What to Pack for Peru: The Complete Packing List for Altitude, Jungle, and City
Peru swings from high-altitude cold to jungle humidity to coastal sun, often in the same trip. Here's exactly what to pack for Cusco, Machu Picchu, and beyond.
Peru is a trip of extremes — Cusco and Machu Picchu sit above 8,000 feet with chilly nights, the Amazon basin is hot and humid, and Lima’s coast is mild and often overcast. Packing well means planning for layers and altitude, not just sunshine. Here’s a complete list, grouped by what it’s actually for.
Clothing & Layers
Temperatures in the Andes can swing 30°F between midday sun and evening cold, so layering matters more than any single piece of gear.
Moisture-wicking base layers: Andean days can be warm in the sun and cold the moment it dips behind a cloud — synthetic or merino base layers handle both without staying damp.
Fleece or down mid-layer: Cusco and Machu Picchu nights regularly drop close to freezing, even when the daytime forecast looked mild.
Packable rain jacket: Afternoon showers are common in the highlands and near-daily in the jungle during the wet season — a light waterproof shell beats a heavy coat.
Broken-in hiking boots or shoes: Cobblestone streets in Cusco and uneven trail sections at Machu Picchu are hard on ankles — never wear brand-new shoes on this trip.
Wide-brim hat and sunglasses: UV exposure is significantly stronger at altitude, even on cloudy days.
Health & Altitude
Cusco sits at roughly 11,200 feet — altitude sickness is common even for fit travellers, and a little preparation goes a long way.
Altitude sickness medication: Ask your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) before you go, especially if flying directly into Cusco rather than acclimatizing gradually in Lima first.
Reusable water bottle: Staying well hydrated is one of the simplest ways to reduce altitude symptoms, and refill stations are common at hotels and cafés.
High-SPF sunscreen: The combination of altitude and equatorial latitude makes sun exposure in the Andes more intense than it looks.
Insect repellent with DEET: Essential if any part of your trip includes the Amazon basin or lower jungle regions.
Basic first-aid kit: Include altitude headache relief, anti-diarrheal medication, and any personal prescriptions — pharmacies exist in cities but not on the trail.
Documents, Money & Gear
A few practical items make the logistics of Peru noticeably smoother.
Passport with 6+ months validity: Required for entry, and you’ll need it again to board the train to Machu Picchu — it’s checked against your ticket.
Small daypack: You’ll want a comfortable bag for day trips to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and city walking — most large tour buses have limited storage.
Cash in small soles: Many local markets, small restaurants, and rural stops don’t take cards — Lima and Cusco are card-friendly, but smaller towns are not.
Headlamp or small flashlight: Useful for early starts to Machu Picchu and for accommodations in the Sacred Valley with limited lighting.
Universal power adapter: Peru uses both Type A and Type C outlets at 220V — a universal adapter avoids guessing.
Final Thoughts
Pack for three different climates and you’ll be ready for whatever Peru’s altitude and geography throw at you — the biggest mistake most travellers make is packing for warm weather and underestimating the cold at elevation. At Fly Away Travel Co., we build Peru itineraries around proper acclimatization, so you spend less time adjusting and more time exploring. Contact us to start planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for Machu Picchu?
Layers are essential — a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer, a packable rain jacket, and broken-in hiking shoes, since weather at Machu Picchu can shift from sun to rain within the same visit.
Do I need altitude sickness medication for Cusco?
Many travellers ask their doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) before visiting Cusco, which sits above 11,000 feet — it’s not mandatory, but it’s worth discussing given how common altitude symptoms are, even for fit travellers.
What plug adapter do I need for Peru?
Peru uses both Type A and Type C outlets at 220V, so a universal adapter is the safest option if you’re travelling from North America.
Is it cold at night in Cusco?
Yes — Cusco and the Sacred Valley regularly drop close to freezing at night despite mild or even warm daytime temperatures, so a proper insulating layer is essential even in the dry season.
