Packing list for Peru: updated checklist for the coast, Andes and Amazon
This packing list for Peru is perfect for tours, city breaks, and nature adventures between Lima, Cusco, and the rainforest. The country can offer blazing sun one day and then serve up mountain air that feels like a cheeky refrigerator the next. A smart selection saves weight, stress, and the hassle of searching for a rain jacket at the worst possible moment.
At a glance
| Climate reality | The coast is often mild to warm, the Andes have large temperature fluctuations, and the Amazon is hot and humid. |
| Rainy season (roughly) | Andes/Amazon usually November to March or April, dry season in the Andes often May to September. |
| Documents | Passport (recommended: valid for at least 6 months), proof of insurance, digital copies. |
| Electricity | Sockets are often type A and C, 220 V / 60 Hz; adapters for type A are usually useful. |
| Health | Take sun protection seriously, pack a travel pharmacy with a stomach/intestinal kit, plan for altitude, and check vaccination and malaria requirements for each route. |
Packing list for Peru by region
This division into coastal, Andean, and Amazon regions prevents the classic scenario: a down jacket on the beach and flip-flops at 3,600 meters. A combination of layering, rain gear, and good footwear covers most routes.
Coast and cities (e.g. Lima, Paracas, Trujillo)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (T-shirts, thin trousers, shorts as needed)
- Light jacket or hoodie for evenings and air-conditioned buses
- Comfortable sneakers for cobblestones, markets and long city walks
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor
- Lip balm with UV protection
- A small scarf or buff to protect against wind and dust (coastal air can be surprisingly fresh)
Andes and high altitudes (e.g. Cusco, Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Puno)
- Layered outfit: functional shirt, warmer mid-layer (fleece), windproof outer layer
- Warm jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Long trousers (comfortable, durable)
- Hiking boots or trekking boots with a tread, broken in
- Warm socks (possibly merino) plus a spare pair in your daypack
- Hat and light gloves (depending on season and altitude)
- Rain jacket or poncho (also as an emergency solution during the dry season)
- Small daypack with space for water, snack, jacket and documents
- Water bottle (preferably robust) or hydration system
Amazon and rainforest (e.g. Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado)
- Long-sleeved, lightweight shirts and long, thin trousers (insect and sun protection)
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho (rainforest lives up to its name)
- Breathable, closed shoes or lightweight trekking shoes
- Extra socks (moisture is a sport)
- Insect repellent (suitable for tropical climates)
- Afterbite gel or anti-itch ointment
- Waterproof bags (dry bags) for mobile phone, documents, camera
- Small microfiber towel
Packing list by activity
Trekking, multi-day tours and long hiking days
- Hiking boots: broken in, with good tread
- Functional socks and blister plasters
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Trekking trousers plus spare shirt
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Power bank (sufficient capacity for a long day)
- Snacks (nuts, bars, dried fruit) for "Plan B" in case of a delayed lunch
- Small first-aid kit (plasters, disinfectant, elastic bandage)
- Earplugs (group accommodations can provide creative soundscapes)
Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and day trips
- Lightweight daypack
- Rain/wind protection (poncho or jacket)
- sunscreen and cap
- Drinking water and a small snack
- Camera/Smartphone plus charging cable
- Copy of passport (paper or offline on mobile phone)
Beach, hot springs and swimming breaks
- Swimwear
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Quick-drying towel
- Light change of clothes
Night buses, domestic flights and lots of travel
- A light jacket or scarf to protect against air conditioning.
- Sleep mask and earplugs
- Small bag containing toothbrush, mini deodorant, and wet wipes
- Lock or cable lock for luggage (depending on comfort level)
- Small carabiner (helps to secure bags, does not replace attention)
Documents, money and organization
This category rarely saves the day with beautiful vacation photos, but it regularly saves the day. A neat document folder seems boring until the moment comes when it suddenly becomes very exciting.
Important documents
- Passport (recommended: valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry)
- Proof of return or onward travel (digital and as a screenshot offline)
- Travel insurance and international health insurance (save policy numbers offline)
- Vaccination certificate (if relevant for the route)
- Driving licence (if a rental car is planned) plus international driving licence as needed
- Copies: passport, insurance documents, tickets (paper copy separate from the original)
Visa and length of stay
- Tourist entry: visa-free for German citizens for up to 90 days per six-month period
- Entry data: often recorded electronically, passport stamp not always standard practice
Money and cards
- Credit card (at least one second card as backup)
- Some cash in Sol for taxis, small shops, tips
- Wallet with "everyday" money plus a separate reserve
- Emergency numbers for card blocking (noted offline)
Technology, electricity and communication
Adapter, voltage and charging
- Travel adapter for Peru (often type A and type C)
- Multi-USB charger (reduces the hunt for power outlets in hotels)
- Power bank
- Charging cable plus spare cable (cables tend to disappear like socks in the washing machine)
The power supply in Peru is typically 220 V and 60 Hz. Checking the device specifications (input 100–240 V) prevents the unintentional display of "smoke signals, modern interpretation".
