Planning a trip to Peru is like chasing a story that writes itself—one where altitude, culture, and climate all co-star. From sunrises in the Sacred Valley to surprise hailstorms at Rainbow Mountain, Peru demands gear that can keep up. So we pulled together everything we wish we’d known before stepping onto the cobblestones. Whether you're headed for jungle trails or high-altitude ruins, this is your field-tested guide to packing light, layering smart, and traveling well across Peru.
TL;DR: What to Know for Peru
Peru moves at its own rhythm, which is ancient, grounded, and quietly intense. From highland markets to jungle trails, there’s a deep respect for land, tradition, and presence. It’s a country where time stretches and contracts, and it’s slow in spirit, fast in motion. Match the pace: be curious, stay humble, and let the landscape shift how you move.
Travel Docs & Essentials To Remember
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
- Entry: Most travelers get a 90-day visa on arrival; no pre-application needed.
- Vaccines: None required, but yellow fever is recommended for jungle regions.
- Currency: Peruvian soles. Cash rules, especially in small towns. Bring a Wise card or Revolut for good rates.
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Connectivity: Airalo eSIMs work great and save you the airport SIM hustle.
How To Dress In Peru
Peru doesn’t have a formal dress code, but if you want to blend in, stay comfortable, and respect local customs, what you wear matters. The rule of thumb? Dress with intention that is functional, modest, and never too loud. If you plan to visit certain regions or a few, check what works best, region by region:
- Lima: City-casual. Smart layers, muted tones, and nothing that looks like you just left REI.
- Cusco + Sacred Valley: Cold mornings, warm days, colder nights. Think: merino base layers, a performance puffer, and a good midlayer.
- Machu Picchu: Packable, rain-ready gear. Waterproof hiking shoes, moisture-wicking tops, and sun protection are key.
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Amazon: Hot, humid, and buggy. Long sleeves, earth tones, and quick-dry everything.
Local Tips Worth Knowing
- Altitude is no joke. Give yourself a day to acclimate in Cusco—Diamox, coca tea, and hydration help.
- Lima traffic is chaos. Use Uber or Cabify instead of flagging taxis.
- The weather swings hard. You’ll want gloves, sunscreen, and a neck gaiter in the same 24 hours.
- Planning temple visits? Modesty matters there. Keep your shoulders and knees covered, yes, even for guys.
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Laundry is everywhere. It's fast and cheap, so pack light and rotate smart.
Stick to versatile gear that handles adventure and doesn’t wrinkle under pressure. And now the big question: what do you actually wear in Peru? Let’s break down the clothing you’ll want on your back that keeps up from altitude hikes to street food strolls, and still passes for dinner in the city.
What to Wear In Peru (and Pack)
When Peru’s giving you crisp 35°F (2°C) mornings, sunny 70°F (21°C) afternoons, and cool 45°F (7°C) evenings, this is the setup we swear by. Pack for performance, style, and the kind of versatility that lets one outfit carry you through a hike, a bus ride, and dinner in the same day. Your clothing needs to flex with altitude shifts, dry quickly after jungle humidity or sudden mountain rain, and still look clean enough for ceviche in Lima. Opt for odor-resistant layers, pieces that don’t wrinkle under pressure, and pants that handle switchbacks as smoothly as they do city sidewalks. Here’s what to pack:
Tops:
- 2-3 breathable t-shirts (preferably Merino or moisture-wicking): Ideal for Peru’s high-altitude sweat and quick climate shifts, Merino keeps odor at bay, dries fast, and still looks sharp after a long bus ride. We rotated between the Limitless Merino Polo and the ultra-soft X Cotton Tee, which is also moisture-wicking.
- 1-2 long-sleeve performance shirt: Great for layering in the Andes or shielding your arms from the Amazon sun. The Session Sun Hoodie is a go-to for UPF protection on the trail, while the LS Merino Tee adds warmth, style, and versatility in cold morning Cusco air.
- 1 fleece or hoodie: Cold Sacred Valley nights and long train rides call for something cozy but low-bulk. The Venture Hoodie or Zip Hoodie packs warmth, breathability, and comfort when you need a midlayer that earns its keep.
- 1 packable insulated jacket or vest: When temps drop after dark (and they will), you’ll want the hooded jacket or vest. Our AirLoft Vest adds core warmth without sacrificing carry space and perfect over a tee or hoodie or long-sleeve shirt, and sharp enough for post-hike drinks.
- 1 lightweight rain shell or windbreaker: Wind and drizzle are part of the Peruvian landscape, especially in the highlands. The Meta Shell is a sleek, storm-ready layer that stashes easily and holds up to mountain gusts and jungle mist alike.
