Here's what to have ready and where to keep it so arriving and moving around Peru feels effortless.

• Passport (valid at least 6 months from entry) + copy (paper and photo on your phone). Keep copies separate from originals.
• Printed and digital confirmations: flights, internal flights (e.g., Lima–Cusco), train tickets to Machu Picchu if relevant, hotel reservations, and your itinerary. Peru often requires printed train or lodge vouchers at boarding.
• Tour permits & entry tickets: If you’re hiking the Inca Trail you must carry the original permit and ID; for Machu Picchu bring your timed-entry ticket and passport. Confirm train/entrance times in advance.
• Travel insurance info (policy number + emergency phone) that covers high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.
• One or two credit/debit cards (notify your bank). Peru is increasingly card-friendly in cities but cash is essential in markets and smaller towns.
• Small amount of local currency (Peruvian soles) on arrival — around S/100–200 to start for taxis, tips, snacks. ATMs are available in big towns but can be scarce or unreliable in rural areas.
• International driving permit if you plan to rent a car.

Peru’s microclimates vary widely — you'll cross coastal, high-Andean and possibly jungle environments. Pack layers and versatile pieces.

• Base layers: 3–4 lightweight tops (merino or quick-dry synthetics) for daytime wear and moisture control.
• Warm mid-layers: 1 lightweight fleece or sweater + one packable down jacket for cold nights in the Andes (Cusco, Sacred Valley) — temperatures can drop below freezing at high altitudes.
• Long-sleeve sun shirt (1) and one light cotton button shirt for sun protection and modesty when visiting churches.
• Trousers: 1 pair of comfortable walking pants (convertible zip-offs are great) + 1 pair of jeans or casual pants for evenings.
• Shorts/skirts: 1–2 (optional — more useful on the coast or in the Amazon).
• Rain shell: 1 waterproof breathable jacket (May is start of the dry season in the highlands but weather can be changeable).
• Undergarments & socks: 5–7 pairs; include one or two merino wool hiking socks.
• Hat & gloves: thin liner gloves and a warm beanie for high-altitude dawns/evenings.
• Footwear:
• One pair sturdy hiking boots (well-broken-in) if you’ll trek (Inca Trail, Ausangate, Lares).
• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for town and light walks.
• Light sandals or slip-ons for evenings/hostels.
• Evening/dress option: 1 smarter outfit/shoes if you plan a fancier dinner in Lima.

Many items are easy to buy in cities, but bring what you rely on — especially personal medicines and specialty sunscreen.

• Daily toiletries in travel-size (TSA-friendly) containers: toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant.
• High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF — the sun is strong in the mountains.
• Moisturizer — dry high-altitude air can be harsh on skin.
• Feminine products (tampons/pads) — in smaller towns options may be limited.
• Hand sanitizer and a small pack of tissues/wet wipes (public toilets often lack supplies).
• Small travel towel or microfiber towel (handy for hostels or river trips).
• Contact lens supplies and spare glasses.
• Quick-dry laundry soap for washing small items in sinks if needed.

Prepare for photos, offline maps, and often-slow or intermittent Wi‑Fi outside major cities.

• Phone + charger; download offline maps (Maps.me/Google Maps offline) and key apps (language, transport schedules).
• Portable power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) — long days and limited outlets at some lodges.
• Universal adapter: Peru uses Type A and Type C plugs; voltage 220V (some places 110V) — a compact adapter with surge protection is useful.
• Camera & accessories if you want higher-quality photos: extra batteries and memory cards.
• Headphones/earbuds and an e‑reader or tablet for flights/long buses.
• Small headlamp or flashlight — helpful in rural hostels or early-morning treks.

Altitude and food hygiene are the two things to plan for first in Peru.

• Prescription meds in original labeled bottles + a copy of prescriptions.
• Altitude aids: acetazolamide (Diamox) if you plan to ascend quickly — consult your doctor beforehand. Also pack Coca tea (available locally) and plan acclimatization days (e.g., rest day in Cusco or the Sacred Valley).
• Basic first-aid kit: bandaids, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever (acetaminophen/ibuprofen), anti-diarrheal (loperamide), oral rehydration salts.
• Insect repellent with DEET if you’re visiting the Amazon or lowland jungle areas.
• Water purification tablets or lightweight Steripen if you’re going deep into the jungle or very remote trekking (many lodges supply bottled water).
• Vaccination card if required for certain regions (check current health advisories).

In the highlands, days can be warm and nights cold; preparedness makes the difference.

• Packable down jacket (already mentioned) plus lightweight thermal top for chilly mornings.
• Rain cover for pack or waterproof dry bags — sudden showers and river crossings happen.
• Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Light buff or scarf — useful for dust on dusty trails and sun protection.

Keep a small, comfortable daypack for daily excursions (12–25L). Here’s what to keep handy inside it.

• Refillable water bottle (1L or insulated) — stay hydrated at altitude.
• Snacks: trail mix, bars, and candies for energy on long walks.
• Tissues/toilet paper and small hand sanitizer.
• Pen (useful for forms and permits at checkpoints).
• Small money belt or RFID-blocking travel wallet for keeping passport photocopy and cash when you don’t want to carry the real passport.
• Light rain layer or poncho, especially if you plan early-morning hikes.

You told us the trip is to Peru (late May timeframe) so here are items certain to improve the experience on common activities and regional conditions.

• Coca leaves or tea sachets (buy locally) for altitude relief; if you prefer, bring small sachets of ginger for nausea.
• Machu Picchu day kit: small binoculars, compact camera, small ziplock with sunscreen and insect repellent, and a photocopy of your passport (the original will be checked at entry).
• Light sleeping sheet or silk liner if you prefer your own bedding in budget lodgings.
• Packing cubes + compression bag — helpful if you’ll carry luggage between small buses/hostels.

A few habits and small items save trouble and make travel more pleasant.

• Leave some extra space in your bag for souvenirs (alpaca items pack small but can be bulky if bought in quantity).
• Break in hiking boots at least two weeks before travel to avoid blisters on trails.
• Carry small denominations of soles for tips and toilets (S/1–2).
• Keep digital scans of documents in two places: cloud and an offline photo album on your phone.
• Buy a local SIM or eSIM in Lima if you need steady data — coverage in the Sacred Valley and Cusco is hit-or-miss; Amazon lodges may have none.

Packing for Peru is about layers, sun protection, and altitude readiness. With these items you’ll be prepared for Lima’s coast, the chilly highland mornings in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and possible jungle humidity if you include Amazon time. Safe travels — enjoy the llamas, the views, and the ceviche!