A good Peru packing list starts with one fact. Students may face two climates in one trip. Lima sits on the coast, where the air is mild and often gray. Cusco sits in the Andes at about 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), where the sun is strong and nights are cold.
This guide helps teachers and parents prepare students for both. You will learn what to pack for Peru by category: documents, clothing, health items, and electronics. You will also find tips for Cusco weather, day bags, and what to leave at home. Share it with families before your pre-departure meeting so everyone works from the same list.
Documents and Money
Start with the items that cannot be replaced on the road.
- Passport. The U.S. State Department says passports must be valid for six months at entry into Peru, with one blank page for the entry stamp. Canadian families should check the Government of Canada travel page. Confirm current rules before departure.
- Copies of key documents. Pack a paper copy of the passport photo page and keep a digital copy. Leave another copy with a parent at home.
- Travel insurance and medical details. Carry a card with insurance contact details, allergies, and emergency contacts. Our guide to student travel insurance explains what to look for.
- Money. Bring a debit card, a backup card, and a small amount of cash. Tell the bank about travel dates ahead of time.
Peru Packing List: Clothing
Layers are the key to packing for Peru. Temperatures can change a lot between morning, afternoon, and night, especially in the Andes.
For Cusco weather and the Sacred Valley
- A warm fleece or light down jacket for cold nights
- A waterproof rain jacket, useful in any season
- Thermal base layers or long-sleeve shirts
- A warm hat, light gloves, and a scarf or neck gaiter
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes with good grip for uneven stone streets and archaeological sites
- A sun hat with a brim
Cusco’s dry season, from about May to September, brings clear days and cold nights. The rainy season, from about November or December to March, brings frequent showers. Pack for both sun and rain.
For Lima and the coast
- Light layers such as T-shirts and a long-sleeve top
- A light sweater or jacket for cool, gray days
- Comfortable pants or jeans
- Closed-toe shoes for city walking
- Clothes that can get dusty for a desert excursion, plus sunglasses
General clothing tips
Pack enough clothes for about five days and plan to rewear. Choose quick-dry fabrics. Students should bring at least one neat outfit for community visits and cultural workshops.
Health, Comfort, and Electronics
Health items
- Sunscreen. The CDC notes that solar radiation in the Peruvian highlands is high and sunburn is common. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
- Insect repellent. The CDC advises applying sunscreen first and repellent second.
- Personal medications. Bring enough for the whole trip, in original labeled containers, in carry-on luggage.
- Altitude. Families should talk with a doctor about altitude before a Cusco trip. Read our guide to Cusco altitude preparation.
- Basic kit. Hand sanitizer, tissues, adhesive bandages, and blister care.
- Reusable water bottle. The CDC advises against drinking tap water in Peru. Students should fill bottles with safe, treated water.
Electronics
Peru uses 220 to 230 volts, compared with 120 volts in the U.S. and Canada. Most outlets accept North American flat-pin plugs. Phone and laptop chargers labeled “100-240V” work without a converter. Single-voltage items, such as some hair dryers and straighteners, do not. Leave those at home.
- Phone and charger
- A small power bank
- A universal plug adapter as a backup
Day bag essentials
Each student needs a small backpack for daily outings. Pack water, sunscreen, a rain jacket, a warm layer, a snack, and hand sanitizer. On the Machu Picchu day, students also need their passport, since visitors show ID at the entrance.
What to leave at home
Leave expensive jewelry, valuables, and anything students would be upset to lose. Keep luggage light. Smaller bags are easier to manage on trains and transfers. For a general checklist, see our international trip packing list.
Packing for Our Peru Language Immersion Programs
Language Immersion in Lima (8 days). Students spend most of the week in Lima, with Spanish lessons, a market challenge, a cooking class, museum visits, and visits to MEDLIFE partner communities. A full-day excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina means sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential.
Language Immersion in Cusco (8 days). Students explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, with one night in the Sacred Valley. Warm layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes matter most here. A small overnight bag helps on the night away from the Cusco hotel.
Both programs begin with an orientation and safety meeting, where the group leader reviews daily plans.
FAQ
What should students pack for Peru?
Students should pack layers, a waterproof jacket, a warm fleece, walking shoes, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a reusable water bottle. They also need a valid passport, medications, and a small day bag.
Do I need a power adapter for Peru?
Most outlets in Peru accept North American plugs, and a universal adapter is a useful backup. Peru uses 220 to 230 volts, so check that each device is rated for 100-240V.
How cold is Cusco at night?
Cusco nights are cold, especially during the dry season from about May to September. Students should pack a warm jacket, a hat, and gloves.
Get Your Group Ready for Peru
A clear packing list helps students arrive prepared and comfortable in both Lima and Cusco. Our Language Immersion in Lima and Language Immersion in Cusco programs are built for high school groups. Fill out our form to learn more.
Start your journey by downloading the Engaged Education Brochure and learn more about our immersive programs in Peru, Spain, and beyond. Interested in creating lasting impact around the world? You can directly assist communities in need by becoming a monthly donor through MEDLIFE’s Moving Mountains initiative.