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Optional: 1 travel dress shirt or button-down: For when you want to level up a little like rooftop cocktails or nicer dinners in Miraflores. The Limitless Merino Shirt nails the smart-casual crossover without needing a single ironed crease.
For Bottoms:
- 1–2 pairs of technical travel or hiking pants: Quick-dry and stretchy for treks, markets, and Machu Picchu staircases. Zip pockets are gold on the trail. We like the Diversion Pant here. They are athletic in function, refined in style, and built to move through mountain air or museum halls without missing a beat.
- 1 casual pant: The Evolution Pant handles long travel days, city strolls, and even light hikes with ease. It’s breathable, durable, and polished enough to pass as smart casual when you’re heading to dinner in Lima or catching a museum tour in Arequipa.
- 1 pair of versatile shorts: Best for coastal Lima or jungle excursions. Opt for the one that doubles as swimwear. The Evolution Short does it all: lightweight, quick-dry, and sharp enough to wear from beach trail to café without skipping a beat.
- 1 thermal base layer (top + bottom): Don’t underestimate how cold it gets at 11,000 ft. in Cusco. Use these for chilly nights or early hikes.
- Underwear & Socks: Bring 5–6 pairs of moisture-wicking underwear—merino or quick-dry is best for hand-washing and multi-day wear. Pack 4–6 pairs of socks, mixing lighter ankle styles for city days with 1–2 solid hiking pairs for treks and cold nights.
- Accessories: A sun hat or cap is essential for altitude sun exposure, while a neck gaiter or buff will serve as wind protection, dust shield, or a warm layer on a mountain pass. Add a lightweight beanie for chillier Andean towns, and thin gloves for sunrise treks. Polarized sunglasses protect your eyes in high-elevation light, and a pashmina or travel scarf pulls triple duty as a layer, temple cover-up, or cozy blanket on long bus rides.
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Footwear:
- 1 pair of waterproof trail runners or light hiking shoes: Cobblestones, trails, and ancient steps are everywhere; support and grip in shoes are a must. Waterproofing = peace of mind.
- 1 pair of slides or sandals: For showers, hostel floors, and lounging. Trust us that you’ll want to kick your boots off in Aguas Calientes.
- Optional: Casual sneakers: If you’ve got room and plan to dine out in style in Lima, a clean pair of travel sneakers doesn’t hurt.
If you’re headed to Peru between October and April, tack on a reliable rain shell, a couple of quick-dry layers, and some bug protection for the Amazon. The jungle is always humid, the coast gets sticky, and in the Andes, even dry mornings can turn into stormy afternoons.
And if you’re planning to hit the Inca Trail or Huaraz? Upgrade your layering game with thermal tops and bottoms are a must, and you'll thank yourself for a solid pair of blister-proof hiking socks.
Hygiene + Health Essentials for Peru
From jungle humidity to high-altitude dryness, staying clean and healthy in Peru isn’t about packing everything, but about packing smart. A few small items can save your gut, your skin, and your whole vibe.
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30–50): The Andean sun hits differently at 11,000 feet. Apply liberally, reapply often. Bonus if it doesn’t sting your eyes during hikes.
- Mosquito repellent (DEET or picaridin-based): The Amazon will eat you alive without it. Even in the Sacred Valley, a few bites sneak in. Bring a spray and a backup roll-on.
- Hand sanitizer + antibacterial wipes: For markets, bus stops, mystery street snacks, and bathrooms with... creative definitions of “soap.”
- Toilet paper or pocket tissue packs: BYO is the rule. Most public bathrooms don’t provide TP, especially in rural areas or on the trail.
- Travel-size deodorant, toothpaste, and shampoo: Keep it simple. Solid or refillable versions are lighter and TSA-friendly.
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Wet wipes: Essential on the Inca Trail (no showers) and overnight buses (also no showers).
Health + Meds to Pack
- Electrolyte packets or Liquid IV: Altitude, sun, and long treks will drain you. Hydration boosters are game-changers after hikes or rough travel days.
- Activated charcoal or Travelan: For the dreaded “Peruvian surprise.” Even if you’re careful with food, a backup plan for stomach issues is non-negotiable.
- Pepto, Imodium, or probiotics: Don’t wait until you need it to buy it—stock up at home. Pharmacy quality varies wildly.
- Ibuprofen or basic pain relief: Useful for altitude headaches, muscle soreness, or the post-Rainbow Mountain shuffle.
