Peru’s climate is divided into wet and dry seasons, though it varies greatly by region. Since Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to ours: our summer is Peru's winter. During the dry season (April – November), the high Andes are sunny and dry by day, but temperatures often drop below freezing at night. Conversely, the wet season (December – March) brings warmer temperatures but frequent heavy rain.
CUSCO (click here to see the weather forecast)
Elevation: 11,155 ft
Day/ Night Avg: 65°F / 35°F
SACRED VALLEY
Elevation: 9,400 ft
Day/ Night Avg: 70°F / 45°F
AGUAS CALIENTES (MACHU PICCHU)
Elevation: 6,700 ft
Day/ Night Avg: 75°F / 54°F
If you are joining the Amazon Extension, please also check the extension additional packing list here.
Must - Haves:
Passport
Comfortable shoes for walking
Clothing:
Rain jacket/wind breaker (waterproof)
Warm sweatshirt/fleece (nice to wear a fleece under a rain jacket on colder days. Layers are the key)
Short-sleeved shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Gym/sportswear / casual clothing for daily activities
Socks
Shorts
Jeans / long pants
Warm pajamas (depending on the season)
Swimsuits
During the Peruvian winter months (May to August), it can be very cold, especially during the evenings.
Ski jacket / Scarf(s) / Gloves / Ski 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 popular to buy and easy to find everywhere).
Bath / Personal:
Blister pads (for feet)
Personal medication
Altitude sickness medicine, such as 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 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
Other:
Book to read during the train ride to Machu Picchu
Games for kids
Sunglasses
Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars).
Phone chargers
Recommended luggage: Make sure you consider airline weight and baggage restrictions when packing
One day pack back
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.
Please be sure to pack the following for your Amazon extension:
Passport and color copy
Cash in small denominations for bar services, tips or souvenirs (Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the Lodge)
Personal medication to last for the duration of your trip
Sunhat + Sunblock Sunglasses
Sunblock lotion
Waterproof sandals such as Tevas or keens
Slippers or sandals for walking around the lodge (when walking inside the lodge facilities and in order to prevent bringing mud inside, you must take out your boots or muddy shoes)
Ankle-high hiking boots and/or sneakers
Socks: we recommend tall socks that don’t slip easily inside rubber boots. Two pairs per day are ideal. Light-weight,
Long-sleeved, light-colored cotton shirts
Light-weight quick-dry hiking pants
Light-colored, long cotton pants
Rain poncho
Insect repellent
Binoculars (waterproof) + Backpack Headlamp (or Flashlight) + Extra batteries.
Camera + Dry bags
Swimwear to use in the Spa and Hot Tub
Small daypack
Rubber Boots supplied at the lodge. Available sizes 5 to 12.5 US (the largest size they have is 12.5 US (30.5 cm).
There are NO hairdryers available at the Research Center.
Luggage weight limit: Luggage is restricted to 15 kg per person (33 pounds). Luggage will be hand-carried during different stages of the trip. For your convenience, you can store your larger luggage at the lodge office in Puerto Maldonado. Your bag will be waiting for you at the airport on your departure day.
If you wish to bring additional luggage beyond the permitted amount, an extra fee of $70.00 per additional piece will apply.
We recommend packing efficiently and bringing only the essentials for your stay in the Amazon.
Laundry: This service is only available on sunny days. Please ask for the rate at the lodge. Clothes are hand-washed using White Swipe biodegradable soap and are sun-dried in order to protect the environment.
You will be visiting the Kuska Project. Guests are invited to donate a small item such as a book, a souvenir from their hometown, or school supplies (pencils, pens, crayons) for local children. This is a voluntary gesture and not mandatory.