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.
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.