Packing List for Peru: Machu Picchu, Amazon, and Andes
Everything you need to pack for Peru covering high-altitude trekking gear for Machu Picchu and the Andes, Amazon jungle essentials, and coastal clothing for Lima and the desert.
Peru spans sea level Lima at 18-25 degrees Celsius to Cusco at 3,400 meters where nights drop to 2-5 degrees and the Amazon at 30-35 degrees with 90% humidity. A layering system with base layers, fleece, and shell jacket handles all three zones. Pack for cold first and shed layers as you descend.
Bring moisture-wicking base layers for trekking
Merino wool or synthetic base layers wick sweat on steep Inca Trail climbs and dry fast. Cotton stays damp for hours at altitude and causes chilling. Bring 3 base layer tops and 2 bottoms for a 4-day trek. They double as warm sleepwear at altitude.
Pack a warm down or synthetic insulated jacket
Nights in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and especially high mountain passes on the Inca Trail reach near-freezing temperatures. A lightweight packable down jacket adds critical warmth for 300-400 grams of weight. Synthetic fill performs better in the wet Amazon but down is warmer per gram at altitude.
Bring a waterproof rain jacket and rain pants
The wet season from November through March brings daily rain in the Andes and constant drizzle in the cloud forest around Machu Picchu. Even the dry season sees unexpected showers at altitude. Waterproof pants protect legs on muddy trail sections and during Amazon boat rides.
Pack long-sleeved shirts and long pants for the Amazon
Long sleeves and tucked-in pants are the primary defense against mosquitoes in the Amazon basin. Lightweight, quick-dry fabrics in earth tones work best. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. The Amazon is not the place for shorts and tank tops.
Footwear
Bring broken-in waterproof hiking boots
The Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, and Colca Canyon require sturdy waterproof boots with ankle support. Stone steps, mud, and altitude combine to stress feet and ankles. Break in new boots at least 4 weeks before the trip. Blisters at 4,200 meters with 3 days of trail remaining are miserable.
Pack rubber boots or plan to buy them for the Amazon
Amazon lodge trails flood regularly, and mud reaches ankle to knee depth. Rubber boots are the standard footwear and most lodges provide them for free. If you have large feet above size 44 EU, bring your own as lodges may not stock them.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for city days
Lima's Miraflores district and Cusco's cobblestone streets require comfortable walking shoes. Lightweight trail runners handle both urban walks and lighter hikes. Pack sandals for evenings and hostel common areas.
Altitude and Health Gear
Pack altitude sickness medication and coca tea supplies
Cusco at 3,400 meters causes altitude sickness symptoms in most lowland visitors. Acetazolamide taken 24 hours before ascending reduces symptoms. Coca leaves and coca tea are legal in Peru and used locally for altitude relief. Spend 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before trekking higher.
Bring a high-quality water bottle with purification
Tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. A UV purifier, filter bottle, or purification tablets are essential for trekking. Bottled water costs 2-5 PEN in shops but is expensive and heavy on multi-day treks. Carry at least 2 liters for day hikes at altitude where dehydration is accelerated.
Pack sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm with SPF
UV radiation at 3,000-4,600 meters is 40-60% stronger than at sea level. Sunburn happens in 15-20 minutes without protection. Lips crack and burn severely at altitude. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours and use SPF lip balm constantly.
Bring DEET insect repellent for the Amazon
The Amazon basin has mosquitoes that carry dengue and malaria. DEET at 30% concentration or picaridin provides 6-8 hours of protection. Apply to all exposed skin at dawn and dusk. Permethrin-treated clothing adds a second layer of defense for multi-day jungle stays.
Trekking Equipment
Pack a 30-40 liter daypack for day hikes
A comfortable daypack with hip belt carries water, layers, snacks, camera, and first aid for day hikes to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. On the 4-day Inca Trail, porters carry the main load but you carry your daypack with essentials. Weight matters at altitude.
Bring trekking poles for steep ascents and descents
The Inca Trail has over 30,000 stone steps and reaches 4,215 meters at Dead Woman's Pass. Trekking poles reduce knee impact by 25-30% on descents and aid balance at altitude. Collapsible poles pack into checked luggage. Most Cusco outfitters also rent them for 20-40 PEN per day.
Pack a sleeping bag liner or lightweight sleeping bag
Inca Trail tour operators provide sleeping bags, but quality varies. A thermal sleeping bag liner adds 5-8 degrees of warmth and ensures hygiene. For independent treks like Salkantay, bring a sleeping bag rated to minus 10 degrees for high passes.
Bring a headlamp for early morning starts and camps
Inca Trail camps have no electricity. Pre-dawn starts to reach the Sun Gate for sunrise over Machu Picchu require a headlamp. A headlamp also helps in Amazon lodges during power outages. Pack extra batteries as they drain faster in cold temperatures.
Electronics and Travel Items
Pack a camera with versatile zoom for wildlife and landscapes
Peru offers everything from condors in Colca Canyon to monkeys in the Amazon to Machu Picchu at sunrise. A camera with 18-200mm zoom range covers most situations. Bring extra memory cards and batteries as charging opportunities are limited on multi-day treks.
Bring a portable charger for remote areas
Multi-day treks have zero access to electricity. A 20,000 mAh power bank provides 4-5 full phone charges. Many Amazon lodges run on generators with limited hours. Charge all devices fully before departing Cusco or Lima for remote areas.
Pack a dry bag for Amazon boat rides
Motorized canoe rides on Amazon tributaries involve splash and rain. A 15-20 liter dry bag protects electronics, documents, and spare clothes. Waterproof phone cases add another layer of protection for photos from the boat.
Bring photocopies of your passport and travel documents
Carry photocopies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance while leaving originals in a hotel safe. The Inca Trail requires original passport for checkpoint entry. Keep digital copies in your email or cloud storage as backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to pack for Peru?
Altitude sickness medication and proper layering clothes. Most visitors underestimate how cold and physically demanding high-altitude Peru is. Cusco at 3,400 meters causes headaches, nausea, and fatigue in most lowland arrivals. A warm jacket, waterproof shell, and acetazolamide are the three most critical items. Everything else can be bought cheaply in Cusco's outdoor shops.
Can I buy trekking gear in Cusco?
Cusco has dozens of outdoor shops selling and renting trekking gear at low prices. Sleeping bags rent for 30-60 PEN per day, trekking poles for 20-40 PEN, and down jackets for 40-80 PEN. Quality varies widely. Name-brand gear is often counterfeit. Bring your own boots, base layers, and rain jacket. Rent bulkier items locally if your luggage is tight.
Do I need a sleeping bag for the Inca Trail?
Inca Trail tour operators include sleeping bags in the package, but quality ranges from adequate to poor. A thermal sleeping bag liner adds essential warmth and hygiene for minimal weight. If you own a lightweight sleeping bag rated to minus 5 degrees, bringing it guarantees a warm sleep at the high camps where temperatures drop to near freezing.
What vaccines do I need for Peru?
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon basin visits. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended for all Peru travelers. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for low-altitude Amazon stays below 2,000 meters. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized advice and to start any medication courses on time.