Ultimate Packing List for a 6-Day Trip to Cusco, Peru

Peru is one of my all-time favorite countries—I’ve been lucky enough to visit multiple times, and every trip has been unforgettable. There’s just so much to do and experience, from beautiful mountains to vibrant markets, ancient ruins, and the feeling of being fully immersed in a culture so rich in history and tradition.

Packing for a trip to Peru requires a bit of planning to make sure you’re ready for the altitude, changing weather, and the variety of activities the city and surrounding areas have to offer. Whether you’re exploring the city or visiting Machu Picchu, this guide has everything you need to know.

If you’re interested in seeing a breakdown of my daily outfits and activities, check out my post: What to Wear in Cusco, Peru.

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Activities I Packed For:

During our trip, we enjoyed:

- Walking around Cusco
- Horseback riding
- An ATV ride through the Andes Mountains
- Visiting Machu Picchu

These activities were incredible, but they also require practical planning (comfortable shoes, layers, and hydration are key)!

For a full breakdown of our itinerary, check out my post: Ultimate 5-Day Peru Itinerary: A First-Timer’s Guide.

What to Consider When Packing for Cusco

What you pack will depend a lot on the time of year you’re visiting. Peru’s weather is less about hot vs. cold and more about rainy season vs. dry season:

- Rainy Season (November to March): Expect afternoon showers and a need for more waterproof clothing.

- Dry Season (April to October): Cooler mornings and evenings, with lots of sunshine during the day.

No matter when you go, layers are your best friend. The weather in Cusco can be unpredictable, and having options to add or take off throughout the day is key.

My Cusco, Peru Trip Details

- Home Base: Cusco, Peru
- Length: 6 days, 5 nights
- Time of Year: May
- Weather: The temperature in Cusco ranged from low 40°F (4°C) in the early mornings and evenings to around 70°F (21°C) during the day. We didn’t have any rain!
- Luggage: I packed everything into a carry-on and backpack. Light packing for the win!

What to Pack for Peru

Here’s everything I brought, organized by category (I like to see people’s realistic packing list when I’m planning for a trip which is why this is pretty specific, but of course feel free to swap things out based on your needs and preferences):

Shoes (2 pairs)

- Blundstone boots: Sturdy and comfortable for walking on uneven terrain.
- Chacos: Perfect for warmer afternoons.

Outerwear & Layers (5 items)

- Jean shirt/lightweight jacket
- Knee-length Columbia jacket (I wore this when it was colder our)
- Cropped athletic quarter zip
- Button-down oversized shirt
- Black cardigan

Pants & Bottoms (4 pairs)

- Black joggers
- Navy tailored pants
- Black athletic leggings
- Brown cargo pants

Tops/Base Layers (5 tops)

- White tee
- White fitted, stretchy top
- Black tank top
- Cream tank top
- White athletic tank

Accessories (5 items)

- Beanie: Essential for chilly mornings & after the sun goes down.
- Baseball hat: Great for sun protection.
- Buff: A lifesaver for keeping warm and protecting from dust/the sun.
- Crossbody purse: Convenient for carrying essentials.
- Sunglasses

Other Essentials

Medications

Altitude sickness is no joke in Cusco, which sits at 11,152 feet above sea level. Be prepared with:

- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox): Consult your doctor before your trip. I share more about altitude sickness medication and preparing for the altitude in my post: How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Peru.
- Decongestant or nasal spray for the dry air.
- Anti-inflammatory meds for sore muscles (especially after hiking or horseback riding).
- Anti-diarrheal or digestive aids (because travel can surprise your stomach).
- Motion sickness pills for winding roads to Machu Picchu.

Toiletries

- High SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizer (face and body)
- Compact toiletries like shampoo and conditioner bars

Snacks

I always pack snacks when I travel since I have to eat gluten-free, but this is a good idea for anytime your on-the-go! Easy options are great for busy mornings or long outings when food isn’t convenient. Here’s what I brought:

- Gum
- Granola bars
- Trail mix
- Dried edamame
- Chocolate covered blueberries

Other Must-Haves

- Passport (obviously!)
- Cash and/or credit card (bring cash if you prefer to exchange it rather than use an ATM. I used a mix of soles (Peruvian currency) and my credit card in Cusco).
- Reusable water bottle (hydration is key at altitude).
- Portable charger (a must for long days out).
- A bag for dirty clothes: Any lightweight option works since things can get dusty.
- Travel journal, book, cards, or Kindle for downtime/travel days.
- Camera to capture the stunning views.

Final Tips

- We didn’t need a power adapter for the hotel we stayed at, but consider checking with your accommodations beforehand.

- The high altitude means hydration and sun protection are critical. Don’t skip sunscreen or your reusable water bottle.

What it comes to what to pack for Peru it’s all about balance—layering for the weather, staying prepared for the altitude, and leaving room for the unique experiences Peru has to offer.

I hope this guide helps you know what to pack for Peru and how prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

Madison is a Nashville-based traveler sharing itineraries, packing tips, and budget-friendly travel advice to help adventurous women plan epic trips and see the world.