What to pack for Peru?

Before thinking what to pack for Peru, it is important to have a backpack and a comfortable day pack, as some of the communities RESPONS works with are to be reached by walking over small paths.

Clothing for the mountain area

In general it is recommended that the clothes you bring are suitable for the rural, outdoor environment (they will get dirty!). During day time it can get quite hot (especially when hiking is on the day’s program), up to 30º C, but here in the mountains temperatures drop considerably at night (possible -10º C). The difference may be more than 30º C (90 degrees Fahrenheit)! The best way to prepare for such conditions is to wear several layers of clothing; A recommended list of items to pack is:

Long pants (zip-off pants) + extra pair.
Short, pants.
Thin sweater, long sleeve.
T-shirts.
Warm (fleece) sweater (2, or one fleece and a warm jacket/ soft shell).
Light weight rain jacket (in the rainy season; also a good poncho).
Thermal underwear.
Warm sleeping clothes.
Swimming clothes.
Hiking boots.
(Walking) socks.
Leisure shoes (trainers), flip-flops or water shoes.
Sunhat or bandana for the day.
Wool or fleece hat for the night.
Gloves.

Clothing for the jungle

It is recommended that the clothes you bring are suitable for the jungle outdoor environment (they will get dirty!). The Amazon area or jungle has a tropical, hot and humid climate, with presence of torrential rains that are increased in the months of summer. The average annual temperature is 25º C, and temperatures can differ between 18º C and 35º C. A recommended list of items to pack when going to jungle is:

Light clothes, shorts.
Long comfortable trousers.
Short and long-sleeved t-shirts or blouses.
Pairs of walking- or high- socks.
Swimming gear.
Hat, sombrero or headscarf/kerchief.
Rain cloths/ponchos.
Walking shoes or rain boots sandals.

Please do not bring too much luggage, as you are the person who will carry your luggage most of the times (max 10 kilo). An idea is to put your cloths in plastic bags to protect them from potential rain and make sure you have something to cover your bag with. Use a “Ziplock” to make sure that your camera and other articles of value are protected.

Gear

Flashlight (have it handy as power outages are quite usual, a headlamp is ideal)*.
Photo camera with enough batteries*.
Swiss knife or similar.
Sunglasses with UV-protection.
Water bottles (ideally 1 liter each).
Light-weight towel(s).
USB-flash drive for backing up pictures (optional).
Walking sticks (optional).
Book / magazine.
Deck of cards or other lightweight games.

And for trekkings you might want to bring:

Sleeping bag (until -15ºC) mattress.

For the jungle trips you might also want to bring:

Binoculars.

*Please note that any battery loses power quickly below 0º C. If temperature drops below freezing point at night (while on Inka Naani), keep your electronic devices and spare batteries in your sleeping bag!

Toiletries and medicines

Personal toilet gear.
Some toilet paper (for on the way).
Sunscreen (high SPF : at least 30!).
Lip balm with UV-protection.
Drinkingwater purifying tablets.
Travel first-aid kit.
Own medicines.
Second skin / Compeed.
Aspirins in day pack.

For the jungle trips you also need to bring:

Insect repellant (Local pharmacies sell insect repellants, however these are far from being the best. The best protection against mosquitoes is proper clothing (see above).
Products to alleviate pain and itching from bites and stings (Camphorated Alcohol).
Anti-mite lotion, also available in Iquitos’ pharmacies.

What to leave:

Too much clothes.
Hardcase suitcases.
Jewelry.
Expensive (-looking) gadgets.
Fancy clothes or shoes.

These tips will help you to know what to pack for Peru. If you think we are missing any important information, please leave your comment. You opinion is very important to us!