Phone, Internet and Offline Plan
- Smartphone with offline maps (download regions beforehand)
- SIM/eSIM option as needed
- Important addresses and booking information as a screenshot (Wi-Fi is not a lifestyle everywhere)
Health and hygiene
A sensible mix of travel first-aid kit, sunscreen, and basic hygiene items covers the most common needs. However, if you have pre-existing medical conditions or a specific route, consulting a doctor is still a better plan than improvising on the spot.
Travel pharmacy
- Anti-diarrheal medication (plus electrolytes)
- Painkillers and fever reducers
- Anti-nausea/travel sickness remedies
- Wound disinfectant, plasters, blister plasters, small bandage
- Antihistamine for allergies or insect reactions
- Sufficient quantity of personal medication plus a copy of the prescription
Altitude (Andes)
- Slow acclimatization: less activity, more rest in the first few days
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat light meals.
- Medication for altitude sickness should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Sun, heat and rain
- Plan on bringing sunscreen (high SPF) plus the option to buy more.
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Headgear
- Rain protection for body and equipment (jacket/poncho, dry bag)
Vaccinations, yellow fever and malaria
These points depend heavily on the route. Recommendations regarding yellow fever vaccination and malaria prophylaxis in Peru mainly apply to specific areas, particularly in the Amazon region. A travel medicine consultation before departure provides clarity, especially for rainforest excursions or extended stays away from major cities.
Hygiene on the go
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
- Travel sizes: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap
- Small microfiber towel
- Waterproof bags for wet clothes
Safety and everyday life
A little routine saves a lot of worry. A discreet division of money and documents seems unremarkable until it saves your vacation.
Theft and loss protection
- Distribute money and cards to several locations
- Keep valuables close to your body, especially in crowds.
- Don't present your mobile phone and camera "on a silver platter," especially on public transport.
- Save your emergency contact list (hotel, contact, insurance) offline.
Baggage logic
- Small padlock (useful depending on the accommodation)
- Luggage scales (useful for domestic flights)
- Laundry bag (dirty laundry stays in quarantine)
Practical extras that are often forgotten
- Light snacks for long journeys
- Notebook and pen
- Multi-purpose bags (zipper bags) for everything from cables to wet items
- Small umbrella (useful in city rain)
- A travel clothesline or a few clothespins
Mini checklist for the last 24 hours before departure
- Passport, cards, insurance documents: all in one place
- Offline screenshots: bookings, tickets, emergency numbers
- Adapter and charging cable: ready for use in hand luggage
- Travel medicine kit: complete contents, important medications kept separate
- First outfit upon arrival: appropriate for the region, readily available
FAQ about the Peru packing list
What passport validity applies to Peru?
Peruvian consulates recommend a minimum validity of six months upon entry. Checking this document early prevents stress with airline rules and entry formalities.
What visa rules apply to tourist travel from Germany?
According to current travel advice, German citizens are permitted visa-free tourist entry for up to 90 days within any six-month period. Verbal notification of the permitted length of stay may occur, as entry and stay data are frequently recorded electronically.
What types of electrical outlets are used in Peru, and which adapter fits?
In Peru, electrical outlets of types A and C are common. An adapter for type A is usually advisable for travelers from Germany, as German plugs do not fit into every type A socket. The standard voltage is typically 220 V and 60 Hz.
What clothing is suitable for Cusco and other high altitudes?
Layering offers the best control: a base layer, fleece or sweater, and a windproof jacket. Temperature fluctuations between sunshine and evening chill are normal in the Andes, even if it's T-shirt weather during the day.
What things help with altitude sickness?
A slower acclimatization with a gentle start, plenty of fluids, and light meals helps many travelers. Medication for prevention or treatment should be under medical supervision, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
What health topics are important for trips to the Amazon?
In certain regions of Peru, especially in the Amazon area, there is a risk of yellow fever and malaria. A travel medicine consultation before departure will clarify vaccination recommendations and the question of malaria prophylaxis appropriate for your route.
Which rainy season should be factored in when packing?
In the Andes and the Amazon region, the wetter season often falls between November and March or April. A lightweight, reliable rain cover plus waterproof bags for electronics are therefore worthwhile for many travel dates.
How much cash is sensible to carry, and what applies to large sums of money?
A combination of card and some cash works well in many regions of Sol. Declaration requirements may apply to very large amounts of cash, so it's worth checking customs regulations before departure, especially for longer trips or when traveling with multiple people.
Should a pocket knife be on the packing list?
A small tool can be handy, but strict rules apply to carry-on luggage, and further restrictions may apply depending on the destination. Safe storage in checked baggage remains the standard practice for air travel.
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Sources
- German Federal Foreign Office: Peru – Travel and Security Advice (accessed on 08.01.2026)
- Consulate General of Peru (Hamburg): Tourist visa / Issuance of Tourist Visa, information on passport validity and length of stay (accessed on 08.01.2026)
- CDC Travelers' Health: Peru – Traveler View (accessed on January 8, 2026)
- CDC Yellow Book: Peru – Information on yellow fever and malaria risks (accessed on 08.01.2026)
- Electrical Safety First: Travel adapter for Peru, information on voltage and frequency (accessed on 08.01.2026)
- Power Plug Sockets: Peru – Socket types and electricity data (accessed on 08.01.2026)
- SUNAT (Peru): Information on items to be declared and customs issues (accessed on 08.01.2026)