What to pack for 3 weeks in Peru

Written By Marie-Pier Gallant

Peru is a beautiful country with varying climates. In one place it feels like summer, and in the next you are climbing a mountain surrounded by snow. This makes packing difficult. This article will go over what I think are the essentials to bring for your 3-week trip to Peru if you are visiting different places.

Climate Considerations:

  • Coastal (e.g., Lima, Paracas): Warm and humid, with foggy conditions in the cooler months

  • Highlands (e.g., Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu): Cooler temperatures, especially at night; higher altitudes can make it feel chilly

  • Amazon (e.g., Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos): Hot and humid with frequent rain, especially in the rainy season (Nov-April)

Backpack vs Suitcase

It all depends on the type of trip you are taking. If you are like me and love to keep moving around often, staying in hostels and taking public transportation almost every 2-3 days, I would definitely recommend bringing a backpack. Keep in mind that typically when bringing a backpack, you do have to be very selective about what you bring because there isn’t as much space as in a suitcase. If you prefer a more laid-back vacation where you don’t move from place to place very often or if you really want to bring a lot of your belongings, I would go with a suitcase. Backpacks can get very heavy if you pack too many items.

Clothing:

The number of each piece of clothing you want to bring depends on you and if you plan on doing laundry or not. Layers will be your best friend during this trip, especially as you move from one place to the next. Peru has a very diverse climate, and you'll need light clothing for warm coastal areas like Lima and Paracas, but warmer layers for the Andes and cooler nights. A few times, I was doing a hike or an activity and found myself being very happy to be able to take off a few layers that I had really needed in the beginning. Keep all of this in mind while packing.

  • T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts (quick-dry for hiking)

  • Shorts and light pants for warm days

  • Leggings or sweatpants for colder days (easy to layer)

  • Fleece jacket or light sweater for chilly evenings (Important for layering)

  • Waterproof jacket or windbreaker (important for the highlands and rainy season)

  • Comfortable hiking clothes (for activities like the Inca Trail)

  • Swimwear (if you plan to visit beaches or pools)

  • Socks (bring warm socks for hiking, you can also double up your socks!)

  • Underwear (light and breathable)

Footwear:

  • Comfortable walking shoes: for exploring cities and general sightseeing. I suggest sneakers or sandals with straps.

  • Hiking boots or Hiking shoes (if you plan to do treks like the Inca Trail or other mountain hikes)

  • Flip-flops: for the beach or casual wear

  • Waterproof shoes: if you’re visiting the jungle or wet areas

Accessories:

  • Hat/Cap: for sun protection, especially in coastal and jungle areas

  • Sunglasses: with UV protection for the strong sun in the highlands

  • Scarf or Buff: useful for dust or cold winds, particularly if trekking (this helped me in Huaccachina !! )

  • Bandana or headband: to keep sweat or dust off your face, especially in rural areas

Toiletries:

  • Sunscreen (high SPF): the sun is intense, especially at higher altitudes

  • Insect repellent: especially if visiting the Amazon or jungle areas

  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: useful when traveling to remote areas (or in hostels)

  • Personal hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, etc.)

  • Toilet paper: not always provided in remote areas or public bathrooms

  • Small first-aid kit: with basic supplies like plasters, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, and motion sickness tablets (for long bus rides or winding roads)

  • Towel: especially a quick-dry towel if you're visiting beaches or trekking

Health & Safety:

  • Vaccination records (consult with a doctor about recommended vaccines for Peru)

  • Prescription medications: bring enough for the entire trip and a copy of your prescriptions. I use a this from amazon if you want to travel light and not bring all your bottles with you.

  • Water purification tablets or filtering water bottle (if you plan on trekking in remote areas or the jungle)

Technology & Gear:

  • Camera: You will have so many picture perfect moment, so a good camera or smartphone with extra storage is a must.

  • Phone charger: Peru uses 220V with two-pin plugs (check compatibility)

  • Portable power bank: for charging devices on long travel days. I recommend ….

  • Adapter: for plug types A or B

  • Travel guides or offline maps (like Google Maps or Maps.me)

  • Flashlight or headlamp (especially for trekking or dark areas)

Documents:

  • Passport (with at least 6 months of validity remaining)

  • Visa (if required for your nationality)

  • Copies of passport and visa: in case of loss

  • Travel Insurance: including health, medical, and evacuation coverage

  • Flight details, accommodation reservations, and tour bookings

  • Credit cards and some cash in Peruvian soles (ATMs are widely available in cities, but rural areas may require cash)

  • Emergency contacts list (in case of lost documents or emergencies)

Food & Snacks:

  • Reusable water bottle: for staying hydrated in the high-altitude areas and on hikes

  • Snacks: especially if you're planning to trek or do long bus rides (granola bars, nuts, dried fruits)

  • Electrolyte packets: to help with altitude adjustments

  • Gum or candy: good for long travels or boosting energy

Money & Security:

  • Money belt or hidden pouch: for safely carrying cash and important documents

  • Small locks: for securing your luggage when traveling on buses or in hostels

  • Credit cards: check if your cards will work in Peru and inform your bank of travel dates to avoid blocking

Special Considerations for Activities:

  • Trekking gear: If you’re trekking, especially the Inca Trail, bring:

    • Daypack (small backpack for carrying essentials while hiking)

    • Trekking poles (helpful for steep trails)

    • Sleeping bag (for multi-day hikes, if not provided by your tour)

    • Waterproof bags (to protect your belongings from rain)

    • Energy gels or bars (to keep your energy levels up on long hikes)

    • Altitude sickness medication (if you're hiking to high altitudes like Cusco or Machu Picchu)

Optional Items:

  • Travel pillow: for long bus or train journeys

  • Notebook/Journal: to document your experiences

  • Gifts or small items for locals: if you plan to visit rural villages

Marie-Pier Gallant
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