Sometimes taking only what is necessary seems like a challenge, but in the current circumstances, any conscious passenger should know that taking only what you need is the most responsible way to travel.

“The less the luggage weighs, the less gas is used, which means there is less CO2 emission, whichever the chosen method of transportation may be.”

On the other hand, luggage that is light and adequate to the regulations of the transportation companies will save you money and time. We now invite you to check the conditions for carry-ons and checked baggage for the airlines that our passengers typically use to travel to Peru.

 

LATAM

AVIANCA

KLM

AIR FRANCE

IBERIA

DELTA

AMERICAN

UNITED

 

 

Now, a question that is worth answering is: what things can you NOT avoid bringing to Peru? 

Actually, Peru has it all (or close to it), so, take advantage of the opportunity to buy local products, the same ones that can be used as souvenirs, thus this exchange energizes the economy. 

 

 

What you can’t avoid bringing are your prescription medicines (if you suffer from something) and of course, your favorite walking shoes! The rest you can do without, but if you have any doubts you can read our previous articles: What to pack for a trip to Peru? and Getting ready for Peru’s climate and weather

To be coherent with our philosophy, we promote the use of reusable elements, like a bottle or canteen (maybe you’d like to try LifeStraw), and a zero-waste kit, as well as eco-friendly personal hygiene products.   

 

 

Trips by land

 

Similar to what we propose for flights, we present the conditions of luggage transport of bus companies with whom we operate most of the transfers of our passengers.

 

Therefore, for domestic routes: 

Cruz del Sur allows up to 20 Kg of checked baggage, and additionally 1 personal item or carry on. Children 2 – 4 years old have a 50% discount from the ticket with the right to 10 Kg luggage. 

With Movilbus every passenger is allowed 20 Kg of checked luggage and 8 Kg in the cabin (carry on), said luggage consists of suitcases that have clothes or items of personal use. 

 

 

To cross the border into Bolivia, Bolivia Hop is our option and as it is logical that you will want to take all your belongings with you, they will not put limitations on your luggage.

 

More common activities within our itineraries. 

 

What to take for the Coffee Route 

This tour will take you from Cusco (3450 msnm), going through Ollantaytambo (2800 m) at the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to trace the Abra Malaga (4700 m) and descend to the valley of La Convención (Santa María and Santa Teresa 1600-2000 m) all the way to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (2450 m).

 

It will be between 3 and 5 days for which you will have to pack only what is necessary, since the rest of your luggage will wait for you in one of the main cities (Cusco or Ollantaytambo). However, and as you may have noticed, you will encounter various climatic conditions, mainly due to variations in height, you will also be doing various activities such as work in the fields, walks through the forest, thermal baths or adventure sports. You will also need protection against rain, sun and insects. Then you have to think wisely when packing and based on the advice of our travel specialists, operations team and guides who will follow your adventure step by step.     

 

It will basically depend on your preferences, but it is customary for you to carry your own backpack for at least one or two days of this tour. You can choose between the section of the Inca trail to Huacayupana, the descent to the Vilcanota River and the hot springs of Cocalmayo, the section of the Inca trail from Lucmabamba to the train station (Hydroelectric) passing through Llactapata (2700 m), and finally the walk from Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes.

 

What to take to Titicaca 

When you approach the shores of the great lake and you have to spend the night on one or several of its islands such as Taquile, Amantaní, Ticonata or maybe on some floating island (Uros), remember that you will be transferred by boat and that you probably have to ascend about hundreds of meters from the port to your lodging. Then it is best to carry everything you need in a single backpack.

 

 

What to take to Manu 

Getting around the vastness of the Manu, will require you to glide through its waters (usually out of the rainy season), sometimes low, but sometimes also torrent, and you will not want to deal with bulky or heavy luggage.

 

 

Although the climatic characteristics of the Manu rainforest are warm, like those of any lowland rainforest, there may be cases in which temperatures fall below average due to Antarctic winds, and the occasional rain may surprise you at any time. You will also have to protect yourself from insects and wear more than one type of footwear due to the varied soil conditions.

 

What you should NOT take back home 

It is a shame because it is more of a prejudice than anything else, but you will not be allowed to enter with coca leaf or any of its derivatives to your country of origin.

 

 

In addition, as obvious as it may be don’t be tempted to buy any product or derivative of endangered plants or animals, or cultural goods such as archaeological pieces.

 

What things can you bring in your luggage for donations 

 

-School supplies, educative games, backpacks. 

-Kitchen ingredients (and cookbooks) to cook with your hosts. Maybe aprons. 

-Also items for tables such as napkin holders, sugar canisters, salt shakers, pepper shaker/grinder, etc. Dish towels are also very popular. 

-Souvenirs such as magnets for the fridge. Frames or photo albums to fill (they could include some previous pictures). A coffee-table book from your country or world map to locate on the globe.

-Caps from your favorite sports teams. Also, a ball or frisbee can do the trick.  

 

Finally, we know that a packing list is something very personal and circumstantial, but we have compiled everything that you might need at one time or another, consider this list as a helpful tool, not as an obligation.  

DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE LIST OF SUGGESTED LUGGAGE.  

 

Contact RESPONS and we assure you you will pack the best luggage and travel more sustainably through Peru.

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