ESSENTIALS PACKING FOR PERU

You set the date, bought your tickets and now you’re ready to get packing for Peru. But what do you actually need to bring ? We made a list that can help you prepare for this lifetime journey!

#1- Good Camera

Don’t never even think of travelling to Peru without a good camera! Peru has the most amazing landscapes and people which you don’t want to miss out and shared with your friend back home.

#2 - Waterproof / Windproof Jackets

With so much of this country situated high in the Andes, taking a waterproof and windproof jacket is essential if you’re going to be hiking or sightseeing in the mountains. Peru’s rains can come and go quickly, and it’s crucial to be prepared for them, especially if you’re going to be away from your accommodation all day without a change of clothes. You can choose a light and compact enough to carry with you in your daybag.

#3 - Hiking Boots

Hiking, walking, and exploring will take quite a toll on you if you don’t have the proper footwear. Quality hiking shoes are key, and they should be broken in before you travel with them or you’ll run the risk of painful blisters or foot cramping.

#4 - Day Pack

A good daybag will save you a lot of hassle. You should carry water, snacks, camera, hat, gloves, sun block, wipes, hand sanitizer, toiletries, Ziploc bags and other clothing layers is key in Peru!

#5 - Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

When you’re out and about all day like you probably will be in Peru, it’s best to keep a backup charge for your devices within reach, as you will often be without the ability to recharge your devices otherwise. This small travel charger will hold multiple charges after being “juiced up” at your accommodations so that you can recharge multiple devices on the go with a regular USB cable.

#6 - sunscreen and a sunhat.

Due to the altitude and Peru’s location close to the Equator frequent application of sunscreen is advised to avoid any nasty sunburn. Be warned, even when it’s cloudy here you can get very burn! Use sunblock rated at least 50SPF

#7 - Small first aid kit

For basic cuts and bruises and tummy upsets. There are pharmacies in Peru where you can buy basic first aid and medical supplies. Do make sure however, that you bring enough of any prescription medicine you might need as some brands and types of medicine might not be available in Peru. A good rule of thumb is to bring enough prescription medicine to cover you for the length of your trip plus an extra week in case you get delayed.

#8 - Insect repellent

Particularly if you plan on going trekking, visiting Machu Picchu or the Peruvian Amazon Jungle. Use insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET

We have narrow up some frequent questions from our travellers which can help you with your preparation before arriving in Peru

What is the weather like?

The rainy season in Mountain (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca) is from November to March. It's usually clear and dry most mornings with outbursts of heavy rain in the afternoons. The daily temperatures are typically 18°C with only a small drop at night, 15°C . During the dry season, from April to October, the weather is generally sunny with hot, dry days (20- 25°C ) and cold, dry nights, often hovering just above freezing, particularly in June and July. It is recommended you bring a wet weather coat and warm clothes for the nights and inside buildings, as they don't have heating. However in the sun it is very hot and you might get burnt easily.

Weather in Coast ( Lima, Paracas, Nazca) is divided into two seasons – summer and winter. Summer runs from December to April and is generally sunny with blue skies and temperatures between 77°F to 95°F (25°C-35°C). Lima is notoriously grey from May – November with its famous grey mist called ‘garúa’. Peak season is between December to April.

The weather in Arequipa is very sunny and pleasant all year-round. The altitude is high, over 2,328 metres. The climate is warm and dry, and there are 300 days of sunshine per year. Arequipa is a popular tourist city, so the nightlife is active. There are many markets, bars, restaurants and cultural sights to explore. People from Arequipa are known for being friendly and it’s a great place

How much money will I need during my stay? That is difficult to say as it depends on your lifestyle while staying . Just to give you an idea: Public transport in Peru is very inexpensive. A taxi in Cusco will charge you US$2.00 during the day and US$3.00 after 10pm. A ride on a public bus in Cusco costs US$0.20. An average meal (set menu) in a restaurant will cost you about US$8.00. A beer or a coffee in a bar will cost between US$5.00 and US$10.00, depending on where you go. Do I need a medical and a travel insurance when traveling in Peru? Yes, we strongly do recommend you to take a medical and a travel insurance in your home country. Although health care is relatively inexpensive in Peru, it is always advisable to have travel insurance.

Are there ATM machines in Peru? There are several ATM machines in Peru . However, we do recommend you to arrive with some cash money in case the machines are out of order. Please check with you local bank about the rates they charge for withdrawing money in a foreign country.

How can I change money? This is very easy in Peru. You can change money at the banks or at the different Casas de Cambio, which are open from 9am till 10pm.

Will I need a visa? No visa is necessary for most nationalities (check with the Peruvian Embassy in your home country). You will get a tourist visa when entering Peru will allow you 90 days in Peru . You are allowed a maximum of three 30-day extensions for up 180 days (6 months) in Peru . Each extension will cost you about $25.00. You might want to consider just crossing the (Bolivian or Chilean) border, if you need more time in Peru . It'll take you about two days and you'll be guaranteed another 90 days.

What is altitude sickness exactly? Will I get it? On reaching heights above 3000m, heart pounding and shortness of breath are a normal response to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors these symptoms can deteriorate into a condition known as Soroche (or acute altitude sickness) where you can start to experience headaches, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, sleeplessness and often nausea. Symptoms usually develop within the first day at altitude, but may be delayed by up to 2 weeks. To prevent Soroche, try to take things easy as soon as you arrive. Once settled in your hotel room have a lie down for a while and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food. Drinking mate de coca (an infusion of coca leaves) may help. If symptoms become more severe and prolonged it is best to quickly seek medical attention and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude.

Is the water fit to drink?

Try to drink bottled or boiled water when in Peru . Tap water is not safe, it may cause mild abdominal upset. On camping trips the water is purified with tablets or boiled.

What is the electricity in Peru - outlet and voltage information

Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts and 60 Hertz. If you plug in a 110-volt appliance, your piece of equipment may break.

If you want to use a 110-volt appliance in Peru, we suggest you buy a power adapter to protect your equipment. Do check first though, as many laptops and digital cameras are now dual voltage and can take both 110 and 220 volts. Most four and five star hotels have outlets for 110-volt appliances in the rooms.

There are two types of electrical outlets in Peru. One takes two-pronged plugs with flat blades, while the other takes plugs with two round prongs. Many Peruvian electrical outlets are designed to accept both types but we have found ourselves in situations where this wasn’t the case so we do recommend you bring an adapter on your trip so you have no problems

IMPORTANT: If you plan to exchange U.S. dollars, try to bring the newest and cleanest bills possible. Most places (even banks!) will NOT accept dollars that are old, dirty or torn.