The Ultimate Packing Guide for Peru You Won't Want to Miss

Covering an area of 496,225 square miles, Peru ranks as the third-largest country in South America and the 19th largest globally—nearly double the size of Texas. This nation boasts remarkable diversity, ranging from the lush Amazon rainforest to the historic Incan site of Machu Picchu. Plus, there's a vibrant dining and nightlife scene to explore.

However, this diversity can make packing a challenge. What essentials should you bring to stay prepared without overdoing it? To help you out, here’s Dinogo’s must-have packing list for Peru, featuring essential tips.

Packing Gear and Organizational Tools

While most tour operators don’t impose strict limits on luggage, if you plan to embark on any multi-day hikes or venture outside urban areas, a larger backpack or duffel bag is ideal. The same applies for the Amazon: expect to travel via small rickshaws to low-lying riverboats, making soft-sided waterproof bags the best choice for both convenience and protection against the elements.

There’s no shortage of impressive travel backpacks available, but my personal favorite is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This versatile bag functions as a carry-on, duffel, and backpack all rolled into one, weighing just three pounds. Recently, the brand launched a slightly larger (38L) wheeled version, perfect for those who prefer not to carry a bag on their back. A packable day pack or tote, like the Baggu Cloud Bag, is also a great addition.

When it comes to packing, I rely on packing cubes to organize my clothes according to the different aspects of my trip: dressier outfits for Lima and Cusco, and outdoor gear for adventures in Machu Picchu and the Amazon.

Crucial travel documents

To visit Machu Picchu, preregistration is necessary, so make sure to book your tours in advance. (Once you purchase tickets through the Ministry of Culture site, the dates and times are fixed, though you can buy as many entrance tickets as you wish.) Be sure to carry printed copies of your tickets along with your passport, as entry to the site will not be allowed without them.

Here’s a comprehensive list of essential items to bring on your trip to Peru:

• Passport
• Confirmation details for any flights, trains, or tours—often available as electronic documents, so ensure they’re accessible on your mobile device or relevant apps. If you’re heading to areas with limited electricity and signal, like the Amazon, download and screenshot crucial documents and keep printed copies handy.
• Emergency documents, including your health insurance card, travel insurance details, and emergency contact information
• Mobile phone
• Wallet containing credit cards and cash. The local currency is the sol, with bills in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles. Many market vendors and street sellers only accept cash, so it's wise to carry Peruvian soles, especially smaller bills like 10s and 20s for easier transactions. For the best exchange rates, convert dollars to soles once you're in Peru. Visit a bank in Lima or Cusco, or look for cambistas, or money changers, near the entrance by security guards. They usually wear bright vests and can offer better rates than banks—just ensure the bills are undamaged.

Casual and Active Clothing to Include

Layers are essential in Peru, where temperatures and weather can change rapidly.

• 3–4 everyday shirts and T-shirts, such as the Lorel Tee from Jungmaven, which arrives feeling luxuriously soft and worn-in
• 1–2 casual tops or shirts for evenings out
• 2–3 pairs of pants or shorts for daily wear
• 1–2 pairs of hiking pants, like the lightweight yet sturdy Snow Peak FR Stretch Pants, which are water-repellent and feature multiple hidden pockets and adjustable ankle elastic
• 2–3 hiking shirts. We love Outerknown’s long-sleeved sun shirts, crafted from recycled polyester with UPF 50+ sun protection.
• 1–2 sweaters, as temperatures can drop after sunset; consider bringing a cozy option like Patagonia’s Better Sweater Fleece Vest for layering.
• Pajamas and loungewear
• Underwear and socks (suitable for both hiking and everyday use)
• A lightweight hiking jacket or vest, such as Helly Hansen’s breathable Fastpack Jacket
• A lightweight rain jacket. Be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Dressier Attire to Include

Peru is home to some of the world’s best fine-dining establishments, including Kjolle, Maido, and Central. While there’s no formal dress code, most diners opt for smart-casual attire rather than shorts. When packing, I selected outfits that could transition from formal evenings to daytime café outings seamlessly.

• 1–2 dresses or skirts
• 2–3 blouses
• 1–2 pairs of trousers
• 1 stylish jacket or blazer

Eileen Fisher Crushed Silk Jewel Neck Tiered Dress
Like items in the overhead bin that shift during flight, clothing often ends up wrinkled after being packed. The silver lining? This dress, crafted from crushed silk, masks wrinkles so they blend into the design. I opted for the Aegean color, which met my friend’s request for colorful attire at her wedding, while also being suitable for dinner on the Belmond Andean Explorer train from Cusco to Puno, near Lake Titicaca.

