Peru Packing List for Adventures & Multi-Day Treks

This is a basic Peru packing list for adventures and multi-day treks. Whether heading out for 2 or 10 days, these essentials are always in my pack. Of course, modify it to best fit your needs. I use sturdy and reliable gear which lasts me years and most oftentimes has a lifetime guarantee.

Find ideas about different multi-day treks in Peru, useful information on the dry vs. the rainy season, and other insider tips for hikers. Look for trekking essentials from camping gear, clothing, miscellaneous items, and hearty food ideas. I’ve included some shops that sell reliable gear in Peru and accommodations that stow luggage by region.

Here’s my Peru packing list for adventures, multi-day treks, and other useful tidbits for exploring in Peru.

Table of Contents

• Peru Multi-Day Treks
• Hiking Seasons of Peru
• Helpful Tips on Hiking in Peru
• Peru Packing List for Adventures: Camping Essentials for Multi-day Treks
• Peru Packing List for Adventures: Clothing Essentials
• Misc. Essential Items to Pack
• Trekking in Peru: Food Basics
• Forgot Something from the List?
• Accommodations that Store Luggage and Valuables for Multi-day Treks by Region
• Peru Packing List for Adventures and Multi-Day Treks

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.

Peru Multi-Day Treks

The incredible country of Peru is a hiker’s delight. Each region boasts unique and diverse trails. During my 8 months in Peru, this basic packing list worked for many of my adventures.

In the north around Huaraz, find the mighty mountain ranges of Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra. Intrepid hikers anxiously seek out Cordillera Huayhuash, which some claim is one of the most beautiful treks in the world.

Near Arequipa, the landscape becomes drier and the cacti abundant. The backdrop changes to smoldering volcanoes with snowy peaks. The main highlight is the Colca Canyon, and at an impressive depth of 10,730 feet, it is the second deepest canyon in the world.

There’s a plethora of multi-day treks near Cusco and the surrounding and fertile Sacred Valley. The Peruvian jewel of Machu Picchu can be reached in more ways than just the Inca trail. There are multiple paths that lead to the famed “lost city.”

This packing list is possible for ALL of the diverse terrain and landscapes in Peru.

Hiking Seasons of Peru

Peru is generally categorized into a dry and rainy season. The Andes mountains are stunning, but they come at a price: high altitude. Acclimation is key. With the high altitudes, always be prepared for the weather to change at moments notice. It’s possible to cycle between sunny skies, heavy down pours, thunderstorms, and snow all within an hours time. The mountains are incredibly powerful and should always be respected. Rock slides and mudslides are constant occurrences. In fact, I witnessed one in real time while hiking on a mountain trail.

Hikers should be somewhat comfortable and experienced when independently hiking in Peru. Of course, there are always tours, guides, porters, and horses available. If using these services, please verify that the guides and porters are paid fairly and that the animals are treated with respect. Many people and animal are exploited in the name of tourism. With that being said, I chose to independently hike in Peru. If I was planning on trekking for more than 4 days, I always hiked with a buddy.

Dry Season

In general, dry season is from May to October. This is busy season and many of the trails are filled with independent hikers and tour groups. The skies are usually vivid blue and conditions are dry and fair. Although it’s dry season, the nights become much colder. Consider this when planning your Peru packing list for adventures.

Rainy Season

In general, the rainy season is from November to April. The clouds are prevalent and it will rain. The good news is that the rain is usually not constant and makes the mountains green and alive with wildflowers. The nights are warmer than the dry season, but expect rain. Sometimes it can be a drizzle, while other times it can be a torrential stream. The weather is inconsistent. During this time, it is possible that trails and roads alike can shut down from mudslides and rock slides. Paths that are “off the normal tourist circuit” can be overgrown with brush.

The most famous trek in Peru, the Inca trail, closes the whole month of February for maintenance.

Helpful Tips on Hiking in Peru

Here are a few tips for hikers in Peru who want to hike on their own term, without a tour or guide.

Check with a Tour Company

The tour companies are a great resource for current trails and hiking conditions. Honestly is the best policy to say you are only seeking information and not looking to purchase a tour. Most will be willing to help.

Contact Peru Tourism Information via WhatsApp

Need help on verifying official tourism information? Or maybe you want to validate a bus schedule or how to reach your next destination? The Peru tourism service offers up to date tourism information via WhatsApp 24 hours a day! Expect a response within a few hours and never more than a day.

Contact them via Whatsapp: (+51) 944 492 314

Seeking a Hiking Buddy or Insider Tips?

