If you read my most recent Peru blogs, A Guide To Cusco, A Guide to Lima or 10 Day Guide To Peru, you know how much I stress to pack right for this trip. And we’re not just talking about the best clothes to pack, but medications and necessities that will absolutely save you on this trip! Keep reading for a list of what you should pack on your trip to Peru.
Medications To Pack
I didn’t realize how many medications I would need to bring on this trip until I really looked into all the different conditions we would be in on this trip, elevation being the largest factor. But also going anywhere you need to be careful with the food you eat and how your body is going to react to it. Trust me, I had my fair share of stomach issues on this trip!
- Prescription travelers antibiotic (Request from your doctor)
- Prescription altitude medication (Request from your doctor)
- Laxative such as Colace
- Imodium
- Ibuprofen
- Tums
- Excedrin
- Malaria shot or tablets (If your doctor recommends it and if you are going into the Amazon)
- Motion sickness medicine such as Dramamine (try to opt for a non-drowsy version)
Must Bring Clothing Items
Hiking pants
I wore these Banana Republic pants throughout the trip and they were amazing. So comfortable to wear for a full day excursion, stylish and durable.
Comfortable sports bras/athletic tops
Comfort is key on this trip. When visiting Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain you will literally be out and about from 3am to about 9pm. They are full day excursions so wear comfortable sports bras, workout tops and layers.
Hiking Boots
If you are visiting Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, the Amazon or any other amazing hikes in Peru you must get a pair of comfortable hiking boots. These trails are normally rocky or dusty dirt trails so you need a hiking boot that has a good grip and supports your ankles.
I wore my Columbia hiking boots for all our hiking excursions and they were so comfortable and stylish.
Layers
The temperature in Peru is fairly warm but it drops significantly at night. When you are hiking in the mountains the temperature also drops once you get higher on the trail. Packing in layers is a must for this trip. Layer a long sleeve over a sports bra or tank top with a zip up or pancho over. When it warms up you can remove the layers and when it cools down you can relayer up.
Hat & Gloves
Depending on your hike, I suggest bringing a hat and gloves for when you reach the top of your hike. For example, when submitting Rainbow Mountain we reached the top and were freezing. Our hats came in handy, especially to help against the wind, but we wished we had brought a pair of gloves.
Extra Necessities
- Mini first aid kit (bandaids, antibiotic ointment, q-tips, etc.)
- Mosquito repellent with deet (mainly if you are visiting the Amazon)
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick with sunscreen
- Aloe Vera (I got burnt visiting Machu Picchu and having Aloe Vera was a lifesaver)
- Mosquito itch relief cream
- Granola bars, oatmeal bags, crackers
- These little snacks were a lifesaver on our hikes when we needed energy or when we were hungry late at night and our hotel kitchen was closed.
- Detergent
- Clothes I was re-wearing I was able to hand wash with our detergent in our bathroom sink and air dry.
- Backpacks & duffels
- It is so important for me to have convenient travel bags that help me stay organized and are still stylish. That is always the Dagne Dover line for me. I use their backpacks, duffle bags, passport holders, electronic organizers, makeup bags – everything – on all my trips. It was so helpful packing with their products and making everything organized and streamlined every time I travel. All Dagne Dover products I travel with are linked below!
SHOP NECESSITIES
To help you stay organized when packing or planning for any of your future trips, checkout my printable, editable packing lists on my Etsy store!
-Kat
