Packing for Peru can be tricky because you aren’t just packing for one season—you are packing for three entirely different climate zones: the dry coastal desert (Lima), the high-altitude Andes (Cusco & Salkantay Trek), and the hot, humid Amazon Basin (Puerto Maldonado).
Whether you are booking our flagship 4-Day Glamping Salkantay Trek, the classic 5-Day Extended Expedition, or an Inca Trail alternative, this regional checklist breaks down exactly what to wear, gear essentials, and critical differences between Peru’s Dry Season and Rainy Season.
Peru Climate Overview: Dry Season vs. Rainy Season
Apple Travel Peru Glamping Advantage
On all Apple Travel Peru treks, guests receive a 7 kg (15 lbs) duffel bag allowance carried by our horse team. Your duffel will meet you at our private Sky Dome basecamps every night, so you only need to carry a lightweight daypack on the trail!
The high Andes demand a strict 3-Layer Strategy: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell.
Base Clothing & Layering
- 4–5 Pairs of Merino Wool Hiking Socks: Prevents blisters and keeps feet warm when damp.
- 3–4 Moisture-Wicking Shirts: Synthetic or Merino wool only. Avoid cotton, which holds sweat and induces hypothermia at $4,650\text{ m}$ altitude.
- 2 Pairs of Trekking Pants: Lightweight, quick-dry pants (convertible zip-offs work great).
- Thermal Base Layers (Top & Bottom): Essential for cold nights at Soraypampa Basecamp ($3,900\text{ m}$). Merino wool or heavy synthetic grid fleece.
- 1 Mid-Layer Fleece or Down Jacket: Pack a packable down jacket for cool evenings inside our dining domes.
Footwear & Trail Gear
- Break-in Hiking Boots: Mid-cut ankle support with Vibram or waterproof rubber soles. Never wear brand-new boots on Day 1!
- Camp Shoes / Sandals: Lightweight slip-ons for relaxing in our Sky Dome lounges or Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
- Trekking Poles with Rubber Tips: Essential for saving knee stress on steep downhills (Rubber tips are required by Machu Picchu park regulations).
- 25L–35L Daypack with Rain Cover: To carry your water, camera, extra layers, and daily snacks.
What to Add for the Dry Season (May – Sept)
- Heavy Thermal Gloves & Beanie: Nighttime temperatures at Soraypampa regularly dip below freezing.
- High-SPF Sunscreen (50+) & Polarized Sunglasses: UV rays at 4,650 m elevation are intense under cloudless skies.
- Buff / Neck Gaiter: Keeps trail dust out of your lungs on the descent to Collpapampa.
What to Add for the Rainy Season (Nov – Apr)
- Waterproof GORE-TEX Rain Jacket & Rain Pants: Ponchos blow around in high mountain winds; a sturdy hardshell keeps you dry.
- 3x Waterproof Dry Sacks / Ziploc Bags: Line the inside of your daypack and duffel bag so your clothes stay bone-dry.
- Gaiters: Keeps mud and water out of your hiking boots on wet cloud forest sections.
- Extra Socks (6 Pairs): Drying gear overnight at high humidity is difficult—fresh dry socks are a lifesaver.
Lima is temperate and dry, but coastal humidity varies depending on the month.
- Dry Season (Dec – April in Lima): Warm, sunny beaches. Pack light shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, and sandals.
- Rainy / Winter Season (May – Nov in Lima): Overcast, foggy, and damp (“La Garúa”). Pack jeans, light jackets, sweaters, and comfortable walking shoes.
