What should you pack for Peru?

The single most important thing to know about packing for Peru is to pack for layers, not for a season. In one day on the classic route you can go from a frosty Andean morning to strong midday sun to a cold evening at altitude — so a few thin layers you can add and remove beat one heavy coat every time. Get the layering right and you'll be comfortable everywhere from Lima's coast to Cusco's heights to Machu Picchu's cloud forest.

Beyond clothing, the essentials that make the real difference are good broken-in walking shoes, serious sun protection, your medication in your hand luggage, and a small daypack for day trips and the train to Machu Picchu. Peru's tourist infrastructure is good, laundry is easy to find, and you can buy most things you forget — so pack thoughtfully rather than heavily.

Below is a practical, region-by-region packing guide for the over-50s traveller: clothing, footwear, health kit, documents and a few things people always wish they'd brought.

The quick answer

• Pack layers, not bulk: base layers, a fleece, a warm jacket and a light waterproof cover most days.
• Broken-in walking shoes or boots with grip — the most important single item.
• Strong sun protection: high-SPF cream, sunglasses, a brimmed hat and lip balm — the altitude sun is fierce.
• A warm hat and gloves for cold Andean mornings, even in the dry season.
• All medication in your hand luggage, with copies of prescriptions, plus altitude and stomach remedies.
• A small daypack and a refillable water bottle.
• Passport (valid 6+ months), travel insurance details, some US dollars and cards.
• A UK-to-Peru plug adaptor (Peru uses types A and C, 220V) and a power bank.

Peru's classic route spans wildly different climates, sometimes in a single day, so layering is everything.

• Base layers: a couple of light, quick-drying tops — merino or synthetic beats cotton for warmth and odour.
• Mid layer: a fleece or light jumper, your main warmth in Cusco and at Machu Picchu.
• Warm jacket: a packable insulated or down jacket for cold mornings, evenings and Lake Titicaca.
• Waterproof: a light rain jacket — essential in the wet season (November–April) and useful any time in the cloud forest.
• Trousers: comfortable walking trousers; a zip-off or roll-up pair copes with the temperature swings. Jeans are heavy and slow to dry.
• Warm hat and gloves: genuinely needed for early starts and high spots, even mid-year.
• Sun hat: a wide brim for the strong daytime sun.

By region: Lima and the coast are mild and often grey and humid; Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are warm by day and cold at night; Lake Titicaca is colder still; the Amazon is hot and humid, needing light long-sleeved cottons and insect protection. By season: the dry season (May–September) brings warm days and cold, clear nights (pack more warmth); the wet season (November–April) is milder but needs proper waterproofs.

Dress modestly for churches and villages, and remember laundry services are cheap and widely available, so you needn't pack for every single day.

Footwear is the item most worth getting right.

• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or light boots with good grip and ankle support — the stone at Machu Picchu is uneven and can be slippery. Never take brand-new shoes.
• A pair of comfortable trainers for towns, and sandals for warm days or the Amazon.
• Good walking socks (several pairs), and blister plasters just in case.

Your daypack (20–30 litres) carries the day's essentials and is what you'll take on the train and up to Machu Picchu:

• a refillable water bottle (stay well hydrated at altitude)
• sun cream, sunglasses, hat, lip balm
• a waterproof, a warm layer, and any medication
• camera or phone, and a small power bank
• snacks, hand sanitiser, tissues
• copies of your passport and insurance details

Walking poles are a real help on Machu Picchu's steps and gentle walks — note the site requires rubber tips. If you don't own any, they're easy to hire locally. Keep your main luggage to a soft duffel or modest case, as internal flights and trains have baggage limits and space can be tight.

A small, well-chosen health kit saves a lot of bother.

Medication (in your hand luggage)

• All your regular prescription medicines, in their original packaging, with a copy of your prescriptions — never pack these in the hold.
• Altitude aids: any Diamox prescribed by your GP, plus coca sweets or tea (widely available locally) for mild symptoms.
• Stomach remedies: rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhoeals and indigestion tablets — a mild upset is the commonest holiday ailment.
• Painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen) for altitude headaches and aches.
• Plasters, antiseptic and any personal first-aid items.

Sun and skin

• High-factor sun cream and after-sun — the Andean sun burns quickly even when it's cool.
• Lip balm with SPF; the dry, high air chaps lips and skin.
• Moisturiser and a good hand cream.

Toiletries

• The usual, in travel sizes; most things are easily bought in Peru if you run out.
• Hand sanitiser and tissues or wet wipes — handy where facilities are basic (there are no toilets inside Machu Picchu).
• Insect repellent if you're visiting the Amazon or lower valleys.

Please treat any health specifics as general guidance, and confirm your medication and vaccination needs with your GP or a travel clinic before you go.

Documents (keep originals safe, carry copies separately)

• Passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival.
• Travel insurance documents, with the emergency number saved on your phone.
• Printed and digital copies of your passport, insurance and itinerary.
• Your flight and tour confirmations.

Money

• A mix of cards and some US dollars as a backup; you'll draw local soles from ATMs on arrival.
• A little cash for tips (small soles notes) and a small amount kept separately for emergencies.

Electronics

• A UK-to-Peru plug adaptor — Peru uses types A and C at 220V (UK plugs don't fit, though most chargers handle the voltage).
• A power bank for long days out, plus camera and chargers.
• A universal adaptor is handy if you're transiting the US or elsewhere.

Luggage tips

• Favour a soft duffel or modest wheeled case plus your daypack; internal flights and trains limit baggage.
• A few packing cubes and a dry bag or plastic bags keep things organised and dry.
• Leave valuables and good jewellery at home.

How our experience helps

Because we know exactly where our routes go and how the weather and altitude behave, we send every traveller a tailored pre-trip pack with a clear, itinerary-specific packing list — so you bring what you'll actually use and nothing you won't. On the trip, comfortable transfers and sensible baggage handling mean you're not lugging heavy cases around, and your guide can point you to laundry, pharmacies and anywhere to top up.

Frequently asked questions

What is the one thing I shouldn't forget for Peru? Broken-in, grippy walking shoes and proper sun protection. Between them they prevent the two commonest discomforts — sore feet and sunburn at altitude.

Do I need special clothing for the altitude? Not special, but warm: temperatures drop sharply at night in Cusco and higher, so a warm jacket, hat and gloves matter even in the dry season. Layers let you adjust through the day.

Can I buy things I forget when I'm there? Mostly yes — Cusco and Lima have pharmacies, outdoor shops and markets, so sun cream, warm layers, ponchos and toiletries are easy to find. Bring prescription medicines from home, though.

How much luggage can I take? Keep it modest — internal flights and trains have baggage limits, and you'll appreciate travelling light. A soft duffel or medium case plus a daypack is ideal.

Do I need walking poles? They're very helpful on Machu Picchu's steps and gentle walks. Bring your own (with rubber tips) or hire a pair locally.

What plug adaptor does Peru use? Peru uses types A and C at 220 volts. Bring a suitable adaptor; most modern chargers handle the higher voltage, but check anything with a heating element.

Related reading

• Will the altitude affect you in Cusco and at Machu Picchu?
• The best time to visit Peru
• How fit do you need to be for Machu Picchu?
• Is Peru a good first long-haul trip over 60?