Southern Peru combines beaches, dunes, canyons, and cities located more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Packing is easier if you think by region rather than bringing generic travel clothes. Pack light, dress in layers, and leave some room for souvenirs.
What to bring for every part of the trip
- Original passport, copies, travel insurance, cards, and cash in Peruvian soles (small bills).
- Reusable water bottle, high-SPF sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, and a basic first-aid kit (pain reliever, oral rehydration salts, antihistamine, and blister patches).
- Charger, power bank, and travel adapter. A 20- to 25-liter daypack for excursions.
Coast: Paracas, Ica, and Nazca
- Dry heat, wind, and strong sun.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, lightweight pants or shorts, sturdy sandals, and a pair of closed-toe shoes for the desert.
- Swimsuit (for the Ballestas Islands, beaches, or hotel pools).
- Scarf or buff to protect yourself from sand.
- Extra underwear: desert dust gets everywhere.
Desert and oasis
- Use the same basics as for the coast, plus a lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun protection during dune buggy rides or while walking on the dunes.
- Socks that do not easily fill with sand.
- You do not need a heavy jacket here.
High altitude: Arequipa, Colca, Puno, and Cusco
- Cold mornings, strong direct sunlight around midday, and temperatures that drop quickly at night.
- Three-layer system: thermal or synthetic base layer, fleece or lightweight down jacket, and a waterproof windbreaker.
- Long trekking pants.
- Warm hat, lightweight gloves, and merino wool socks.
- Broken-in hiking boots or shoes with sturdy soles. Flip-flops only for the hotel.
- Avoid cotton when hiking: it absorbs sweat and can make you feel colder.
How to avoid overpacking
- Bring one medium-sized suitcase plus your daypack.
- Use hotel laundry services. If you need an extra warm layer, you can buy an inexpensive fleece in Cusco.
- Leave your camping gear at home if you are traveling with an agency: you will not need it on a classic Lima–Arequipa–Puno–Cusco itinerary.
If you want your transportation, itinerary pace, and travel arrangements organized from the first day, take a look at the 13-day tour through southern Peru by Incredible Peru Tours and prepare your itinerary with your suitcase ready, rather than packing everything at the last minute.