The Cusco Hike Club is a great space to find one! This Facebook group has tons of meet ups, local tips, and is a valuable space to collect information. Get connected with like minded travelers and maybe find a hiking buddy! Although it’s Cusco and Sacred Valley based, many people in the group are well traveled through most of Peru. With over 1,500 members and growing, someone is always willing to point you in the right direction.

Join the Cusco Hike Club via Facebook here!

Have Travel Insurance, Always

It’s best to travel with travel insurance, ALWAYS. There are many insurance companies and options. Recently, I switched from World Nomads to SafetyWings. This insurance company’s motto is “written by nomads, for nomads.” Insurance options can be renewed automatically. On top of travel insurance, there’s add-ons that include insurance in your home country.

I use and love SafetyWing.

Peru Packing List for Adventures: Camping Essentials for Multi-day Treks

Here are my camping essential items for my Peru packing list for adventures. These are my personal recommendations and why I love them.

Camping Gear	What I Love	Why?
Backpack	Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack (Women)	Tough with a Lifetime Guarantee Roomy yet functional Excellent pocket storage
Backpack Cover	REI Co-op Duck’s Back Rain Cover (M)	Essential to protect gear Condenses nicely
Lightweight Tent	NEMO Hornet 2 Person Tent	Extremely lightweight & sturdy Holds well in rain I LOVE THIS TENT!
Footprint	NEMO Hornet 2P Footprint	Protects tent from rocky ground
Sleeping Bag	REI Co-op Helio Sack 55 Sleeping Bag	Lightweight & compresses well
Sleeping Liner	Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Sleeping Liner	Adds warmth Use independently on warm nights
Sleeping Pad	Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad	Lightweight sleeping pad Condenses nicely
Compression Bag	Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil CompressionDry Sack	Helps organize & condense gear
Reusable Water Bottle		Lightweight & Easy to refill with filter
Water Filter	MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter	Small, filters fast, lifesaving Reduces waste and water weight ESSENTIAL FOR ALL HIKES!
Camping Stove	MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove	Simple & small
Cookware	Sea to Summit SigmaSet 1.1 Cookset	Pot, bowl, and coffee cup
Propane
Trekking Poles	The brand Leki	Cork handles work best Compact
Clothes Line	Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline	Small & lightweight Air out & dry clothing
First Aid-Kit	Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel First-Aid Kit	Safety first!
Headlamp	Black Diamond Cosmo 250 Headlamp	Saves phone battery! Spot in tent for nightlight
Swiss Army Knife	Swiss Army Camper Knife	All the essentials!
Emergency Blanket		Doubles as a tarp and adds warmth under tent I carry at least 2 for every trek

Peru Packing List for Adventures: Clothing Essentials

These are my clothing essentials for my Peru packing list for adventures. Again, these are my personal recommendations and why I love them!

Clothing Essentials	What I Love	Reasons & Tips
Packing Cubes	Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Starter Set	Organization & Compression!
Thin long sleeve trekking shirt (1)	Anything thin for sun protection 100% Polyester works great
Merino Wool Sweater	Anything by Ibex	Breathable & Durable Quick-dry
Quick-Dry hiking pants (1)	Anything with a thin leg	Best for overgrown trails
Warm Fleece Jacket (1)	KUHL Flight Fleece Jacket (W)	Nights get cold
Rain Jacket (1)	Compass 360 AdvantageTek™ Rain Jacket	Extremely thin & lightweight
Warm set of clothing for night	Keep these dry!
Wool Hat & Mittens	Pick up a pair from the women @ San Pedro Market in Cusco
Buff or Bandana	Buff CoolNet UV+ Insect Shield Multifunctional Headwear	Protects neck & ears
Hiking socks (4-5 Pairs)	Smartwool	Assortment of thickness Above the ankle works best Dry feet are essential
Underwear x 4 pairs		Wash and hang dry near water sources
Sports Bra x 2 (Women)	Anything light & quick dry	Wash and hang dry near water sources
Hiking Boots with ankle support	Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots (W)	Gortex, quick-dry, good traction Excellent ankle support
Quick-dry towel	Packtowel
Multi-purpose Soap	Dr. Bronner’s	Bar works best for space Use for dishes, clothing, body, laundry, even toothpaste!

Misc. Essential Items to Pack

There items are miscellaneous items which come in handy for trekking in Peru.

• Phone with Maps.me offline downloaded!
• Lighters & Matches
• Toilet Paper, Wet-Ones, & Hand-Soap
• A few misc extra plastic bags in various sizes
• Sunscreen and Bug spray
• Personal toiletries compact in size
• Chargers and Cords for Electronic Devices
• Misc. cutlery
• Some kind of charging solar panel
• Extra batteries for headlamp
• A shammy. It works great to wipe off a wet tent or doubles as a towel
• Passport
• Cash (I don’t like to carry over $100 USD)

Forgot Something from the List?

