What to Bring to Peru?

What to Bring to Peru?

Peru is a country of endless adventure, offering everything from trekking the rugged Inca Trail to exploring ancient Choquequirao Inca site, vibrant cities, and rich cultural landscapes. Whether you’re hiking in the Andes, visiting historical sites, or immersing yourself in local traditions, packing the right gear is key to a successful trip to Peru.

We also mention what you do not need to bring to Peru and what is necessary for your trip:

What to Bring for Trekking in Peru?

Peru is home to the Andes Mountains, making it one of the top destinations for trekking, offering beautiful landscapes and majestic peaks. In the Andes, you'll find Cusco and Huaraz, two cities that offer amazing hiking routes. But don’t be fooled by these destinations—these mountains are challenging, with high points often reaching 4,550 meters or more. Among the most popular treks in Peru are the Inca Trail in Cusco and Alpamayo in Huaraz, followed by Salkantay, Choquequirao, and additional treks in Huaraz. What do you need to bring for your Peru trek? Here, we address your doubts.

If you are planning to do any trek in Peru, below we suggest some items for your hike. Remember, Tierras Vivas will provide the sleeping bag, air mattress, hiking poles, and other trekking equipment. You only need to bring the items mentioned in this list:

1. Trekking shoes/hiking boots to walk on Inca trails, mountains, glaciers, etc. It is very important to wear hiking shoes that offer support, anti-slide, grid and shock absorption so that you can focus on beautiful sceneries around and not on your feet. Also, the shoes should be waterproof and have got a cartage tongue and ankle cuffs providing comfort and protection. Rubber sole as anti-shock protection is also recommended.

2. Big backpack - For a 3-day trek, you should take a backpack with a capacity of 20-30 litres only. If you do a 4-day trek, then a 30-40 litres capacity backpack is recommended. For a 5-day hike, you need taking with you a 40-50 litres capacity backpack, etc. A backpack should provide easy access to everything necessary without much fuss so that it should have side pockets for small items accessible from outside, zippered internal pockets plus a main compartment to carry all your stuff. It is suitable to be waterproof with a compression strap and bottom to minimize a volume and help to stabilize your load as well.

3. Passport and copy: It is very important to bring your original passport, as you will usually need to present it at the control point before the trek.

4. Travel insurance (+ copies in case of lost).

5. Jacket needs to be light, waterproof, windproof, specially designed for adventure and preferably made of bright colours to make you visible from far.

6. Trekking trousers should be convertible (trousers - shorts), should have pockets of a big capacity as well as satisfy your comfort during weather changes. It is suitable to be made of resistant and waterproof fabrics.

7. Walking sticks/poles to enable you to walk with ease providing you with support on each step. They should be light, compact, preferably made of alluminum alloy and have an antishock system that absorbs impacts before they reach your hand wrists.

8. Sandals for better comfort whilst at a campsite.

9. Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights).

10. Hat or a cap as a protection against the sun, rain as well as cold.

11. Sunscreem or sunblock

12. After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.

13. Insect repellent when in areas of insect occurrence.

14. Mobile phone/camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions).

15. Flashlight/headlamp + batteries.

16. Paper tissues and toilet paper.

17. Small towel and toiletries.

18. Sufficient reserve of underwear and extra socks.

19. Swimsuits when you pass through warm areas with lagoons, rivers, hot springs (e.g. Agua Calientes or Lares) or other water sources.

20. Snacks such as biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.

21. Bottled water and a water bottle to be refilled. Metallic (alternatively Nalgene) bottles are ideal.

22. Water-purifying tablets if you like to use water from streams along a trail.

23. Cash in a local currency

24. Small rucksack to carry your personal items during a day while your baggage is not necessary.

What to Bring for Traditional Tours in Peru?

Peru offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, with amazing destinations to enjoy whether you’re traveling with family, solo, or with friends. From stunning beaches to the high desert mountains of Rainbow Mountain, from the Nazca Lines to Machu Picchu, and from the Paracas Reserve, similar to the Galapagos, to the Peruvian Amazon Jungle—Peru has so much to offer. But it’s very important to know what to bring to Peru. Below, you’ll find a recommended list of items to pack in your suitcase or backpack.

Essentials

• Original Passport: Required for identification and entry to many sites.
• Photocopies of Passport: For backup in case the original is lost.
• Tourist Visa (if required): Ensure you have the necessary documentation for entry.
• Cash and Credit Cards: Local currency (Peruvian Soles) for small purchases and tips.

Clothing

• Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
• Lightweight Jacket: For cooler mornings and evenings.
• Layered Clothing: T-shirts, long sleeves, and a sweater for varying weather conditions.
• Rain Jacket or Poncho: The weather can change quickly, especially in the Andes.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Protection from the sun, particularly in higher altitudes.
• Comfortable Pants or Shorts: Depending on the season and your preference.
• Scarf or Buff: For additional warmth or protection from dust.

Personal Items

• Sunscreen: High SPF to protect against strong UV rays.
• Insect Repellent: To guard against mosquito bites, especially in jungle areas.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your tour.
• Personal Medications: Any medications you require, as well as a basic first-aid kit.
• Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: For cleanliness on the go.
• Lip Balm: Protect your lips from the sun and wind.
• Toiletries: Travel-sized essentials, including toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap.

Gadgets

Camera or Smartphone:

For capturing memories of your journey.
• Portable Charger/Power Bank: To keep your devices powered on the go.
• Adapter/Converter: For charging electronics, as Peru uses Type A, B, and C plugs.

Travel Accessories

• Daypack: A small backpack for carrying your essentials during day trips.
• Travel Guidebook or Maps: Helpful for understanding sites and navigating cities.
• Snacks: Light snacks like energy bars for long tours.
• Notebook and Pen: For jotting down notes or experiences.
• Optional Items
  Binoculars: For bird watching or enjoying distant views.
• Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long bus or train rides.
• Books or Magazines: For entertainment during downtime.

This list should cover most of what you’ll need for traditional tours in Peru!