What to Pack for Peru in December: Essentials for a Memorable Mountain Escape

December in Peru brings a beautiful blend of summer in the coastal regions and wet season in the Andes. If you’re heading to Lima, expect warm, cloudy days. Meanwhile, Cusco and Machu Picchu start their rainy season — so waterproof gear is a must!

You’ll need outfits that can handle both heat and drizzle, plus smart layering for elevation changes. Whether you’re trekking the Sacred Valley or strolling Miraflores, this list keeps you covered and stylish.

Pin

📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Peru in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• 🌴 Lima (Coastal): 20–26°C / 68–79°F, humid, overcast
• 🏔 Cusco (Andes): 7–19°C / 45–66°F, frequent rain showers
• 🌧️ Machu Picchu: 12–24°C / 54–75°F, wet and misty

What to Pack for Peru in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• Travel backpack or duffle 🎒 – Best for navigating cobbled streets.
• Daypack (1) 🧺 – Ideal for hikes and daily excursions.
• Packing cubes (4–6) 📦 – Organize layers and rain gear.
• Shoe bags (2) 👞 – Separate muddy shoes post-hike.
• Toiletry bag 🧼 – Compact with leakproof compartments.
• Document organizer 📁 – Keep permits and tickets dry.
• Laundry kit 🧺 – Useful for extended stays in smaller towns.
• Luggage lock 🔐 – Safety on trains and buses.
• Travel towel (1) 🧻 – Quick-drying for jungle or hostel.
• Neck pillow 💤 – Long bus rides need comfort.
• Sleep mask 😴 – Early sunrises in Andean towns.

👗 Clothes

• T-shirts (4–5) 👕 – Breathable for humid Lima or layering in Cusco.
• Lightweight sweaters (2) 🧶 – Great for cool mountain nights.
• Rain jacket (1) 🌧️ – A MUST in December for all regions.
• Quick-dry pants (2) 👖 – Perfect for hikes and wet terrain.
• Leggings (2) 🧘 – Flexible and warm for layering.
• Skirts/dresses (2) 👗 – For coastal strolls or nicer dinners.
• Thermal base layer (1) 🔥 – Needed for higher altitudes.
• Activewear (2 sets) 🏃 – Machu Picchu or Colca Canyon treks.
• Sleepwear (1–2) 😴 – Warm and cozy for cold hotel rooms.
• Swimsuit (1) 👙 – For hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Undergarments (7–10) 🩲 – Bring extra in case of rain delays.
• Sports bra (2) 🏋️ – For hikes or bumpy transport.
• Wool socks (4–6) 🧦 – Warm and moisture-wicking.

💆 Skincare

• Gentle cleanser 🧴 – Dust + humidity = breakouts.
• Moisturizer 💧 – Keeps skin happy in dry air.
• Sunscreen SPF 50 ☀️ – High altitude = high UV risk.
• Facial mist 💦 – Hydrating in thin mountain air.
• Lip balm with SPF 💋 – Chapped lips happen fast at altitude.
• Eye cream 👁️ – Puffy eyes from travel + altitude.
• Face wipes 🧻 – Great for treks without showers.

💄 Makeup

• Tinted moisturizer 🪞 – Lightweight and practical.
• Concealer 🎯 – For dark circles or blemishes.
• Powder compact 🧽 – Stay shine-free in humid Lima.
• Blush & bronzer 🎨 – Add color after long hikes.
• Mascara & eyeliner ✒️ – Waterproof versions recommended.
• Lip tint 💄 – Hydrating and versatile.

💇 Hair Care

• Mini shampoo & conditioner 🧴 – For all hair types.
• Dry shampoo 🌬️ – For multi-day treks.
• Hairbrush & ties 💇‍♀️ – Manage mountain wind frizz.
• Leave-in conditioner 🌿 – Avoid post-hike tangles.
• Travel hair dryer (optional) 💨 – Many hostels lack one.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• Hiking boots (1) 🥾 – Waterproof and well-broken in.
• Sneakers (1) 👟 – Light for city exploring.
• Sandals (1) 🩴 – For Lima or hotel lounging.
• Wide-brim hat (1) 👒 – Protect from high-altitude sun.
• Light scarf (1) 🧣 – Multi-use: sun, dust, warmth.
• Rain poncho (1) ☔ – Quick cover during sudden showers.
• Day bag or crossbody (1) 👜 – Secure and pickpocket-resistant.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• Passport + copies 🛂 – Required for Machu Picchu entry.
• Travel insurance 🩺 – Especially if trekking.
• Vaccination proof 💉 – Yellow fever if going to Amazon.
• Cash & cards 💳 – Many places are cash-only.
• Printed tickets & itineraries 🎟️ – Digital backups too.
• Notebook & pen 📝 – Handy in off-grid areas.

🚑 First Aid

• Altitude tablets 💊 – Soroche is real.
• Band-aids (10) 🩹 – For hiking blisters.
• Antibacterial wipes 🧼 – Especially for treks.
• Painkillers 💊 – Headaches from altitude shifts.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Toilet paper (travel roll) 🚽 – Often absent in public toilets.
• Hand sanitizer 🧴 – Must-have for food stops.
• Feminine products 👛 – Stock up before remote areas.
• Bug spray 🦟 – Especially in jungle or Machu Picchu.
• Toothbrush & paste 🪥 – With travel case.
• Deodorant 🧼 – Compact size recommended.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• Phone + charger 📱 – With a Peruvian SIM or eSIM.
• Power bank 🔋 – For long travel days.
• Camera 📸 – The views deserve it.
• Universal adapter 🔌 – Peru uses type A and C plugs.
• Offline maps & apps 🗺️ – Wi-Fi can be unreliable.
• Headphones 🎧 – Perfect for scenic bus rides.

🎧 Entertainment

• Books or Kindle 📚 – For flights and treks.
• Podcasts 🎙️ – Download in advance.
• Journal 🖊️ – Document your journey.

🎁 Extras

• Reusable water bottle 💧 – Stay hydrated at altitude.
• Electrolyte packets ⚡ – Help fight altitude sickness.
• Snacks 🍫 – Trail mix and protein bars for hikes.
• Quick detergent 🧼 – Wash essentials on the go.

🌍 Travel Tips

• Check train luggage limits 🚂 – Especially to Machu Picchu.
• Book Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu early ⏳.
• Print all reservations 📄 – Hostels often request it.
• Take photo of your bag 🧳 – In case of loss.

🛂 Visa Tips

• Visa-free for most countries 🛃 – But always double check.
• Carry passport at all times 🆔 – For ID checks.

⭐ Must-Haves

• Passport 📘
• Travel insurance 🏥
• Rain gear 🌧️
• Altitude pills 🌄
• Reusable bottle 💧

👍 Good-to-Have

• Earplugs 🛌 – For noisy hostels.
• Extra tote 🛍️ – For markets or souvenirs.
• Waterproof phone pouch 📱 – For jungle tours or rain.
• Neck pillow 🛫 – Long journeys guaranteed.