doing multi-day treks:

• Everything should be quick-dry (no cotton)
• Layering becomes even more important
• See “Trekking Equipment” section below

🌴 FOR THE AMAZON (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Tarapoto)

The jungle is a different world: heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and sudden rain.

CLOTHING (Jungle)

Tops:

• 3–4 lightweight long-sleeve shirts (yes, long sleeves — protection from sun & bugs)
• 2 short-sleeve shirts
• 1 button-up long-sleeve shirt (for ventilation)
• Everything must be quick-dry (avoid cotton — it stays wet for days)

Bottoms:

• 2 lightweight long pants (mosquito protection)
• 1 pair of shorts (for lodges or safe, screened areas)
• Convertible pants (zip-off legs) are perfect

Protection:

• Rain poncho or lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Rain can come fast and hard — you’ll need cover

FOOTWEAR (Jungle)

• Jungle boots (often provided by your lodge)
• Shoes you don’t mind getting wet — they will
• Sport sandals (Teva/Keen style) — for lodges, rivers, boats
  🚫 Don’t bring shoes you’re afraid to ruin.

ACCESSORIES (Jungle)

• Strong insect repellent (DEET 30–50%) — ESSENTIAL
• Hat with neck flap — for sun & mosquito protection
• Buff or bandana — shields from bugs and dust
• Zip-lock bags — to keep electronics and documents dry

JUNGLE TIPS

• Wear light-colored clothing (dark colors attract mosquitoes)
• Avoid black or dark blue
• Everything must be quick-dry (humidity = 90%+)
• Pack light — most lodges have daily laundry service

🥾 TREKKING GEAR (Inca Trail, Salkantay, etc.)

If you’re trekking for 4–5 days, you’ll need specific gear.
Your tour company usually provides or rents some items — others you must bring.

PROVIDED OR AVAILABLE FOR RENT

• Sleeping tent
• Dining/toilet tent
• Sleeping bag ($15–25 rental)
• Sleeping pad
• Trekking poles ($10–15 rental)

WHAT YOU MUST BRING

Clothing (Layering System)

Base Layer:

• 2 short-sleeve technical shirts
• 1–2 long-sleeve thermal shirts
• 1 trekking pants
• 1 thermal pants (for sleeping)
• 4–5 pairs trekking socks (merino ideal)
• 4–5 technical underwear
• 1 thermal underwear set

Mid Layer:

• 1 warm fleece
• 1 down jacket (nights are cold)

Outer Layer:

• 1 good waterproof jacket (rain possible even in dry season)
• 1 waterproof pants (or poncho)

Accessories

• Warm hat
• Gloves (2 pairs: light + heavy)
• Buff/scarf
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses (UV cat. 3–4)
• Rain poncho (covers backpack too)

👣 FOOTWEAR FOR TREKS

• Hiking boots (MANDATORY) — waterproof, high-ankle, broken in
• Ultra-light sandals — for camps

DAYPACK (30–40L)

Carried by you during the day:

• Daily clothes
• Waterproof jacket
• 2–3L of water
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Camera
• Power bank
• Documents

Total pack weight: 5–7 kg max

CARRIED BY PORTERS (Separate Bag)

• Sleeping bag
• Extra clothes
• Toiletries
• Anything not needed during the day

👞 COMPLETE FOOTWEAR GUIDE

Happy feet = happy trip.
Here’s the ideal footwear setup for a multi-region Peru trip:

Multi-Region Trip

• 1 pair trail shoes/hiking sneakers (general use)
• 1 pair casual shoes (city, flights)
• 1 pair sport sandals (hotel, beach, jungle)

If Doing Long Treks

• 1 pair hiking boots (waterproof, high ankle, broken in)
• 1 pair casual shoes
• 1 pair ultralight sandals

Max 3 pairs total, including the pair you wear on the plane.

Socks (Underrated but Crucial)

• Minimum 6–8 pairs
• Merino wool > cotton (no blisters, odor-free, fast-dry)
• Hiking socks: cushioned, specific design
• Bring more than you think you’ll need

MEDICAL KIT & ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS

You don’t need a full pharmacy — just the basics.

