General packing list
Obviously this list will be different for each traveler, since your preferences are all different and you will be visiting different places. So instead of creating a universal list, we have included some of the most important items specific to Peru (many of which people tend to forget).
- Warm clothes for high altitudes – it can get close to freezing at night
- Swimsuit for hot springs or hotel pool
- Good sturdy walking shoes/boots
- Raincoat or poncho
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for protection at high altitudes
- Travel adapter/converter – see more info here
- Metal/plastic water bottle to fill up at the hotel in the morning
- Locks for your bags
- Money belt/purse (We recommend Pacsafe)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Swiss army knife
- Small travel alarm clock
- Waterproof backpack cover
- A few plastic bags/ziplocks to protect items from rain
- Small bottle of hand sanitizer such as Purell
- Small, secure daypack – so you don’t have to lug around a huge bag to visit sites (see item above about Pacsafe)
- Paper copies of your credit cards and passport – in case they get stolen
- ISIC card (if you are a student) – allows you to get discounts at many sites
- Peru guidebook – see our recommendations here
Don’t forget that you can buy many items once you arrive in Peru – for example, you can buy insect repellent as needed in the rainforest or on the way to Machu Picchu. However, if you want specific brands or unusual items, you should be sure to buy those at home.
If you want a more complete resource – you may find this site useful: Universal Packing List
Packing list for Inka Trail or Salkantay Trek
Basic items
- Trekking Gear & Equipment List Sleeping bag rated to 25F (rentals available in Cusco) Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb Camera & film
- Personal hydration system such as Camelsback and/or water bottles.
- Minimum 2 Litre capacity (hydration system strongly recommended) and water bottles.
- Day pack (30 – 35 Lt capacity) or overnight-sized pack for you to carry on trek.
- Sunglasses with retainer straps
- Zip lock bags and trash bags for extra waterproof protection for pack contents
Trekking Clothing and personal items
- Hiking boots with appropriate ankle support (they should be well broken in before this trip, which means 15 hours of walking)
- 2-3 pair thick thermal non-cotton socks (eg. Smartwool) plus 1-2 pair thinner socks for warmer days.
- Inner liner socks (good for wearing with heavier socks to reduce blisters)
- Down jacket, wool sweater or another heavier fleece layer .
- Good waterproof rain jacket with hood and waterproof pants (Gore Tex or another breathable material)
- Mid-weight Fleece layers
- Thermal, non-cotton long underwear (tops and bottoms)
- 2 pairs hiking pants (1 heavier, 1 lighter) – Zip off pants are recommended.
- Swimsuit for hot springs
- 2 short-sleeve shirts
- Sun hat / baseball hat
- Warm winter hat – fleece or wool
- Warm gloves – fleece or winter
- Lots of high grade sunscreen (waterproof 50 or above)Lip balm/chapstick
- Towel – quick drying towel preferred (shammy)
- Additional clothing for non-trekking days – shorts and t-shirt, sweater.
- Extra camera battery
Toiletry and medical items – these are just a few suggestions and please bring these in
small quantities to reduce the weight of your equipment.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products
- Extra bootlaces
- Binoculars
- Wash kit with soap, toilet paper / wipes
- Disinfectant wipes or Purell
- Antiseptic
- Bandages
- Moleskin & other blister remedies
- Imodium, Pepto-Bismol
- Dramamine (if you tend to get car sick)
- Diamox, if applicable
- Personal medications
- Pain relievers, allergy medication
- Insect repellant
- Rehydration assistance or electrolyte replacement
- Small scissors
Optional Items to bring
- Sandals, flip-flops or lightweight sneakers for in camp
- Trekking poles
- Chocolate, candies, energy bars, trail mix for quick energy en route
- Small camping pillow
- Multi-tool or camp knife
- Lightweight book, journal or diary
- Waterproof backpack cover
Trip Design Peru provides
- Radios Camping Tents and Mess Tent
- Sleeping pads
- Camp chairs
- Major First Aid kit
- All cooking equipment and meals
- Water filters for purifying water
Please Do Not Bring
- Radios (small ipod or headphones OK)
- Other Valuables
- Firearms
Where can I buy these items?
Many of these items can be purchased from a variety of general stores or local
sporting goods stores. For specialty camping or trekking items including synthetic
clothing, some of the many vendors to consider are:
- REI
- EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports):
…and other various sporting goods stores and local outdoor retailers