- Altitude sickness meds (Diamox or local alternatives): Ask your doctor before you go. Many travelers pick up soroche pills locally, but it's best to be prepared if you're flying straight to Cusco.
- Blister pads + basic first aid kit: You’ll be walking a lot. Blisters happen, but don’t let them ruin your trip.
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Prescription meds + doctor’s note: Bring more than enough. Replacements in Peru aren’t guaranteed, and customs may ask questions.
You don’t need a full pharmacy and bathroom, just the right few items to handle altitude, adventure, and whatever Peru throws your way. Adjust your kit to fit your needs.
Tech Gear That Travels Well in Peru
Let’s be honest—Peru isn’t the place to bring your full home office, but a few smart tech choices will keep your trip smoother, safer, and far more comfortable:
- Universal Power Adapter (Type A/B + C for Peru): Peru uses both U.S.-style and European-style plugs, sometimes in the same room. Skip the sketchy airport buys—grab one with surge protection and USB ports.
- Portable Power Bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): Many budget stays don’t have convenient outlets, and altitude drains phone batteries fast. A mid-size power bank is your lifeline on treks, buses, and day tours.
- eSIM or Local SIM Setup: We like Airalo for its easy, pre-loaded eSIM options—get connected before you land and avoid the airport chaos. Data is surprisingly affordable in Peru, and Google Maps is your new best friend in winding colonial streets.
- Phone Charging Cable + USB-C Backup: Simple but critical. Always pack two. Bonus points if you get a braided or reinforced one—it’ll survive the Andes better than your $6 Amazon cord.
- Mini Power Strip or USB Hub: Outlets are rare and often placed like a cruel joke. A lightweight travel strip lets you charge your gear all at once without floor yoga.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs: Between the honking in Lima and late-night hostel chatter, silence is golden. Earplugs save your sanity; good headphones upgrade your overnight bus to a mobile zen zone.
- Camera or GoPro (Optional, but worth it): Your phone’s great, but the Inca Trail at sunrise deserves better than blurry zoom. A GoPro’s a win for rainforests, waterfalls, and weaving mountain trails.
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Offline Maps + Google Translate App: Download both before your trip—service drops are real, and your driver might not speak English. Peruvians are patient, but being prepared goes a long way.
Must-Have Travel Gear
You can’t pack for Peru like it’s a weekend in Napa. This country throws landscapes and logistics at you fast. Here’s the gear that earns its weight and won’t leave you scrambling on the trail or in transit.
- Daypack (15–25L): This is your daily driver for treks, markets, ruins, and roadside snacks. Look for something lightweight, weather-resistant, and streamlined. The Voyager Rolltop is perfect when you need flexible space and all-day durability, while the Voyager Pro 25 adds extra structure and organization if you’re carrying tech or camera gear.
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Main pack or carry-on (35–45L):
Skip the roller bag—Peru’s cobblestones and backroads won’t be kind. Go for a travel backpack that’s light, modular, and sleek enough to breeze through airports but tough enough for the Andes. The Voyager Travel 35L nails it: one-bag simplicity, premium build, and just the right amount of space to carry your life without overpacking it.
- Reusable water bottle (with filter if possible): Tap water isn’t safe to drink. A bottle with a built-in filter or a small portable purifier saves plastic and your gut.
- Packable tote or laundry bag: For laundry runs, overflow sweaters, or hoarding handmade textiles from Pisac markets. Bonus: keeps your main bag from turning into a chaos vortex.
- Travel laundry kit: Sink plug, tiny detergent, and a clothesline can make life easier in between laundromats. A few minutes of hand washing = more fresh clothes with less packing.
- Travel-safe locks or small security pouch: Hostels and hotels vary. Locking zippers or a small pouch for your passport and cash adds peace of mind.
- Quick-dry towel: Especially useful if you’re staying in hostels or hopping region. Dries fast, weighs nothing, and works everywhere.
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Trekking poles (optional): Not a must for everyone, but if you're doing longer hikes or have knee issues, these are lifesavers on Inca staircases and steep descents.
Pro move: Keep your load tight, modular, and ready for terrain changes. Pack cubes help, dry bags are brilliant in jungle zones, and the more your gear does (vs just looks good), the better your whole trip will feel. Remember: the right gear won’t slow you down—it’ll let you move, adapt, and say yes to whatever wild detour comes your way.
Final Thought
Peru isn’t just a destination, but it’s a shift in perspective. From ancient stone paths to jungle canopies and coastal streets that hum with life, this country invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and move with intention. Pack light, travel smart, and stay open. The adventure doesn’t start when you land. It starts when you choose to go.
