Packing List For Trekking in Peru

Packing for a hiking trip can be tricky, especially for those with no prior experience of what they might need out on the trails or in the mountains. Knowing what to pack for trekking or knowing the right backpacking essentials for longer treks often comes from experience, which is where we at Valencia Travel can assist you! We recommend you do a little research on your own and check for the day-to-day temperatures and weather patterns and pack accordingly. This will save you a lot of space in your luggage and extra baggage fee from the airlines by being prudent and using a little bit of common sense. Here is some vital information about a hiking trip to Peru.

 

Laguna Paron, Huaraz

Packing for Hiking: Day Hikes vs. Multi-Day Hikes

What is the difference between a day hike, a trek and a multi-day hike? Basically, the difference is that there are no overnight stays or camping involved. Multi-day hikes are longer trips that cover several days. You will be camping, usually in the middle of nowhere, so you will need extra camping, cooking gear, and a sleeping bag. If you book an organized trip, the tour operator will usually provide food, tents and other kits. So do check the inclusions before you finalize your list. 

 

Day Hike

Navigation Equipment

 

Map
Compass
Flashlight/Headlamp
Personal GPS Device
Personal Locator Beacon
Altimeter

 

Compass

 

Emergency Equipment

Consider taking these items if you are going independently, or check with your trekking company if these items are included. Take extra layers of clothing, plus extra food and water for emergencies.

First Aid Kit  (Simple and light)

Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
One skin-blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhoea pills
Anti-headache pills
Paracetamol
Cough and cold medicine
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
Throat lozenges
Water purification tablets or the water filter
1 set of earplugs
Lip guard, sunscreen, eye drops
Extra pair of prescription glasses and contact lens supplies (if needed).

First Aid

Hiking Essentials

Water
BPA Free Water Bottle
Camel Pack
Energy Bars
Sunscreen
SPF Lip Balm
Insect Repellent
toilet-tent
Toilet paper and Ziplock bag
Hand Sanitizer
One small roll of repair tape, one sewing-repair kit
One cigarette lighter, one small box of matches

 

Basics

 

Toiletries

One medium-sized quick-drying towel
Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
Small sachets of shampoo
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Female hygiene products
Small mirror

 

Toiletries

 

What to Wear for Hiking?

What to wear on warm weather hikes from what to wear hiking in cold weather, but there are some everyday items worth adding to your clothing list. Layering is the first rule when hiking, especially in temperatures that vary dramatically during the day (and night). Adding layers means you can adjust your clothing accordingly and be prepared for most climates.

Hiking Trousers
Convertible Hiking Trousers/shorts
Hiking Leggings (for Women)
Hiking Shirts
Comfortable Hiking Boots
Hiking Sandals
Hiking Socks
Headwear (beanie and sun hat/cap).
 Sunglasses
Rain jacket or poncho
Thermal gloves
Fleece/Down Jacket
Thermal Underwear

 

Decent Walking Shoes

 

Important Documents 

Valid passport,
Separate photocopies of passport /visas /proof of insurance
Soles and US Dollars (in small denominations for bigger purchases for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and purchasing your own drinks and souvenirs
Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards 

 

Documents

 

Hiking Luxury Items

While they may not be strictly necessary, taking along one or two luxury items can make your trek so much more enjoyable. Consider the following non-essential items.

GoPro camera, 
Binoculars
Hammock
Day pack
Day Pack Rain Cover
Hiking Poles

 

GoPro

 

Packing for Multi-Day Hikes

A prolonged trekking trip lasting for a few days or longer may mean you must pack a sleeping bag, tent, cooking equipment, and more water and food. Pretty essential things for trekking anywhere in the world! If you are going on a multi-day trek with a decent operator, then many items are included in the tour – check beforehand!
You will usually need to hire a sleeping bag, and while porters may carry this, it may contribute to any overall weight limit that the porter is allowed to take, especially on The Inca Trail trek.

 

Weather Appropriate Tents

The important thing is to be prepared, pack in a way that suits you, how much you want to carry, where you are going and how long. Ask us at Valencia Travel for the list of inclusions and exclusions to decide what is necessary for the trek and what, more importantly, is not! 

 

Hiking!

 

 

Happy Trekking!