Trip readiness checklist for Peru
Peru's altitude is the boss of your itinerary, and Machu Picchu now runs on timed tickets. Here's the trip-readiness checklist for Peru: what to pack, when to go, entry rules for your passport, and the official sources to confirm before you fly.
Build my checklistWhat to pack
Peru swings from coast to Andes to Amazon, often in one trip. Pack serious layers for altitude, broken-in hiking shoes, and sun protection — Cusco and Machu Picchu are high and bright.
Warm layers for altitude
Cusco sits at 3,400m and gets cold, especially at night. Layers matter more than one heavy coat.
Broken-in hiking shoes
Inca trails and ruins are steep, uneven, and unforgiving on new shoes.
Strong sun protection
High-altitude sun is intense; hat, sunglasses, high-SPF.
Altitude remedies and bottled water
Ask a doctor about altitude sickness; coca tea and slow first days help. Drink bottled or purified water.
When to go
The dry season (May–Sep) is best for the Andes and Machu Picchu — clear but busiest and priciest; book Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail well ahead. The wet season (Nov–Mar) is greener and quieter (the Inca Trail closes in February).
Money & getting around
Peru uses the sol (PEN). Carry cash for markets, taxis, and small towns; cards work in cities and tourist spots. US dollars are sometimes accepted but at poor rates. Tipping is modest — round up or ~10%. Drink bottled water.
Local quirks worth knowing
Peru's altitude is the boss of your itinerary, and Machu Picchu now runs on timed tickets. Respect both and the rest is pure wonder.
Acclimatize before you conquer
Cusco sits at 3,400m — take day one slowly, hydrate, and accept the coca tea your hotel offers (it helps, it's traditional, it's legal here).
Machu Picchu is ticketed and timed
Entry slots, circuit routes, and Huayna Picchu climbs sell out weeks ahead — book before you fly, not from Cusco.
Ceviche is a lunch food
Locals eat it midday when the catch is freshest; a cevichería empty at dinner is following the rules, not failing them.
Agree taxi fares up front
Meters are rare; name the price before getting in, or use the ride apps in Lima and Cusco.
A week in Peru, the list starts here
Quantities scale with your dates, the weather groups arrive once we have your travel days, and your own plans add their gear on Trip Pass.
- Passport & travel documents1
- Phone charger & adapter1
- Wallet, cards & some local cash1
- Toiletries bag1
- Any daily medicationsenough for the trip
- Underwear7
- Socks7
- T-shirts / tops5
What am I forgetting?
A real answer from Trip Happens for a sample week in Peru, departing in five weeks with a checked bag and nothing packed yet. Yours is built from your own trip.
A week in Peru, five weeks out, nothing in the bag yet.
- 1.
Timed Machu Picchu tickets
Your trip has no itinerary yet, and Peru now runs Machu Picchu on timed entry that sells out ahead. If that's the plan, lock the date and slot now and build the week around it.
- 2.
Altitude layers, broken-in shoes
Peru swings from Lima's coast to thin, bright Andean air, and nothing is packed yet. You have a checked bag, so use it for real layers, sun protection, and hiking shoes you've already worn in.
- 3.
Soles in small notes
Markets, taxis and small towns run on cash, and dollars get you a poor rate. Plan how you'll get soles on arrival and keep change on hand for tips of around ten percent.
Entry, advisories & health
These change. Confirm at the official source before you book.
Entry and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Confirm the current rules for Peru with the official source below before you book.
U.S. State Department travel advisory for Peru — check the current level and any alerts before you go.
CDC traveler health page for Peru — recommended vaccines, health notices, and a packing checklist.
Get the full Peru checklist
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