PERSONAL MEDS

• Your regular prescription meds (bring extra)
• Copies of prescriptions (especially for controlled drugs)

BASIC FIRST AID KIT

For Altitude:

• Sorojchi Pills or Acetazolamide (Diamox – consult your doctor)
• Ibuprofen (altitude headaches)

Digestive:

• Loperamide (Imodium) – traveler’s diarrhea
• Pepto-Bismol (stomach upset)
• Oral rehydration salts

Pain/Fever:

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen

First Aid:

• Band-aids/plasters (lots – for blisters)
• Sterile gauze
• Medical tape
• Moleskin or Compeed (ESSENTIAL for hikes)

Topicals:

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (Andean sun is brutal)
• Lip balm with SPF
• DEET 30–50% repellent (especially for jungle)
• Anti-chafing cream (Body Glide or Vaseline)
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes

Other Useful Items:

• Antihistamines (for bites/allergies)
• Eye drops (dry air at altitude)
• Sleep aid (optional – flights or high-altitude rest)

 What to Bring vs Buy in Peru

Bring from home:

• Prescription meds
• Acetazolamide (if prescribed)
• Moleskin/Compeed (expensive in Peru)
• Strong DEET repellent

Buy locally:

• Ibuprofen, paracetamol (cheap at pharmacies)
• Sorojchi Pills (over-the-counter in Peru)
• Coca tea (available everywhere)
• Water purification tablets (if needed)

Electronics & Travel Accessories

What You Really Need to Stay Connected and Powered Up in Peru

ESSENTIALS

📱 Smartphone + Charger

An obvious one — but make sure your phone is unlocked so you can use a local SIM card.
Local SIMs (like Claro or Entel) are cheap and give you coverage across Peru, including Cusco and Lima.

🔋 Portable Battery (Power Bank)

Extremely important for hikes, long travel days, and places with limited electricity.

• Minimum capacity: 10,000 mAh
• Always charge everything overnight before leaving your hotel
• Some treks and remote lodges don’t have power outlets — a power bank is a lifesaver

📸 Camera

If you’re bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, plan ahead:

• Bring multiple batteries (you can’t charge on the trail)
• Extra memory cards — high-resolution photos fill them up fast
• Rain/dust protection case (especially for hikes or jungle trips)

If you prefer traveling light, modern smartphones take incredible shots in Peru’s bright light and landscapes.

🔌 Cables & Chargers

• Bring all necessary cables — plus one backup for your phone
• Store them in a small organizer pouch to avoid tangling
• If you’re traveling with a group, label your cables — everyone’s look the same

⚡ Power Adapter

• Peru uses Type A and Type C plugs (same as the S. and Europe)
• Voltage: 220V
• If you’re coming from the U.S. (110V), check your devices — most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are dual voltage, but confirm before plugging in

🔦 Headlamp (Flashlight)

ESSENTIAL for trekkers and adventure travelers:

• Ideal for Inca Trail, camping, or unexpected power cuts
• Keep extra batteries handy
• Much better than using your phone flashlight

🎧 Headphones / Earbuds

• Perfect for long bus rides, flights, or quiet evenings
• Noise-canceling headphones make a big difference in Peru’s busy cities and terminals

Optional but Useful Gadgets

📚 Kindle / E-Reader

Books are heavy — an e-reader isn’t.
Perfect for long bus rides, lazy afternoons in the Andes, or evenings in the Amazon without Wi-Fi.

💻 Laptop / Tablet

Bring it only if you really need to work while traveling.

• Adds weight and stress (you’ll always be watching it)
• For most travelers, a tablet or smartphone is more than enough for staying connected and planning

🎥 GoPro / Action Camera

Ideal if you plan to do adventure activities such as rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, or hiking the Inca Trail.

