What to Pack for Cusco. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Clothing & Layering System

Layering for Cusco's variable climate:

Essential Layers

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking tops (short/long-sleeved) manage sweat and regulate body temperature. Synthetic fabrics or merino wool suit this.
Mid-Layer: A Fleece jacket or warm sweater. A Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece Jacket offers versatility.
Outer Layer: A Waterproof and windproof jacket for unexpected rain/chilly winds. A packable option like the Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket.

Bottoms & Evening Warmth

Practical considerations for bottoms and night temperatures:

Additional Warmth

Bottoms: Comfortable Hiking pants of quick-drying material. Convertible pants offer practicality. Avoid jeans for hiking.
Warmth for Nights: Even in dry season, evenings turn cold. Include a Warm hat (beanie), Gloves, and a Scarf.
Wet Season: Prioritize waterproof gear. Pack quick-drying materials. A compact travel Umbrella can aid city exploration.

Footwear Guidelines

Hiking/Trekking

Waterproof, broken-in Hiking boots with good ankle support are ideal for routes such as the Inca Trail or Salkantay.

Sturdy, broken-in.

General Walking/Sightseeing

Comfortable Walking shoes, Sneakers, or sturdy Sandals are good choices. Cusco has many cobblestone streets, which may be uneven and steep.

Uneven cobblestones.

Evenings

Comfortable closed-toe shoes are suitable for cooler nights.

Cooler evenings.

Essential Documents

Document Checklist

Keeping your papers in order and safe makes your... simpler travel. Bring both original and copies of important papers.

Passport: Carry your original. Valid for a minimum of six months past departure. Secure it in a Secure passport holder or Money belt.
Visa Documentation: If a visa is necessary, carry all relevant visa documents.
Travel Insurance: Print your policy, save a digital version. This assists in an emergency.
International Driving Permit (IDP): Only for driving in Peru. Self-driving is not widely recommended.

Vaccination & Health Docs: Carry documentation for required vaccinations (yellow fever, if applicable) and any prescription medications.
Reservations: Keep printed and digital copies of flights, hotel bookings, and tour confirmations (The Lost city of the incas, Inca Trail permits). Store digital copies for easy access.
Emergency Contacts: List family, friends, your embassy or consulate, and your travel insurance provider.
Student/Senior/Press IDs: Carry for potential discounts. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is often recognized for Machu Picchu student discounts.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Phone Connectivity

Plan for Peru's electrical system and phone compatibility.

Connectivity Notes

Power Adapter & Voltage: Peru uses Type A, B, and C outlets. Standard voltage 220V, 60Hz. A universal Travel adapter with USB ports is highly suggested.
Mobile Phone & SIM: GSM compatible phones. Claro, Movistar, Bitel are main providers. Purchase a local SIM (chip) together with your passport at the airport or official stores. This gives local data and calls at affordable rates.
Wi-Fi Access: Can be found in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. It is generally reliable in urban areas.

Camera & Portable Power

Capture Cusco's beauty and keep your devices charged.

Charging Solutions

Camera Equipment: A versatile camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality Smartphone) with good low-light performance. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. A lightweight Travel tripod for scenic shots. B&H Photo stocks camera gear.
Portable Chargers: Necessary for maintaining battery life during long sightseeing days, treks, or power failures. A high-capacity Anker PowerCore Portable Charger is a reliable option.
Backup Solutions: Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or a Small external hard drive for photos and documents.

Recommended Apps

Navigation

Maps.me or Google Maps: Download offline maps for Cusco and Sacred Valley beforehand. This aids with navigation even without internet.

Communication

Google Translate: Download the offline Spanish pack for quick translations. WhatsApp: Widely used for communication in Peru, including with tour operators and hotels.

Transport

Didi/Uber: For ride-sharing, Didi is often more common and dependable in Cusco.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for common travel ailments and minor injuries.

Essential Kit Contents

Band-aids (various sizes), antiseptic wipes, and sterile gauze.
Pain relievers (Ibuprofen, paracetamol) for headaches, especially those related to altitude.
Anti-diarrhea medication (Loperamide/Imodium) for stomach upset.