Silk Laundry Audrey Top and Bias Cut Pants
A not-so-secret packing tip? Choose versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes—this set is a perfect illustration. Made from silk and featuring a mud pattern inspired by a UNESCO-recognized dyeing technique from the Hakka people of Southeast China, it pairs beautifully with walking shoes and a baseball cap, yet also looks great for an early dinner at Mauka, Pía León’s latest restaurant in Cusco. Hang it in the shower to release any wrinkles.

Jungmaven Hermosa Dress
This lightweight travel dress, made from a hemp-jersey blend and featuring a generous side slit for ease of movement, is perfect for lounging at a lodge, relaxing on the beach, or even wearing to bed. With the addition of clogs and a summery jacket, it transforms from casual to chic.

Footwear

In historic cities like Cusco, the cobblestones can be challenging, so it’s wise to pack shoes that offer a solid grip and can be dressed up or down, such as the Salomon XT-6. While lodges in the Amazon provide boots for navigating the mud and rain, a pair of lightweight hiking boots is crucial for adventures in the Sacred Valley. Additionally, travel clogs—which I’ve previously praised for Dinogo—are a versatile choice, suitable for pairing with dresses or for casual wear around a lodge. For my journey, I packed the slim Calzuro classic clog, featuring a 1.5-inch heel and excellent grip.

• Walking or tennis shoes
• Lightweight hiking boots (for both women and men)
• Travel clogs

Accessories

• A sun-protecting cap or hat is essential. I adore the AFO Hyperlight Cap from Janji, which is incredibly lightweight and travel-friendly—you can fold, scrunch, or toss it in your bag, and it’ll emerge looking as good as new.
• Polarized sunglasses, like the Maho Positano shades, are great for minimizing glare from the bright sun.

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Skincare products and lotions
• Eye drops and contact lens solution, plus a case (if needed)
• Shaving supplies
• Feminine hygiene products (if necessary)
• Tweezers
• Sunscreen. Choose reef-safe sunscreen like Thinksport or Australian Gold Botanical—many places, including Hawai‘i, are banning sunscreens with harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone. Vertra, known for its mineral face sticks, is favored by swimmers, including 12-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin.

A basic first-aid kit

While you can find first-aid supplies in Peru, they may be pricier than what you’d pay at home. Even if you don’t anticipate motion sickness, it’s wise to pack some ginger chews just in case—they’re effective against nausea. (Read more about how to beat motion sickness here.)

Altitude sickness is prevalent in Peru, where the average elevation is around 5,100 feet (similar to Denver). Popular destinations like Machu Picchu (7,970 feet), Cusco (11,155 feet), and Lake Titicaca (12,500 feet) are even higher. Before your journey, consult your doctor about Diamox. While nonmedical remedies such as chewing coca leaves or sipping coca tea are widely available in Peru, it's illegal to bring coca leaves back to the United States.

• Pain relievers
• Your regular medications or sleep aids
• Allergy relief medications
• Anti-nausea medications, including over-the-counter Dramamine or prescription options like the Transderm-Scop patch
• Antidiarrheal medications
• Band-aids
• Antibiotic cream
• Hand sanitizer
• Cleansing wipes. These are great for times when running water isn’t available, helping you wipe away sweat and bug spray before hitting the sack.

You might also consider

• Mosquito repellent. Kinfield’s Golden Hour mosquito repellent is free from DEET and highly effective. Plus, its blend of citronella, lemongrass, and clove has a pleasant fragrance.
• After-sun leave-in hair conditioner, like Sun Bum’s Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Treatment, which helps detangle, nourish, and shield your hair from the sun and saltwater.

Travel gear and electronics

As more destinations implement bans on single-use plastics, bringing your own water bottle has become increasingly essential for any trip. We recommend packing a water bottle for daily use and hikes—it’s vital to stay hydrated in tropical areas where you may sweat heavily, as well as at high altitudes. In Peru, tap water is not safe to drink, and you’ll often see signs indicating this; however, hotels provide disposable water bottles that you can refill, helping you avoid the hassle of plastic waste.

• Reusable water bottle
• Travel coffee mug. The Fellow Carter Move mug is fantastic. Featuring a snap-in splash guard, it keeps beverages hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours—perfect for on-the-go.
• Laptop or e-reader
• Chargers
• Power bank
• Universal travel adapter

Note: Due to the remote nature of some areas in Peru, it’s advisable to download books and movies before your trip.

You might also consider

• Camera
• Beach blanket
• Binoculars. The Bushnell Legend 10x42mm Binoculars are a solid entry-level option.
• Headlamp. This is essential for nighttime in the Amazon, where many lodges have limited electricity and navigating requires a headlamp or flashlight. The lightweight BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro offers eight different modes—including dimmable white spot, dimmable white flood, red night vision, and strobe—and lasts about 7 hours on high or up to 150 hours on low brightness.