How should I pack for a week in Peru?

Question

With checked baggage costing these days, what should I pack for a week in Peru? Should I use a regular suitcase or a large backpack (type used for backpacking for weeks.) We will be staying in Lima one night, the Amazon 3 nights and Cusco for a 3 nights (day trips to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.) Any recommendations appreciated.

Answer 1

i suggest regular suitcase

1 in Lima pack comfortable clothing because considering all the traffic there ud rather walk

2 in the amazon i suggest shorts and a t-shirt (it can get sticky)

3 Cusco it can get cold there so u no

Answer 2

The problem here is that you're going to a range of temperatures. The Amazon is HOT, so short sleeves are a must. Also plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.

Lima, on the other hand is coldish, at around 50 to 60°F, but very humid so bring an Autumn jacket. Cuzco, on the other hand will be sunny during the day, but very cold at night, so winter clothes are necessary.

Bring a suitcase

Answer 3

I prefer a backpack with a day pack stuffed inside.  The backpack is more flexible and you'll be able to stuff more in it.  You'll need to pack for a variety of temperatures and be prepared for different climates and environmental needs, plus you'll be wanting to bring back lots of alpaca sweaters, so bigger is better.

What time of year will you be taking your trip?  Assuming it will be sometime this summer:

For Lima, you can get by with long-sleeves, long pants and a warm jacket.  At night it gets fairly cold - and it's often quite rainy - so you'll need to be prepared for that.

For Cusco, I suggest layers.  I usually started off the morning with a sweater or my jacket on and pealed down to a t-shirt by noon.  I don't remember ever wanting shorts, but I did get a little sunburnt.  Nighttime can get very, very cold and you'll be wanting that warm jacket and long-sleeves again.

The Amazon, of course, will require lighter clothing.  Shorts are good, but actually you may prefer long pants while you're there.  It's hot but there are tons of bugs and underbrush and light long-pants or convertible pants are a good idea.

Some other packing suggestions: Bring water purification tabs and a good water bottle.  In cities you can get safe drinking water fairly easy, but when you go to the Amazon and Machu Picchu you'll want something to drink you know is safe.

Also pack toilet paper because not all Peruvian bathrooms have it.  As a side note, Peruvians don't flush tp - they throw it in a little trashcan in the bathroom.  They have old-style plumbing and a clog can mean expensive, intrusive removal of old piping so it's generally not worth running the risk.

You'll need mosquito repellent with DEET and good sunblock.  Don't forget to use it in Cusco.  Even though it's cold, you're so high up that there's very little ozone to block you from the sun.  You can get quite a burn on a cloudy day!

Bring extra batteries from home because they're more expensive in Peru.  A battery-free flashlight is also a good idea and they're fairly cheap.