• Lightweight and waterproof
• Capture epic wide-angle shots of Peru’s landscapes

🚁 Drone

Before you fly, check local regulations:

• Drones are strictly prohibited in Machu Picchu and most archaeological sites
• Some regions require special permits from local authorities
• Always fly responsibly and respect cultural and environmental restrictions

Documents & Money: What You Must Bring to Peru

Essential Travel Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Trip

🛂 CRITICAL DOCUMENTS

Passport

• Must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date
• Keep a photocopy separate from the original
• Save a digital photo of your passport in your email or cloud

Visa

• Most nationalities do NOT need a visa for tourism (stay up to 90 days)
• Always check entry requirements for your specific country before traveling

Vaccinations

• Yellow Fever: recommended (not mandatory) for trips to the Amazon region
• Bring your vaccination card if you have one

Travel Insurance

• Print your policy and emergency contact numbers
• Keep a digital copy accessible from your phone or email
• Essential for trekking, high-altitude activities, or Amazon travel

Reservations & Confirmations

• Printed copies of hotel confirmations
• Tour tickets, especially for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
• Domestic flight confirmations or e-tickets

💳 CARDS & CASH

Credit / Debit Cards

• Bring two different cards (Visa + Mastercard recommended)
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid automatic blocks
• ATMs are widely available in major cities (some charge fees)

Cash

• Carry $200–$400 USD in small bills (for exchange upon arrival)
• Hide money in separate locations (don’t keep it all in one place)
• S. dollars and Peruvian soles are both accepted in many tourist areas

Passport Photos

• Bring a few extra for permits or paperwork (Inca Trail, SIM card registration, etc.)

How to Organize and Protect Your Travel Documents in Peru

Smart Tips to Keep Your Passport and Money Safe

Carry with You

• Original passport (only when absolutely necessary, like border crossings or flights)
• Main credit/debit cards you’ll use that day
• Daily cash for expenses (keep it in a secure money belt or pouch)

Leave at the Hotel (in a safe place)

• Passport – carry only a photocopy when sightseeing
• Backup cards that you don’t need that day
• Extra cash or emergency funds

Hotels and lodges in Peru usually have room safes or reception safes — use them whenever possible.

Upload to the Cloud

Keep digital copies of all your important documents. If you lose your wallet or luggage, you can still access everything.

• Passport photos (main page and entry stamp if applicable)
• Travel insurance policy
• Important reservations (flights, hotels, Machu Picchu, tours)

Store them securely in Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, and share access with someone you trust back home — just in case.

What NOT to Bring to Peru

Common Packing Mistakes Every Traveler Should Avoid

Packing light makes your trip through Peru easier, safer, and way more enjoyable. Here’s what experienced travelers always leave at home

Heavy Jeans

• Too bulky and take forever to dry
• Uncomfortable for long bus rides or hikes
• Bring just one pair max if you really want them for city days

Too Many Cotton T-Shirts

• Cotton soaks up sweat and rain
• Dries slowly, making you feel cold
• Go for synthetic or merino wool shirts that dry fast and breathe better

Large Cotton Towels

• Heavy, take ages to dry, and waste luggage space
  ✅ Better option: a microfiber travel towel — dries in 2 hours and weighs almost nothing

Hair Dryer

• Most hotels and lodges in Peru already provide one
• If you must bring yours, check the voltage (Peru uses 220V)

Too Many Shoes

• Maximum: 3 pairs total (trekking boots, casual shoes, and sandals)
• Every extra pair = unnecessary weight

Expensive Jewelry

• High risk of theft and extra stress keeping it safe
• Leave it at home and travel worry-free

Too Many Electronics

• You don’t need a laptop, iPad, Kindle, and camera all together
• Choose what’s essential for your trip and leave the rest behind

Thick Paper Guidebooks

• Everything is online or downloadable as PDFs
• Take photos of key pages if you really want offline info

Too Much Clothing

• If you’re packing more than 7 days of outfits, it’s too much
• Laundry services are cheap and available everywhere in Peru

Bulky Travel Pillow

• Takes up too much space
  ✅ Use a rolled-up jacket or sweater instead

Food From Home

• Unless you have strict medical or dietary restrictions, skip it
• You can find almost everything you need in Peru, including snacks for hikes

Packing Lists by Trip Type

LIST 1: Classic 10-Day Trip (Lima–Cusco–Machu Picchu)