Try these shops which sell high end gear, clothing, and propane tanks.

Propane tanks are only available in large cities at specialty shops.

• Lima
  • Tatoo Adventure Gear San Isidro: Av. Guillermo Prescott 295, San Isidro, Lima
• Cusco
  • Tatoo Adventure Gear Cusco: Calle Espinar 144, Cusco
• Arequipa
  • Multiple shops can be found on Calle Jerusalén & Calle Ugarte

Trekking in Peru: Food Basics

Many of the popular hiking trails have little food stands and campsites to replenish supplies along the way. It’s important to NOT rely on them! Sometimes, especially during the rainy season, these tiendas and campsites are closed! If planning on a long or “off the beaten path” trek, I highly suggest carrying AT LEAST 4 days of food and snacks.

Easy Food Suggestions for Trekking in Peru

These are specific foods to Peru that really worked great for body fuel. Find all of these supplies at the local markets. Precooking some of these items helps to save on fuel.

• Soup Packets
• Quinoa, precooked
• Bean and Potato Burritos wrapped in tin-foil
• Potatoes, precooked (which could be added to soup packets or eaten with quinoa)
• Quinoa granola bars, chocolate, dried corn snacks, nuts
• Pasta and sauce packets
• Canned tuna
• Coca Leaves to help alleviate altitude sickness and to make tea tto keep warm at night

Accommodations that Stow Luggage and Valuables for Multi-day Treks by Region

The above packing list is only the essentials I carry for multi-day treks. It’s best to stow unnecessary items. Nonessential items only take up space and add weight to the pack. Almost all hostels store luggage.

If you’re like me and carry a laptop and other electronics, without a doubt leave them at a hostel or guest house. It can be nerve wracking to leave behind such valuable items. In Peru, it’s vital to always carry a padlock for lockers. Sadly, theft is a common occurrence in Peru.

Here are some of my favorite hostels and guesthouses that stow luggage and valuables. Of course, always use your personal discretion and only store what you feel comfortable with.

North Peru

• Tony’s House Hostel is an excellent lodging options in Huaraz. The super friendly and owner has a large and beautiful fenced (with areas to pitch at tent) in backyard. For those who don’t want to camp, there are private and shared rooms available. There are excellent day trip options from here or store luggage for adventure hiking in the Cordilleras. Two jovial dogs also reside here.

Check availability for Tony’s House Hostel here

Arequipa Region

• Way Kap Hostel Arequipa is one of the best sleeping options in Peru’s “white city” of Arequipa.” Breakfast is included with the price and there are a few shared room options available. Way Kap stores valuables with a security sign in and out system. Luggage can be stored right next to reception. The staff goes above and beyond and I felt more than comfortable leaving behind my valuables.
  • Bonus: There’s a fully stocked kitchen and people have the option to leave behind half empty propane tanks for future hikers. There were 3 when I visited!

Check availability for Way Kap Hostel Arequipa here!

Travel Deeper: 10 Epic Things to do in Arequipa

• Looking for a place closer to the Colca Canyon, yet still outside the “ticketed area?” Casa Bella Flor has private or shared rooms, plus spots to pitch a tent. It’s possible to explore the Colca Canyon as day trip options, or store luggage and tackle a longer trek in the nearby canyon.

Click here to book and check availability at Casa Bella Flor.

Slow Down: Discover 5 Adventurous Things to Do in Yanque

Cusco

• The Secret Garden in Cusco is a basic, but excellent option for adventure hikers. Sleeping here is like staying with a family who is warm, helpful, and never overlook the little details (even in the dorms they make up your bed daily)! There are shared and private rooms with roomy areas to repack bags for multi-day treks. Near the family’s room are lockers where valuables can be kept. Make sure to bring your own padlock. If Secret Garden is booked out, they have another property right next door!

Check availability for the Secret Garden in Cusco here.

No Tour, No Problem: Independently Visit ALL 16 Sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket

Peru Packing List for Adventures and Multi-Day Treks

In short, this is a basic Peru packing list for independent adventures. The country has a wide range of multi-day treks from the towering mountains in the north to the desert-like landscapes in the south near Arequipa. Understand the differences of Peru’s dry and rainy season. Always include time to properly acclimate to the high altitudes.

Use this guide as an overview on what to pack for camping essentials, clothing, and food ideas for multi-day treks. Find useful hiking information and some tips on where to store luggage by region.

In Peru, intrepid travelers will not be disappointed by the incredibly diverse landscapes and backdrops.

Have you independently trekked in Peru? Do you feel like I am missing anything on this Peru packing list for adventures? Is there any gear you would add to this trekking list? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.