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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

North Coast, Peru

Season-Specific Clothing

Trujillo's climate is temperate and stable year-round. Packing lightweight, breathable clothing is a good approach. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen perform well.

Layering Guidance

Activity-Specific Attire

Select clothing based on your planned activities to optimize comfort and practicality.

Attire for Activities

  • Hiking & Sites: Comfortable, sturdy Walking shoes or light hiking boots. Hat and sunglasses.
  • Beach & Swimming: Pack your Swimsuit, a Beach towel, and Sandals or flip-flops for Huanchaco.
  • Cultural Respect: Dressing modestly, particularly in religious settings or local government buildings, is courteous (shoulders and knees covered).

Footwear Recommendations

City Exploration

For walking around Trujillo's historic center, Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are the best. Much walking occurs on sidewalks and some cobblestone streets.

Highly Recommended

Archaeological Sites

Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are highly advisable for exploring archaeological sites. These sites feature uneven surfaces, dirt paths, and can be dusty. Foot protection and stability are paramount.

Essential for Uneven Terrain

Beach Footwear

Sandals or flip-flops are suitable for Huanchaco beach. Easy to remove and clean after a beach visit.

For Coastal Areas

Essential Documents

Critical Papers for Travel

Carry both original and copies of important papers.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Original passport, valid for at least six months beyond your departure. Any necessary visa stamps.
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Physical printout and digital copy with emergency contacts, policy number, coverage details.
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable): Needed with home country's driver's license for car rental.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Records of recommended vaccinations, doctor's notes for medical conditions or prescription medications.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, hotels, tours. Store digital copies on phone, email, or cloud.
  • Emergency Contact Information: List of family, friends, embassy/consulate in Lima, travel insurance provider.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts: May apply at museums, archaeological sites, or other attractions.
  • Waterproof Pouch: A small waterproof pouch for important physical documents is a good idea.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Ensure your devices align with Peruvian electrical standards. Planning for power needs. Peru uses Type A, B, and C outlets. Standard voltage is 220V, frequency 60Hz.

Adaptation Needs

  • If your devices are 110V-120V, a Voltage converter plus a Plug adapter may be necessary for high-wattage items.
  • Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are dual-voltage (100-240V). For these, a Plug adapter alone is sufficient. A Universal travel adapter works well.
  • GSM is the standard mobile network. Purchase a local SIM card (chip) from Claro, Movistar, or Bitel upon arrival. Your passport is needed for registration. Consider Airalo for eSIM options.

Devices & Apps

Camera equipment for unique architecture, and apps for smooth navigation and communication.

Essential Tech Tools

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up photos and digital documents. This safeguards your memories and information if devices are lost or damaged.

VPN Services

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet connections, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Physical Security

A Money belt or hidden pouch for passport and cash. Luggage locks and an RFID-blocking wallet for credit card safety.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments and local conditions.

Kit Contents

Sun & Insect Protection

Trujillo's equatorial sun is strong. Protect yourself against sun exposure and insects.

Protection Essentials

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

  • Altitude sickness is not a concern for Trujillo itself due to its low elevation.
  • If your itinerary extends to higher Andes elevations (e.g., Cajamarca, Huaraz), be aware of symptoms.
  • Gradual ascent and proper hydration are practices for higher elevations.

Motion Sickness

  • Long bus journeys with winding roads, especially to the Andes, may cause motion sickness.
  • Motion sickness remedies are advisable.
  • Consider your travel route and personal susceptibility when packing these items.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Archaeological Sites

A small backpack to carry essentials while exploring extensive sites like Chan Chan and Huacas de Moche.

  • Small backpack for water, snacks, camera.
  • Hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
  • Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes.
  • Camera for unique adobe architecture.

Surfing Huanchaco

If you have specific gear preferences, consider bringing your own. Otherwise, rentals are widely available and affordable.

  • Surfboard (rentals available).
  • Wetsuit (rentals available).
  • Board shorts or swimsuit.
  • Beach towel.

Photography

A good camera to capture the unique adobe architecture and the vastness of archaeological sites is highly advisable.

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera.
  • Extra batteries and memory cards.
  • Dust protection for camera equipment.
  • Smartphone with a capable camera.

Gear: Rent vs. Bring

Benefits of Renting Locally

  • Saves luggage space and avoids airline baggage fees.
  • Often more economical for short trips or single use.
  • Convenient with local availability in Huanchaco for surf gear.
  • Equipment is adapted to local conditions.

Considerations for Bringing Your Own

  • Heavier luggage and potential excess baggage fees.
  • Higher initial cost for equipment, only justifiable for frequent use.
  • Risk of damage or loss during transit.
  • Specialized hiking gear not typically needed unless for multi-day treks outside Trujillo.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Items that enhance comfort, security, and convenience throughout your trip.

Essential Travel Aids

Reusable & Local Items

Sustainable choices and items difficult to find locally. Packing smart to avoid inconvenience.

Sustainable & Practical Picks

  • A Reusable water bottle to fill with filtered or bottled water, reducing plastic waste.
  • A reusable shopping bag for market visits.
  • Your own Portable cutlery set for street food.
  • Pack high-quality sunscreens, specific OTC medications, and certain electronic accessories from home.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduce plastic waste, fill with purified water.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For markets and daily purchases.

Biodegradable Toiletries

Eco-friendly options for minimal environmental impact.

Portable Cutlery Set

Avoid single-use plastic cutlery.

Destination-Specific Items

Cultural & Experiential

  • A Spanish phrasebook or translation app for local interactions.
  • Consider a traditional Peruvian hat from a local market as a souvenir.
  • A good camera is advisable for capturing the rich archaeological sites.

Comfort & Convenience

  • Insect repellent, especially for evenings near water or vegetation.
  • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm for strong equatorial sun.
  • Hand sanitizer for hygiene, specifically with street food.

Packing Pro Tips

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

Pack a small daypack for excursions to archaeological sites or beach visits. Distribute heavy items evenly in your luggage.