Regions: Coast + Highlands (no jungle)
Season: May–September (dry season)

Clothing

• 4 short-sleeve T-shirts
• 2 long-sleeve shirts
• 1 casual button-down/blouse
• 1 fleece/polar layer
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 down/synthetic insulated jacket
• 2 pants (one casual, one outdoor)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 sleepwear set
• 7 underwear
• 7 pairs of socks (half everyday, half hiking)
• 1 beanie
• 1 sun hat/cap
• 1 buff/neck gaiter
• 1 pair of gloves

Footwear

• Trail/hiking shoes
• Casual sneakers
• Sandals

Accessories

• 20–30L daypack
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle

Toiletries

• Your basics
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Microfiber towel

Electronics

• Phone + charger
• Power bank
• Camera (optional)
• Plug adapter

Documents

• Passport
• 2 payment cards
• ~$300 cash
• Travel insurance
• Printed reservations

Target weight: 10–12 kg (22–26 lb)

LIST 2: 15-Day Adventure Trip (Lima–Cusco–Trek–Jungle)

Regions: Coast + Highlands + Jungle
Includes: Inca Trail or Salkantay

Clothing (in addition to List 1)

• +1 long-sleeve technical shirt
• +2 pairs hiking socks
• 1 thermal bottom
• Extra gloves (for trekking)
• +2–3 lightweight long-sleeve shirts (jungle)
• 1 lightweight long pant (jungle)

Footwear

• Hiking boots (instead of trail runners)
• Casual sneakers
• Sport sandals

Trekking Essentials

• Sleeping bag (or rent locally)
• Trekking poles (or rent)
• Headlamp + spare batteries
• Moleskin/Compeed for blisters

Jungle Essentials

• DEET 50% repellent
• Rain poncho
• Zip-lock bags (keep things dry)

Target weight: 12–15 kg (26–33 lb) without sleeping bag if renting

LIST 3: 3-Week Backpacking Trip

You’ll carry less because you’ll wash more often.

Clothing

• 3–4 T-shirts (wash every 3–4 days)
• 2 long-sleeve tops
• 1 fleece
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 insulated jacket
• 2 pants
• 1 pair of shorts
• 5 underwear (wash/rotate)
• 5 pairs of socks (wash/rotate)
• Accessories same as List 1

Philosophy: Less clothing, more laundry. Travel lighter.
Target weight: 8–10 kg (18–22 lb)

LIST 4: 10-Day Comfort Trip (No Long Treks)

If you’re not doing long hikes, you can be more flexible.

Clothing

• A bit more variety (pack something “nice”)
• 1 smart-casual outfit (for great restaurants)
• Weight isn’t as critical
• “Nicer” casual shoes (no need for hiking boots)

Focus: Comfort > extreme performance
Target weight: 12–15 kg (26–33 lb) — you won’t carry as much between cities

🧠 Practical Packing Advice

Suitcase Type

Backpack (Travel Pack):

• Best for: backpackers, treks, frequent buses
• Size: 50–65L
• Pros: mobility, hands free
• Cons: less organized

Wheeled Suitcase:

• Best for: comfort trips, fewer city hops
• Size: 60–70L
• Pros: organized, easy on smooth surfaces
• Cons: stairs & cobblestones = pain

My take:

• Doing treks? Backpack 100%
• Urban, comfort-focused trip? Wheeled suitcase is fine

Daypack:

• ESSENTIAL regardless of trip type
• 20–30L — carry it daily

Laundry on the Road

Local Laundries:

• Common in all tourist towns
• Price: S/. 10–15 per kilo ($3–4)
• 24-hour turnaround
• Drop off in the morning, pick up late day/evening

Hand Washing:

• Buy bar/liquid soap locally
• Sink/shower wash, hang dry
• Highlands: dries fast • Jungle: slow

Hotel Laundry:

• More expensive (S/. 5–10 per item)
• Convenient

Plan:

• Wash every 3–4 days
• That’s why you only need 5–7 days of clothing total

Packing Organization

Packing Cubes:

• Separate by type: tops, bottoms, underwear
• Compress clothes
• Find items quickly

Zip-lock Bags:

• Meds & toiletries (leaks won’t ruin your bag)
• Keep things dry

Dirty Laundry:

• Separate bag (large plastic or dedicated sack)

Valuables:

• Always in your daypack
• Never in checked luggage

Checked vs Carry-On

Checked Bag:

• Airline typical limit: 23 kg (50 lb)
• Put heavy items here: extra shoes, large liquids

Carry-On (Cabin): your daypack
Must carry in cabin:

• Documents, money, cards
• Important meds
• One change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)
• Valuable electronics

By Season

Dry Season (May–Oct):

• Less rain gear needed
• Still bring a waterproof shell (weather changes)
• Colder nights → more layers

Rainy Season (Nov–Mar):

• Poncho is essential
• Everything should be quick-dry
• Waterproof bags for electronics
• Shoes you don’t mind getting wet

Buying Clothing in Peru

Cusco:

• Plenty of outdoor shops (The North Face, Columbia + local brands)
• Markets: wool/alpaca sweaters
• Reasonable prices

Lima:

• Modern malls with all major brands
• Generally pricier than Cusco

Markets (anywhere):

• Cheap, quality varies
• Haggling is normal

Worth buying locally:

• Alpaca sweater (warm, beautiful, useful souvenir)
• Wool hat
• Cheap rain poncho

Final Packing Checklist Before You Close Your Suitcase

(Print this out and check each item)

👕 CLOTHING

☐ T-shirts (4–5)
☐ Long-sleeve shirts (2)
☐ Fleece/polar layer
☐ Waterproof jacket
☐ Warm insulated jacket
☐ Pants (2)
☐ Shorts (1)
☐ Sleepwear
☐ Underwear (7)
☐ Socks (7)
☐ Beanie/warm hat
☐ Sun hat/cap
☐ Buff/neck gaiter
☐ Gloves

👟 FOOTWEAR

☐ Main shoes (trail or walking)
☐ Secondary shoes (casual)
☐ Sandals

🧴 TOILETRIES

☐ Toothbrush + toothpaste
☐ Shampoo/soap (travel size or buy locally)
☐ Sunscreen SPF 50+
☐ Lip balm with SPF
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Microfiber towel
☐ Small toilet-paper roll (for emergencies)

💊 MEDICATIONS

☐ Basic first-aid kit
☐ Personal prescriptions
☐ Ibuprofen / Paracetamol
☐ Anti-diarrheal
☐ Band-Aids / moleskin for blisters

⚙️ ELECTRONICS

☐ Phone + charger
☐ Power bank
☐ Camera (optional) + charger
☐ Cables
☐ Plug adapter
☐ Headlamp / flashlight (if trekking)
☐ Headphones

🪪 DOCUMENTS

☐ Passport
☐ Two bank/credit cards
☐ Cash (USD + soles)
☐ Printed travel insurance
☐ Printed key reservations (hotels, tours, flights)
☐ Extra passport photos

🎒 ACCESSORIES

☐ Daypack
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Reusable water bottle
☐ Zip-lock bags
☐ Small lock (for suitcase / locker)
☐ Sleeping bag (if trekking and not renting one)

THE FINAL TRUTH

After 20 years of watching travelers pack, let me tell you: 90% of people bring too much.
You’ll only use about 70% of what you pack. The other 30% just adds weight.

The right philosophy:

• If you’re doubting whether you’ll need it → you probably won’t.
• You can buy almost anything in Peru if you really need it.
• Traveling light = traveling happy.
• Less clothes = fewer decisions = less stress.

Ideal total weight:

• Hardcore backpacker: 8–10 kg (17–22 lb)
• Regular traveler: 10–13 kg (22–28 lb)
• Comfort traveler: 13–16 kg (28–35 lb)
• Over 18 kg (40 lb)? You brought too much.

And remember: what matters most is not what you pack—but that you enjoy your trip.
Pack smart, travel light, and enjoy every moment.
Buen viaje. Peru is waiting for you.