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What to Pack

What to Pack

Cuzco And The Sacred Valley, Peru

Clothing Recommendations

This strategy keeps you comfortable throughout the day.

Layering System

Seasonal Attire

Specific clothing choices adapt to the dry and wet seasons, ensuring comfort and practicality during your visit.

Seasonal Guidance

  • Dry Season (May-Oct): Lightweight, breathable tops like Long-sleeved shirts (for Sun protection), plus warm layers for evenings (Down jacket, Hat, Gloves).
  • Wet Season (Nov-Apr): Similar daytime wear, but with waterproof outer layers. Warm layers for evenings, with added rain protection.
  • Bottoms: Hiking pants (convertible to shorts are useful). Avoid jeans for trekking due to slow drying.

Footwear Guide

Hiking Boots

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are for treks and archaeological sites (rocky, dusty terrain). Invest in Broken-in hiking boots.

Ideal for uneven surfaces and long walks.

Casual Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers work well for exploring the town's cobblestone streets. Pack moisture-wicking Socks.

Suitable for town exploration.

Sandals/Flip-flops

Use Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at your hotel. They are not suitable for exploring the town or ruins due to terrain.

Not for outdoor excursions.

Essential Documents

Travel Paperwork

Organize your documents before departure. Ensure both printed and digital copies are accessible for a smooth journey.

  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
  • Tourist Card (TAM): Keep the slip received upon arrival.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Printed and digital copies with emergency contacts (World Nomads, SafetyWing, Insubuy).
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable).
  • Vaccination Records: Yellow Fever certificate (if required), personal health info.
  • Reservations: Printed/digital copies of flights, lodging, train, Machu Picchu tickets.
  • Emergency Contacts: Family, embassy, travel insurance line.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs (if applicable): ISIC can offer discounts.

Tech & Connectivity

Power & Mobile

Stay connected and power your devices with the right adapters and local connectivity solutions.

Power and Connectivity Essentials

  • Power Adapter: Peru uses 220V, 60Hz. Plug Types A, B, C are common. Bring a Universal power adapter.
  • Mobile Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked. Local SIM cards from Claro, Movistar, Bitel are available.
  • Portable chargers: Useful for long days and when outlets are unavailable.

Photography & Apps

Capture your journey and navigate with ease using appropriate equipment and essential applications.

Media and Navigation Tools

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and copies of important documents during your trip.

Physical Backups

Bring an external hard drive or USB stick for redundant copies of your photographs, providing an additional layer of security.

Device Security

Maintain strong passwords and encryption on your devices. Use a reputable VPN service for public Wi-Fi connections.

Health & Comfort Items

First Aid & Medications

Pack a well-stocked personal medical kit, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Medical Kit Essentials

  • First Aid Kit: Pain relievers (Ibuprofen), antidiarrheal (Loperamide), bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment.
  • Prescription Medications: Carry in original containers with a doctor's note.
  • Over-the-counter: Cold/flu remedies, antacids, antihistamines. Electrolyte packets for rehydration.

Altitude & Sun Protection

Prepare for high altitude and strong sun exposure with specific remedies and protective gear.

Altitude & Sun Essentials

Hydration & Hygiene

Water Purification

Personal Hygiene

  • Pack specific brands of toiletries you prefer.
  • Include feminine hygiene products or contact lens solution if needed.
  • Smaller hotels might not provide extensive toiletries.

Activity-Specific Gear

Trekking Equipment

Gear tailored for hiking and multi-day treks enhances safety and comfort on Andean trails.

Rental vs. Purchase

Decide whether to rent or bring certain items based on their quality, availability, and your travel style.

  • Trekking poles: Rent from tour operators or gear shops in Cusco/Ollantaytambo (cost-effective).
  • Sleeping bags: Tour operators often offer rentals; verify quality and temperature rating.
  • Camping gear: Tents and cooking equipment usually provided by tour operators for multi-day treks.
  • Consider rental if you expect to use equipment infrequently.

Ollantaytambo Specific

No specific specialty items are unique to Ollantaytambo beyond general trekking gear. Focus on the ruins and surrounding valley.

  • No unique activity-specific items needed beyond standard trekking equipment.
  • General trekking gear suffices for local explorations.
  • A small daypack for daily excursions is practical.
  • Focus on comfortable footwear suitable for varied terrain.

Rent vs. Buy Equipment

Advantages of Renting

  • Cost-effective for single-use or occasional needs.
  • Avoids transport of bulky or heavy gear.
  • Access to local quality gear, potentially suited to conditions.
  • No storage burden after the trip.

Advantages of Bringing Your Own

  • Familiarity and comfort with your own trusted gear.
  • Guaranteed quality and fit, especially for footwear.
  • No concerns about rental availability or condition upon arrival.
  • A long-term investment if you plan future adventure travel.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Items that increase comfort during transit and enhance the security of your belongings.

Travel Enhancers

Reusable & Specialty Items

Embrace sustainable travel practices and consider items that may be difficult or expensive to acquire locally.

Sustainable & Essential Picks

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Fill with purified water to minimize plastic waste. An Insulated reusable water bottle keeps drinks cool.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: For purchases, avoiding single-use plastic bags.
  • Portable Travel Utensils: To avoid single-use plastics when eating street food.
  • Hard-to-find items: Specific prescription medications, high-quality outdoor gear (though options exist in Cusco), specialty dietary supplements.

Sustainable Travel Choices

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Biodegradable soap and shampoo minimize environmental impact.

Refillable Bottles

Utilize water refill stations where available to cut down on plastic bottle use.

Support Ethical Tourism

Choose tour operators and businesses committed to fair wages and environmental stewardship.

Respect Local Ecosystems

Stick to marked trails and avoid disturbing wildlife or plants.

Practical Additions

Everyday Comfort

  • A small notebook and pen for jotting notes or important information.
  • Small games or a deck of cards for downtime or travel delays.
  • Headphones for enjoying music or podcasts during transit.

Safety and Convenience

  • A reusable face mask, if preferred or required in certain settings.
  • Hand sanitizer for hygiene, especially before meals.
  • A few small, resealable bags for wet items or organizing small necessities.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization within your luggage.

Place heavier items at the bottom of your backpack to distribute weight evenly and comfortably.