Peru Packing List
What to pack for Dry
A curated packing list for your trip from Lima coastal mist to Cusco at altitude and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Built for high-altitude sun, cold dawns, and the thin air that humbles every traveler on day one.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa-free, 90 days
US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens enter visa-free, with stays up to 183 days at the officer's discretion. Onward ticket and proof of accommodation occasionally requested. Passport must be valid 6+ months with blank pages for stamps.
Altitude is a real adjustment
Cusco sits at 3,400m (11,150 ft). Day one: hydrate, skip alcohol, walk slowly, eat light. Most travelers feel mild altitude effects (headache, breathlessness) for 24-48 hours. Coca tea is the local remedy. Acetazolamide (prescription) helps for severe cases. Lima first then Cusco gives no acclimatization; consider Sacred Valley (2,800m) before Cusco.
Soles for everything, USD as backup
Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the local currency. ATMs (BCP, Interbank, Scotiabank) work well in cities; Globalnet ATMs charge low fees. Cards work at hotels and tourist restaurants; markets, taxis, small shops are cash. Bring a small USD reserve ($100-200) for emergencies.
Tipping is light, increasingly common
10% at restaurants is appreciated (some bills include "servicio" 10%, then a small extra is generous). PEN 10-20 per bag for porters, PEN 5-10 per night for housekeeping, PEN 30-50 per day for guides, PEN 20-50 per day for Inca Trail porters (whose work is the hardest part of the trip).
Machu Picchu requires advance planning
Machu Picchu entry is timed and capped daily; tickets sell out 2-3 months ahead in peak season. Inca Trail permits sell out 4-6 months ahead. Trains (PeruRail or Inca Rail) book separately. Bring printed tickets and original passport: both are checked at the entrance.
Type A and C plugs at 220V
Mix of Type A (US-style two flat pins) and Type C (European two round pins). Voltage is 220V/60Hz (60Hz is unusual). Most modern phone, laptop, camera chargers handle 220V; check single-voltage hair tools and high-watt devices. Universal adapter is the safe choice.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Layered for the coast-to-altitude swing. Real warmth for Cusco mornings, light layers for Lima.
Shoes
Trail shoes for Machu Picchu; comfortable for Cusco cobblestones.
Toiletries & Personal Care
High-altitude dryness is brutal on skin and lips. Pack heavy moisturizers.
Health & Medications
Altitude hits hardest on day one. Stomach issues are common at lower elevations.
Documents & Money
Machu Picchu wants the paper ticket and the original passport. Both checked at entry.
Tech & Electronics
Type A/C at 220V. Universal adapter is the safe choice.
Luggage & Organization
Soft-sided bags travel taxis and Sacred Valley shuttles better. Inca Trail porters carry your duffel; check weight limits (often 6-7kg).
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flights to Lima, then high-altitude internal flights or scenic train rides.
Weather & Climate Gear
Strong sun at altitude, cold dawns, sudden Andean rain. Pack for all three.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Hiking, market visits, Sacred Valley exploration each ask for something.
Safety & Precautions
Cusco and Sacred Valley are very safe. Lima requires city smarts; Miraflores and Barranco are tourist-friendly.
Peru travel FAQ
- Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
- Visa-free, 90 days for most travelers. US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens. Up to 183 days at the immigration officer's discretion. Onward ticket may be requested.
- What currency does Peru use?
- Peru's currency is the PEN S/. Carry a card plus some local cash for smaller vendors.
- What power plugs and outlets are used in Peru?
- Peru uses Type A/C, 220V outlets, so pack a suitable travel adapter (and a voltage check for high-draw devices).
- What vaccinations do I need for Peru?
- For Peru, Yellow fever is recommended. Confirm current requirements with a travel health clinic before you go.
- Which season is this Peru packing list built for?
- This guide is tailored for Dry season (May–Sep) in Peru. Use the live weather and your trip dates to fine-tune the list.
- What should I pack for Peru?
- A curated packing list for your trip from Lima coastal mist to Cusco at altitude and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Built for high-altitude sun, cold dawns, and the thin air that humbles every traveler on day one. The full checklist covers 100 curated items across clothing, footwear, electronics, toiletries, and documents, with carry-on and "required on arrival" items flagged.