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), the 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.
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, remember: layers!)
Short-sleeved shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Gym / sportswear / casual clothing for 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
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 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:
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: 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.