Packing for: Arequipa

Layering for Comfort

Days are warm and sunny, but nights often turn cool, especially during the dry season. Temperatures drop notably when the sun sets.

Recommended Apparel

Base Layers: Lightweight, moisture-wicking synthetic or Merino wool base layers (Smartwool Merino 150).
Mid-Layers: A Fleece jacket (Columbia Steens Mountain) or a lightweight sweater.
Outer Layer: A Waterproof and windproof jacket (Marmot PreCip Eco).

Cultural Dress & Activities

Arequipa generally is a relaxed dress code, but respectful attire is wise, especially when visiting religious sites.

Dress Code & Gear

Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect.
Hiking (Colca Canyon): Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying clothing suitable for treks.
Versatile Pants: Comfortable Hiking pants or Convertible pants offer flexibility.

Footwear Essentials

City Walking

Wear Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers for the cobbled streets.

Consider Merrell Moab 3 Ventilator for light city wear.

Hiking & Trekking

Sturdy, broken-in Hiking boots with good ankle support are a must for Colca Canyon.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a popular option.

Relaxation & Evenings

Pack Sandals or lightweight shoes for comfort after a day of exploration.

Comfortable footwear matters for diverse terrains.

Travel Papers

Document Checklist

Keeping your documents organized and secure marks a top priority for international travel. Carry both original and copies of important papers.

Original Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your departure.
Printed Copy: Of your passport's main page and entry stamps (keep separate).
Visa Documentation: Printed copies if a visa was needed (e.g., IVisa or VisaHQ info).
International Driving Permit: If you plan to rent a vehicle.

Vaccination Records: Proof of any recommended vaccinations.
Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flights, hotels, tours.
Emergency Contacts: List of family, local numbers, and embassy details.
IDs for Discounts: Student/senior/press IDs for potential savings.

Tech Essentials

Power & Connectivity

Staying connected and powered up simplifies travel. Plan for Peru's electrical standards.

Electricals & Phones

Voltage: Peru uses 220V, 60Hz. Plug Types: Type A and Type C. Bring a Universal travel adapter.
Mobile Phone Compatibility: Most unlocked GSM phones work. Local SIM cards are affordable (Airalo for eSIMs).
VPN Services: NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Capturing Memories

A good camera captures stunning landscapes and detailed architecture. Consider accessories for power and memory.

Camera & Power

Camera: A mirrorless or DSLR (Sony Alpha a6000). Lenses for wide-angle and telephoto (B&H Photo).
Portable Chargers: Keep devices charged during long days. (Anker PowerCore 10000).
Accessories: Extra batteries, memory cards, and a Lens cleaning kit.

Digital Safety

Recommended Apps

Google Maps (download offline maps), Maps.me for offline trekking. Google Translate (offline Spanish pack). WhatsApp for local communication.

Ride-Sharing & Local Services

Uber and Cabify operate in Arequipa. Didi is also gaining popularity for convenient travel within the city.

Data Backup

Regularly back up photos and documents. Use cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive for security.

Personal Well-being

First Aid Essentials

A well-stocked First aid kit is a must. Bring items tailored for travel in Peru.

Kit Contents

Pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium A-D).
Electrolyte rehydration salts for dehydration.
Antiseptic wipes, bandaids, gauze, and Blister treatment.

Medications & Remedies

Your personal health items bring comfort and address minor issues during your trip.

Prescriptions & OTC

Prescription Medications: Bring enough for your trip, with a doctor's note for customs.
Over-the-Counter: Antacids, allergy medication, or Motion sickness medication.
Altitude/Motion Sickness: Discuss prescription Diamox. Coca leaves or tea are local remedies.

Environmental Protection

Insect Repellent

Necessary for Colca Canyon, especially near rivers.
Look for products with DEET or Picaridin (Sawyer Picaridin).
Helps avoid discomfort from bites.

Sun Protection

High SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+, preferably 50+), such as EltaMD UV Clear.
Lip balm with SPF and quality Sunglasses.
Water Purification: Sawyer Squeeze Filter or Katadyn Micropur tablets for safe drinking.

Activity Gear

Hiking Colca Canyon

Prepare for multi-day treks with comfort and safety in mind.

Daypack: A Small daypack (Osprey Talon 22).
Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo.
Headlamp: Headlamp (Black Diamond Spot 400).
Water Bottle: Reusable Water bottle or Hydration reservoir.

Volcano Climbing

Climbing El Misti calls for specialized mountaineering equipment. Tour operators generally provide this gear.

Ice Axes: Specialized tools for snow and ice.
Crampons: Attach to boots for traction on ice.
Ropes: Safety ropes for technical sections.
Helmets: Head protection is a must for climbs.

Rent vs. Bring

Decide what gear to rent versus what to bring, considering quality and availability.

Rent: Heavy Camping gear (tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping pads) and mountaineering equipment.
Bring: Personal items like broken-in hiking boots.
Bring: Preferred Trekking poles.
Specialty items unique to Arequipa experiences are not needed, beyond general outdoor gear.

Gear Acquisition

Advantages of Renting

Saves baggage space and weight on flights.
Reduces purchase cost for rarely used specialized gear.
Tour operators often rent certified and maintained equipment.
Convenient upon arrival, avoiding international shipping.

Advantages of Bringing Your Own

Familiarity with your own gear, especially boots, minimizes discomfort.
Guaranteed quality and fit, specific to your needs.
No rental fees, can be more economical for frequent adventurers.
Personalized Travel gear can mean better performance.

Added Comforts

Travel Essentials

Beyond clothing, documents, and activity gear, a few extra items bring comfort, security, and convenience.

Comfort & Security

Comfort Items: Neck pillow (Cabeau Evolution S3), Eye mask, and Earplugs for long rides.
Locks: A small Padlock (Master Lock) for lockers or zippers.
Money Belt: For passport and cash (Alpha Keeper RFID Blocking).
RFID Protection: For passports and credit cards, from electronic skimming.

Sustainable Choices

Help reduce plastic waste and save money with reusable items.

Eco-Friendly & Practical

Reusable Water Bottle: (Hydro Flask) for hydration.
Reusable Shopping Bag: (BAGGU Standard) for market purchases.
Portable Utensil Set: (To-Go Ware Bamboo) minimizes single-use plastic.
Difficult to Find Locally: Quality hiking gear and prescription medications should come from home.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll Your Clothes

Maximizes space and minimizes wrinkles in your Travel bag.

Check Baggage Limits

Avoid extra fees by staying within airline weight and size restrictions.

Create a Checklist

A checklist ensures you do not forget any important items.

Pack Light

Lighter luggage makes travel more comfortable and manageable.

Altitude Preparation

High Altitude Essentials

Hydration: Carry a large Reusable water bottle; dehydration aggravates altitude sickness.
Medication: Discuss preventative options like Diamox with your doctor.
Coca products: Coca leaves or tea are traditional remedies for mild symptoms.

Sun Protection at Altitude

High SPF: Intense UV radiation requires SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Wide-brimmed Hat: Protects your face and neck from direct sun.
Sunglasses: Quality UV-blocking sunglasses shield your eyes.

General Packing Reminder

Always check the weather forecast for your travel dates. This fine-tunes your packing list for local conditions.

Comfort and versatility often win over style when traveling, especially for active trips.

Packing for Arequipa