Packing For 3 Weeks in Peru

As I prepare for my 3 weeks in Peru, the most important thing is to have the right items packed. 

I have scoured the Internet for tips on packing for the climate, the culture, Machu Picchu, and my volunteer work. 

It will be raining the first week, and less likely to rain the following two weeks. I need a few light items for my trek, two simple outfits that are comfortable and good walking shoes. For my volunteer work I need to be conservative and comfortable as I will be working with kids.

So along with the basics of shirts, shorts, pants, toiletries… I made sure to pack: 

• My rain coat shell, it’s lighter than my regular rain jacket. 
• A fleece for my trek
• My own super absorbent towel
• Supporting insoles for my walking shoes
• A lock to use at hostels to secure my things
• Copy of my passport to carry on me and leave actual passport locked at home base
• Extra items: ear plugs, Advil, melatonin (for sleeping), gum for the airplane, bar shampoo (from LUSH cosmetics), headphones, and tums.

I can’t believe I almost covered my whole bed and fit it all into one carryon size luggage!

I thought about using a hikers backpack on this trip but in reality I will be with a host family for the first two weeks and then locking my items in a locker at a hostel in Cuzco while I do my trek up to Machu Picchu. So a large pack might actually be more cumbersome than helpful. I’m sure when I return there will be a few items I could have done without, there usually is. But three weeks in one bag is a success!  

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