Before thinking what to pack for Peru, it is important to think about what to pack it in. For many of our Community-Based Tourism destinations in Peru, we find it easy to have a backpack plus a comfortable day pack, as some of the communities RESPONS works with are to be reached by walking over small paths. However, many travellers still prefer the duffel bag (possibly on wheels) or rugged suitcases. It all depends a bit on your itinerary; but the daypack is essential in all of them.
Clothing for the mountain area of Peru
In general it is recommended that the clothes and gear you bring on your trip into the Andes of Peru are suitable for the rural, outdoor environment (they will get dirty!). During day time it can get quite hot (especially when hiking is on the day’s program), up to 30ºC/85ºF, but here in the mountains temperatures drop considerably at night (possibly -10ºC/15ºF). The difference may be more than 30ºC/60ºF) in one day! The best way to prepare for such conditions is to wear several layers of clothing.
You’ll be peeling your clothes off like the layers of an onion every morning, and putting them all back on again once the sun hides behind the mountains!
Guido – RESPONS
What to pack on your trip to the Andes of Peru:
- Two pairs of long pants (zip-off are ideal!).
- Short pants.
- T-shirts.
- Thin sweater, long sleeve.
- Warm (fleece) sweater (two, or one fleece and a warm jacket / soft shell).
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Clothing for the jungle of Peru
It is recommended that the clothes you bring on your travel to the Peruvian jungle are suitable for the jungle outdoor environment (they will get dirty!). The Amazon rainforest has a tropical, hot and humid climate, with presence of torrential rains throughout the year, increased in the months of summer (December – March). The average annual temperature is 25º C, and temperatures can differ between 15º C and 35º C. The colder temperatures occur during the so-called friajes, occurring generally around June.
When you’re walking in the rainforest itself, you should definitely wear long sleeves and trousers, to protect yourself from the insects. In the accommodations and cities, short clothes can be used.
What to pack for your visit to the jungle of Peru:
- Light clothes, shorts.
- Long comfortable trousers.
- Short and long-sleeved t-shirts or blouses.
- Pairs of walking- or high- socks.
To get the complete checklist of what to pack on your trip to the jungle of Peru, please click the button below.
Please do not bring too much luggage into the jungle, both for the boat transfers as for the porters and of course, CO2 emissions in general. On some tours, you will be the one carrying your luggage, so bring max 10 kg p.p. in total.
An idea is to put your clothes in dry bags to protect them from the rain (same for your camera and other articles of value) and make sure you have something to cover your bag with.
Gear in general
Your camera, your sunglasses; those items are probably in your backpack already; waiting for their next trip with you. But how about water bottles with built-in filter? Or Covid-19 related items to bring? And what kind of walking sticks are you allowed to use in Peru? Find the full list of recommended gear on any trip to Peru in our complete packing checklist. Download it here.
Toiletries and medicines
We’re sure you’ve also got your tootbrush and a bit of toilet paper ready. But why on earth should a guy bring handcream in his luggage? And what kind of sunscreen is recommended? You’ll find the complete list of toiletry items to bring to Peru in our packing checklist.
New: bring some COVID-19 rapid antigen tests from home! They are quite scarce in Peru and can be very expensive, too. Also, by bringing tests from home you will be able to read the manual and be confident to use the tests like in previous experiences.
What to leave:
- Too much clothes.
- Big suitcases with small wheels.
- Jewelry.
- Expensive (-looking) gadgets.
- Fancy clothes or shoes.
These tips will help you to know what to pack for Peru. Please note that on most bus rides and domestic flights, you are only allowed to bring 20 kilos p.p. We discourage you to bring more! Pack wisely. If you have booked a custom itinerary throughout Peru with us, your personal travel advisor will give you an elaborate briefing by video call, including personal packing tips.
If you think we are missing any important information, please let us know. Your opinion is very important to us!
Download our Complete Packing List
We are happy for any traveler to use our Packing List, so that anyone can travel Peru responsibly and well prepared. Please fill out the following form and you will get to the download page; thank you!
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