Peru’s climate can be divided into two seasons: wet and dry, though the weather varies greatly depending on the geographic region. Because Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, the “summer” is from December to March. During these months, the weather is usually sunny and warm on the coast and on the western slopes of the Andes. We have opposite seasons, our summer is Peru's winter. If traveling during the winter or dry season (April to November), weather in the high Andes regions is dry and sunny during the day, but temperatures can drop below freezing at night. Be sure to dress in layers!
Suggested Packing List:
Must - Haves:
Passport
Comfortable hiking boots (It's important to wear boots or shoes that are suitable for mountain hiking and can handle the elements, such as rain, cold, or possibly getting wet when crossing a stream. )
Clothing:
Waterproof Rain jacket / wind breaker
Warm sweatshirt / fleece (nice to wear fleece under rain jacket on colder days > layers!)
Short-sleeved shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Socks (hiking socks)
Shorts (no shorter than mid-thigh)
Jeans / long pants
During the Peruvian winter months (May to August), it can be very cold, especially during the evenings. Also, in developing countries such as Peru, warming the inside of a home is often difficult. You will need warm clothes for indoors, as well. During these months, please consider packing:
warm jacket / Scarf(s) / Gloves / warm hat
Warm pajamas, socks & sweatshirts
Hand-warmers
Travelers to Peru often buy alpaca clothing in the markets, which is very warm and perfect for the climate in the highlands. Travelers can reduce the amount of clothing they plan to bring with them, and pick up some clothing when they get to Peru (i.e.- jackets, ear-flap hats, socks, and gloves are all really popular to buy and easy to find everywhere)
Hiking
select comfortable, versatile clothing that you can layer
sun protection, use high quality sunscreen, lip balm, hat, and sunglasses. UV radiation is more intense at higher altitudes.
wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, as surfaces can be slippery and rocky. If you are planning on getting a new pair of boots, please break them in prior to this trip!
trekking poles: these are useful for balance and reducing stress on knees. You can rent these in the country for around $22 USD.
Mini First Aid Kit
Blister pads (for feet) / bandages
Altitude sickness medicine such Diamox or others that you prefer (please click here to read more about altitude sickness, and consult your doctor)
Ibuprofen / Tylenol (for altitude-induced headaches)
Pepto Bismol or Immodium, just in case
Glasses / contacts / contact solution / retainer, if applicable
Personal toiletries (If you have certain items that you absolutely need, bring enough to last until you return home. Don't forget to bring gender-specific products)
Sunscreen
Bug spray for Machu Picchu
Lip balm. The air in the sacred valley/highlands can often be dry and arid
Other:
Flashlight / headlamp
Hand-warmers
Books and/or magazines
Sunglasses
Personal hiking snacks such as granola bars, power bars, and dried fruit. We provide full meals; however, you might have have particular dietary/health needs.
Disposable camera, film camera or digital camera - and film or memory card(s) for digital camera
Adapter (only if you are bringing items that need to be charged)
Recommended luggage: Make sure you consider airline weight and baggage restrictions when packing
One day backpack to carry your water, etc, while hiking
One suitcase (wheels, backpack, whatever you prefer).
Voltage: In Peru, the supply voltage is 220V. Most four and five-star hotels provide 110-volt plug-ins. There are two types of electrical outlets in Peru: the first one accepts two-pronged plugs with flat, parallel blades, while the second one takes plugs with two round prongs. Many Peruvian electrical outlets are designed to accept both types. You might want to bring type C adaptors.
*No need to dress up for dinners, but you might want to bring something different than hiking clothes. For the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes, lighter clothing should be fine. In Cusco city, we recommend wearing something warmer, as the nights can be quite cold during this season.