Personal Care & Prevention

Over-the-counter and personal hygiene items.

Protection & Hygiene

Antihistamines for allergies. Motion sickness medication, if you are prone to it, for winding mountain roads. Blister treatment, Moleskin, or blister bandages.
Electrolyte packets for rehydration, especially useful for altitude adjustment.
Personal hygiene items that may be difficult to find locally: Consider bringing specific brands of toiletries, travel-sized shampoo/conditioner, and Hand sanitizer.

Altitude & Motion Sickness Support

Altitude Remedies

Consider bringing Diamox (requires a prescription), or try coca leaves or coca tea, widely available locally.
Over-the-counter altitude sickness tablets are also available in some pharmacies.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

Sun & Insect Protection

High SPF Sunscreen, UV-protection lip balm, a wide-brimmed Sun hat, and Sunglasses are necessary due to the powerful UV index at altitude.
Insect repellent is useful for general comfort.
Water purification options (if necessary): For trekking or if you plan to drink from natural water sources, a Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System or Purification tablets are useful.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Trekking Essentials

Gear for planned activities:

Trekking poles: Highly recommended for stability. Lightweight, collapsible Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles.
Daypack: Small pack for daily essentials. An Osprey Talon 22 Daypack is good.
Headlamp: Important for early morning starts or power outages. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp offers reliable illumination.
Sleeping bag: If camping, tour operators often furnish these. Confirm warmth rating.

Photography & General Tour Gear

Assess whether to bring or rent equipment for your tours.

Camera gear: Bring your camera, extra batteries, and memory cards.
Comfortable daypack for excursions.
Reusable water bottle for hydration.
Lightweight rain jacket for unexpected showers.

Items to Rent vs. Bring

Rent: Sleeping bags, trekking poles, and sometimes tents can be rented. Inspect quality.
Bring: Your hiking boots (broken in), proper layered clothing, your Personal first aid kit, daypack, and headlamp are best brought from home for comfort.
Specialty items: Coca Leaves can be purchased locally. They aid altitude sickness symptoms.
Durable Reusable water bottle to cut plastic waste and save money.

Rent vs. Buy Decision Matrix

Benefits of Renting

Lower upfront cost for special gear.
No need for storage or maintenance post-trip.
Less luggage to transport on your journey.
Access to specific gear for specific trips.

Benefits of Buying

Guaranteed quality and fit tailored to your liking.
Familiarity with your own gear on various adventures.
Long-term investment for frequent travelers.
Full hygiene control over personal items.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

Additional items for comfort and security.

Travel Security

Comfort items: A Travel neck pillow and an Eye mask can make long bus or train journeys more comfortable.
Security items: A Money belt or neck wallet worn under your clothing. A small Padlock for hostel lockers. RFID-blocking wallet or sleeves.
Reusable items: A durable Reusable water bottle to cut plastic waste. A reusable shopping bag for market visits. Reusable utensils.
Region-specific essentials: A Small backpack or daypack for daily excursions. A Quick-dry travel towel. A small first-aid kit specifically for blisters and minor cuts.

Items Best Brought From Home

Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally:

Specialized Needs

Specific brands of medications.
High-quality hiking boots and technical outdoor gear can cost more or harder to locate in desired sizes and brands in Cusco. If you count on a specific brand of gear, bring it.
Specific maps or guidebooks for niche interests.
High-quality binoculars for birdwatching or wildlife viewing.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Cut plastic waste.

Cloth Shopping Bag

For market visits.

Reusable Utensils

Reduce single-use plastic.

Solid Toiletries

Eco-friendly option.

Destination-Specific Items

Cultural & Practical Items

Small denominations of Peruvian Soles for local markets and transport.
Portable charger for electronic devices.
Universal power adapter.

Health & Comfort

Basic first aid kit for minor ailments.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for high-altitude UV.
Altitude sickness remedies (coca leaves, medication).

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes tightly to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Utilize packing cubes to organize your belongings.

What to Pack for Cusco