10 Things to Think About Before Traveling to Peru — Part 4: What to Pack (and Why “Just in Case” Backfires)

Packing for Peru often turns into a bit of a guessing game. People picture everything at once: cold mountain nights, hot jungle days, rain, sun, wind, altitude. So they try to prepare for every possible scenario—and end up overpacking.

The suitcase gets heavy, awkward, and somehow still misses the mark.

In reality, packing for Peru is more straightforward than it seems—if you base it on your route, not on worst-case possibilities.

The Most Common Packing Mistake

Without question, the biggest mistake we see is packing too much “just in case.”

Extra shoes that are never worn.
Thick sweaters that stay in the bottom of the bag.
Items that felt important at home, but serve no purpose on the road.

Travelers often say afterward:
“I carried half my suitcase for nothing.”
“I wore the same few things over and over.”

This happens when people pack for an idea of Peru, not for the specific places they’re actually visiting.

What Really Matters When Packing

Start with this: where are you sleeping?
Nights often define comfort more than daytime weather. You’ll move through different climates, yes—but not all at once.

If your route includes Lima, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco, you’ll encounter moderate temperature swings. Not dramatic ones. A simple layering system is enough.

Here’s what works:

• Light, breathable clothing for daytime
• One warm layer for evenings and early mornings
• A light jacket or fleece, not a heavy coat

Heavy winter gear is almost never needed for standard itineraries, even at altitude.

Shoes: Simpler Than Expected

Unless you’re doing serious trekking, you likely don’t need hiking boots.

For most travelers, a good pair of comfortable sneakers with decent grip is more than enough—for cities, ruins, light walks, and general exploring.

Many people regret bringing multiple pairs.
One reliable pair and one light backup (or sandals for evenings) is usually ideal.

What People Forget to Pack

There are a few small items that make a big difference:

• Sunscreen — the sun is strong, even on cool days
• A reusable water bottle — staying hydrated at altitude matters
• Basic medicine you already trust (headaches, stomach, sleep)

Yes, you can find these things in Peru. But having them from the beginning saves time—and avoids needing to find a pharmacy when you’re not feeling your best.

What You Don’t Need to Worry About

Toiletries. Chargers. Basic clothing. Everyday items.

These are widely available in Peru’s cities and towns. This is not a remote, hard-to-stock destination—though it’s often imagined that way.

Overpacking usually comes from fear of inaccessibility. But Peru is very accessible. You won’t be stuck if you forget toothpaste or socks.

Pack for the Route, Not the Unknown

Smart packing isn’t about predicting every scenario. It’s about choosing what truly fits your journey—based on location, altitude, and season. Not fear. Not guesswork.

At Peruvisit, we create detailed, personalized packing advice as part of every itinerary. That way, travelers feel prepared without carrying unnecessary weight.

You move easier. You rest better. And you’re free to focus on the experience—rather than what’s in your bag.