MileHacker Logo
What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Peru

Clothing & Layering System

Layering for Cusco's variable climate:

Essential Layers

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 trails like 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 can be uneven and steep.

Uneven cobblestones.

Evenings

Comfortable closed-toe shoes are suitable for cooler nights.

Cooler evenings.

Essential Documents

Document Checklist

Keeping your documents organized and secure simplifies your travel. Bring both original and copies of important papers.

  • Passport: Carry your original. Valid for at least six months beyond 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 (Machu Picchu, 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) with your passport at the airport or official stores. This gives local data and calls at affordable rates.
  • Wi-Fi Access: Available 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

Recommended Apps

Navigation

Maps.me or Google Maps: Download offline maps for Cusco and Sacred Valley beforehand. This assists 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

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

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Trekking Essentials

Gear for planned activities:

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 specialized equipment.
  • No need for storage or maintenance post-trip.
  • Less luggage to transport on your journey.
  • Access to specialized gear for specific trips.

Benefits of Buying

  • Guaranteed quality and fit tailored to your preferences.
  • 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

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 be more expensive or harder to find in desired sizes and brands in Cusco. If you rely 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.