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If you haven’t noticed, I am a textbook overplanner. I kept a running Peru packing list on my phone that I added to almost daily for months before my trip. I prepared for every scenario. What if it rains? What if I get food poisoning? What if a spider bites me and I swell up like a balloon? I’m the person that brings a full-on med kit with all the possible over-the-counter treatments to whatever ailments you might encounter abroad. I even packed toilet paper (and used it)!
If you are one of those packers who wants to be prepared for every scenario, look no further. This is the Peru packing list to end all packing lists. Unless you’re looking for an Inca Trail Packing List, then stay tuned for my next post. Update: View the Inca Trail Packing List
My Peru Packing List
View the printer-friendly PDF Peru packing list.
You can click on the links to see the specific products that I brought with me. Any purchases made on Amazon after clicking these links will give me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the site running, so thank you for your support!
In My Messenger Bag:
Valuables and things to do on the plane went in my messenger bag for easy access.
- Wallet
- Journal/Notebook
- Phone
- Laptop + charger – For transferring and backing up photos. Update: I no longer recommend this laptop, as it is just not built for travel.
- Camera
- Extra memory cards
- Extra camera batteries
- Earbuds
- Earplugs
- Travel pillow – I used my Wrap-a-Nap on the plane, in the airport during our overnight Lima Layover, and on the Inca Trail.
- Pens
- Book – I brought Lonely Planet Peru and a phrasebook, or you can get psyched for the trip with Turn Right at Machu Picchu.
- Passport
- Travel itinerary
- Flight confirmations
- Hotel confirmations
- Trek confirmation
- Travel insurance documents
- Important Contacts – Emergency contact person, lodging at destination, hospitals/clinics in destination, US embassy or consulate at destination.
- Yellow immunization book
- Copy of passport and drivers license
- Copies of Prescriptions – Glasses/contacts, meds, or other essentials in case you need to replace them abroad.
- Cash
- Universal plug adapter/surge protector
- Sunglasses
This all fit in my backpack, besides the hiking boots, believe it or not. Some items like the sleeping bag or trekking gear aren’t mentioned in this post, but you’ll find them on my Inca Trail Packing List.
In My Backpack (I have the Osprey Ariel 65L Pack):
I normally travel with a carry-on rolling suitcase, but a backpack was essential for my Inca Trail trek. I was glad I went that route for Peru because the cobblestones would not have been friendly on my poor little roller wheels.
Clothes:
- Pants – 3 – I brought 1 pair of nice jeans, 1 pair of lightweight grey pants, and 1 pair of black lululemon leggings. The grey pants were cute enough for walking around Cusco and stretchy enough to double as trekking pants on the Inca Trail. The black leggings were good for layering under a dress on chilly nights and they also doubled as trekking pants on the Inca Trail.
- Belt
- Casual dress or skirt
- Nice shirts – 2
- T-shirts – 2
- Sleep shirt
- Bras – 2
- Undies – 5
- Socks – 2
- Flats or other nice shoes – Nice enough for nights out, but sturdy enough for cobblestones.
- Walking shoes or sneakers – Use your hiking boots/shoes if you’re bringing them for the Inca Trail.
- Earrings
- Scarf for cool nights
- Warm jacket – This is the kind of trip where an ultra-warm, ultra-compressible travel jacket like the North Face Thermoball Jacket really shines.
Toiletries:
I pack one quart-size Ziplock with all my liquids and another Ziplock with the rest of my toiletries.
- Deodorant
- Contact solution
- Body Wash
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Lotion
- Make-up
- Chapstick (with spf)
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Laundry detergent
- Spare contacts
- Toothbrush
- Q tips
- Tweezers
- Brush/comb
- Hair binders
- Nail clipper
- Razor
- Toilet paper
- Tampons
Mini Pharmacy:
- Ibuprofen
- Diamox – For preventing altitude sickness.
- Antibiotics
- Vitamins
- Pepto bismol tablets – These saved me twice from spending all day in the bathroom, and made me a hero to a few other travelers too.
- Benadryl – Didn’t use it on this trip, but it has helped squelch a few (mild) allergic reactions in the past so I always bring it.
- Dayquil & Nyquil – Because who wants to go searching for cold medicine in a foreign country when you have a cold?
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial ointment
- Antiseptic wound cleanser
- Bandages, gauze, tape
- Ace wrap
- Moleskin – Forgot to break in your shoes? This will calm those blisters.
- Scissors, safety pins, duct tape
- Digital thermometer
- Water purification tablets
Miscellaneous:
- Crossbody purse
- Travel tripod – I was so glad I brought my Joby Gorillapod. It was great for my Machu Picchu Sunrise time-lapse, as well as sunset shots, blurred water shots, and some star photography.
- Camera battery charger
- Phone charger
- Ziplocks
- Plastic bags to wrap smelly/wet clothes
Can you think of anything I missed? Let’s hear what you would bring in the comments!
View the printer-friendly PDF Peru packing list.
I totally get the mini pharmacy bit – I had a similar bag when I went to Ecuador, plus Vicodin, Muscle Relaxers and Amoxycillin….just in case! Would hate to waste precious vacation time hunting for meds in a foreign pharmacy!
No kidding! I think I distributed more stuff from my mini pharmacy than I used myself! Everyone was wishing they had brought something from in there. Especially the pepto bismol because that’s kind of embarrassing to ask for.
I never considered going to Peru, but your posts on this was very inspiring! I am putting it on my list of places to visit!
Your comment put a big smile on my face! It’s the whole reason I started this blog – to share my travels in a way that inspires people and helps them follow in my footsteps. Thanks for reading!
Once again, thank you for these posts about Peru, they’re going to be very helpful for my upcoming trip – will read the Inca Trail packing list next! 🙂
Great! Let me know if there’s anything else you wish you knew!
Hello from the UK! I’ve stumbled across your site whilst making a final checklist for a trip to Peru, including trekking the Inca Trail. I enjoyed reading your trail diary, forewarned is forearmed!
One very girly question for you – I’ve read that I don’t need any particularly dressy clothes for Cusco as everyone dresses casual (even in restaurants), is this true?
You are right, Catherine, Cusco is pretty casual. You’ll see more hiking shoes than heels. I would bring some things that are nicer than t shirts and jeans but not as nice as a cocktail dress and heels. A tank and a cardigan, or a sundress with leggings was the dressiest I got and that seemed pretty standard. I like bringing some jewelry like a long necklace that can amp up my day to day clothes just a bit for going out at night. Hope that answers your question! Feel free to email me or reply to this if you have more questions as you prep for your trip!
That is a very nice list! In winter times (June-September) in the Andes (Arequipa, Cusco, Titicaca), due to the very dry air, we would recommend to also bring:
artificial tears;
nasal spray for adults and babies (even if you do not have a baby; a lot of people suffer from nosebleeds due to the dry air, the nasal spray for babies helps to keep your nose a slightly humid).
Good tip! I wouldn’t have thought of that!