Essential Items to Bring for Lima Exploring and Cusco Adventuring
Most visitors come to Peru during the winter season, which goes from May-September. Though chillier, the likelihood of heavy rain goes down! I was there in May and experienced everything from a cold and foggy 30 degrees to a bold and radiant 80 degrees so it’s best to prepare for anything.
Layers! – Bring light jackets, long and short sleeves.
Shorts – Specifically for spots like Huacachina, where the temp increases.
Leggings or joggers- I ended up layering leggings a couple of mornings on the Salkantay hike. Click here for the scoop on the entire 4-day adventure!
Jeans – one pair is probably enough!
Nicer outfits – ladies bring a dress/skirt and guys a nice button-down shirt for evenings out or the vineyards. There are some top tier restaurant that have a dress code.
Socks – SO many socks! Bring all of your socks! If you’re doing any hiking, your socks will be destroyed. You’ll also want a nice cozy pair for the chilly nights.
Hats and gloves – for early morning adventures, you’ll want to cover your ears and hands!
Bathing Suit – for hotel pools or hot springs!
Hiking Boots – if you’re planning to do the Inca, Salkantay or Choquequirao or Lares Trails, you’ll want a sturdy shoe that covers your ankles.
Sneakers or walking shoes – I lived in these most days. Something comfy that works well for unpaved or cobblestone streets.
Sandals – I wore nicer sandals on nights out and at the vineyard.
Flip flops – for pools, dunes or outdoor showers!
Bugspray – the bugs are killer! They were out in the cities and on the trails. We went through two Deep Woods in 10 days and my ankles are still healing from the bites.
Sunscreen – the sun is STRONG in Peru! Even if it’s chilly or partially cloudy, put an SPF on. I’m sharing this from experience.
Hand warmers – bring a few pairs of these for early morning hikes. I was so grateful I had them on the 2nd and 3rd mornings on the Salkantay Trek and on the Rainbow Mountain hike. Better safe than sorry.
Head lamp – this was useful on the Salkantay hike. Twice in the early morning hours and once when we were still hiking after dark.
Dry shampoo– for those early mornings when the alarm goes off before 5am; when you don’t have access to a shower.
Conditioner – most hotels will have shampoo but not conditioner so bring a travel sized one!
Medicine – Advil, Benedryll, Sleeping Meds, Stomach meds – bring ’em all! Anything altitude-relief related, you can find in Peru.
Backpack or day bag – helpful for when you’re on the go during the day and necessary on any hikes
Toilet Paper – Maybe don’t pack this, but when you have access to TP, always grab a little extra and have on hand! Some of the toilets are very basic.
Masks and a shield – Click here for more Covid-specific instructions.
