Peru: Wonders of the Sacred Valley >

Packing List

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!

If you are joining the Amazon Extension, please also check the extension additional packing list here.

Suggested Packing List: 

Must - Haves:

• Passport. Must be valid for up to 6 months after your scheduled departure date from Peru.

• Comfortable shoes for walking (tennis shoes are great!) 

• One refillable water bottle

Clothing:

• Rain jacket / wind breaker (waterproof)

• Warm sweatshirt / fleece (nice to wear fleece under rain jacket on colder days, remember: layers!)

• Short-sleeved shirts

• Long-sleeved shirts

• Gym / sportswear / casual clothing (for hiking and daily activities)

• Socks 

• Shorts

• Jeans / long pants

• Warm pajamas (depending on the season)

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:

• • Ski jacket / Scarf(s) / Gloves / Ski hat

  • Long underwear or under armor

  • Warm pajamas, socks & sweatshirts

• 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)

Bath / Personal:

• Blister pads (for feet)

• Personal medication

• 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:

• Altitude sickness medicine

• Hand-warmers (during winter season only)

• Books and/or magazines 

• Games for kids

• Watch or small alarm clock

• Sunglasses

• Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars). 

• Disposable camera, film camera or digital camera - and film or memory card(s) for digital camera

• Adapter / converter 

• Phone chargers

Recommended luggage: 

• One day pack back 

• One suitcase (wheels, backpack, whatever you prefer).

• Make sure you consider airline weight and baggage restrictions when packing

Discover Corps Provides:

• Linens / blankets

• Pillow 

• Towels

• Hand soap

A Note on Altitude Sickness:

• Cusco sits an altitude of about 11,000 feet (nearly double that of Denver). Certain people are affected by high altitude and may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and shortness of breath. This is known as "altitude sickness" or "mountain sickness".

• Symptoms typically subside as your body adjusts the new altitude and reduced amount of oxygen

• We recommend consulting your local travel clinic or doctor if you'd like to obtain medication prior to traveling to Peru. Many locals in Peru drink coca tea or chew on coca leaves to help reduce the effects. This is an option as well.

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.