Packing is always my ‘I-try-to-avoid-it-as-long-as-possible’ part in the travel preparations. This time, I was very busy the weeks before we left for our three weeks Peru trip. As I was traveling together with my sister this time, she really supported me in the prepping and did a lot of research, checked temperatures and climates and created a first draft of our packing list.
To be fair, we did not realize that Peru disposes three different climates. We knew that there will be days with cold temperatures as well as days we will spend in the jungle with a high humidity and 35 degrees minimum. What we actually did not understand was that the highlands have freezing cold temperatures in the mornings as well during the nights with lows under 0 degrees. In addition to that (what makes it even worse), the fact that the hotels we stayed in (3 star hotels) weren’t equipped with heating and often, there was not even hot water at all. All in all, we were freezing like hell these days. So be prepared for really cold days and nights, I you plan to visit the highlands.
What we actually learned at this trip was:
“Layers are like wine – the more the better ”
The Packing List
The basic clothing:
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 pair of hiking pants
- 1 pair of cosy linen pants
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 waterproof rain jacket
- 2 sweaters for chilly nights
The shoes:
- 1 pair of Hiking boots (if you are going to the highlands)
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 1 pair of Flip-Flops
The electronics:
- Camera, charger and extra memory cards (you only get memory cards in cities like Lima, Cusco, etc.)
- International adapter
- Head torch (strongly recommended for the Inca Trail Hike, because the 4th day starts at 3.30 am and the first part of the hike will be during the night)
The toiletries and sun protection:
- Toothbrush and paste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Brush
- Deodorant
- Make-up (don’t bring too much, because you won’t need it very often)
- Tweezers
- Nail scissors
- Cleaning tissues (very important for the Inca Trail Hike)
- Hand sanitizer (the more, the better)
- Tampons (just in case)
- Sunscreen (factor 50) – do not underestimate the Andean Sun
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Ear plugs (if you value your night’s sleep)
- Shaver
The first aid kit:
- Anti Vital (our recommendation as prevention for the altitude sickness)
- Sleeping pills (for cold nights or long distance flights)
The required documents:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of health certificate (you have to have the yellow fever injection before you start your trip)
Miscellaneous:
- 2 small plastic bags (for lunch, toiletries on the go)
- Travel Pillow (for overnight bus rides, flights etc.)
- Sun glasses
The headgear:
- Headband (perfect travel buddy as sunprotecion on hot days and to warm up on really cold days)
- Hat (for freezing cold nights or early morning hikes)
Ok, that’s it for now. Of course your packing list depends on your planned activities. As we were hiking the Inca trail and spent time in the jungle, we provide you the all-round carefree package.
Safe travels and we would love to hear from your adventures!
xoxo, Julia from your Rast.Los.Gelöst Team
