What to Pack for a Trip to Peru
Packing for Peru takes a little more planning than most destinations, especially if you’re trying to fit everything into a carry-on.
In just two weeks, we experienced everything from Lima’s mild coastal climate to the cool mountain air of the Sacred Valley and Cusco, before finishing our trip in the hot, humid Amazon rainforest. Packing for all those different climates without overpacking definitely took some strategy.
The good news? It can absolutely be done.
We recently spent two weeks exploring Peru with nothing but carry-on luggage, and we never felt like we were missing anything. Here’s everything I packed, along with a few things I’d definitely bring again…and a couple I’d leave at home next time.
How I Packed for Peru
Instead of packing separate outfits for each destination, I packed versatile pieces that could handle everything from hiking ancient Inca ruins to exploring the Amazon rainforest. My goal was to bring clothing that was lightweight, comfortable, and easy to layer as the weather changed.
When I packed for Peru, I focused on:
- Versatile layers that could be mixed and matched.
- Moisture-wicking clothing for hiking and humid days.
- Comfort over fashion, because you’ll spend hours walking on uneven streets, trails, and archaeological sites.
- Quick-drying fabrics that could be hand-washed if needed.
- Shoes that could handle just about anything, from city streets to mountain trails.
- A few lightweight accessories, like a hat, sunglasses, and a small daypack, that I’d use almost every day.
Packing this way kept my suitcase light, made moving between hotels and trains much easier, and gave me everything I needed for two unforgettable weeks in Peru.
My Peru Packing List
Tops
- 5 moisture-wicking T-shirts
- 1 tank top
- 1 lightweight moisture-wicking button-down shirt (perfect for the Amazon)
- 1 lightweight sweater or sweatshirt
Bottoms
- 1 Pair of hiking pants
- 1 Pair of wicking lightweight hiking pants (for the Amazon)
- 1 pair of comfortable pants
- 1 pair of shorts
Shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Hiking sandals
- Flip-flops
Tip –
Be sure to pack good hiking shoes. I brought good sneakers, and I wish I had more supportive shoes. Don’t underestimate how much walking you’ll do on uneven surfaces throughout Peru.
Undergarments
- 7 pairs of underwear (I bring 7 so I only have to do laundry once during the 14 days)
- 2 bras
- 7 pairs of socks
Outerwear
Swimwear
- 1 swimsuit
Perfect if you’re staying somewhere with a pool or heading to the Amazon.
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Bandana
- Hair ties
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray (essential for the Amazon!)
Bags
Tip –
A packable duffle bag ended up being one of the smartest things I packed. I kept it folded flat in my suitcase during the trip and used it on the flight home to carry all the souvenirs and alpaca wool goodies we picked up along the way. It saved me from having to buy an extra bag in Peru.
Travel Essentials
- travel adapter
- phone charger
- portable phone charger
- headphones
- neck pillow
- passport
- esim
- medicines
- cash and credit cards
- Laundry Sheets
- travel insurance
- tissues (a lot of bathrooms won’t have toilet paper)
Things I’m Glad I Packed
- Moisture-wicking clothing
- Flip Flops
- Daypack
- Packable winter coat (nights get cold in the Andes)
- Crossbody bag
- Sweater/sweatshirt
What I’d Pack Differently Next Time
Overall, I was really happy with everything I packed, but there are two things I’d do differently next time.
I’d Pack Supportive Hiking Shoes
I brought a comfortable pair of athletic sneakers, and they were great for travel days and walking around the cities. But after two weeks of hiking, exploring ancient ruins, walking on uneven cobblestone streets, and trekking through the Amazon rainforest, I really wished I’d packed a pair of supportive hiking shoes or lightweight hiking boots instead.
The extra traction and support would have made long days at Machu Picchu, throughout the Sacred Valley, and on the rainforest trails in the Amazon much more comfortable.
I’d Leave the Dress at Home
I actually packed one lightweight travel dress thinking we’d have a few dressier dinners, but I never ended up wearing it.
Peru was much more casual than I expected, and I found myself reaching for my moisture-wicking shirts, hiking pants, and comfortable layers every day. If I were packing again, I’d skip the dress and use that extra space for souvenirs instead.
Michelle’s Tip –
If you’re trying to travel with only a carry-on, prioritize comfort over “just in case” outfits. Peru is an active destination, and you’ll likely spend most of your time in practical, comfortable clothing.
My Biggest Packing Tip for Peru
Don’t pack for every possible scenario. Instead, pack versatile layers that you can mix and match for different climates.
The Andes can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, while the Amazon is hot, humid, and buggy. A lightweight layering system worked far better than bringing bulky clothing, and we easily fit everything into carry-on luggage.
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