Traveling through the Peruvian Andes is one of the most amazing experiences in the world. This breathtaking region offers outstanding landscapes, diverse scenery, and the chance to encounter Peru’s charming native animals such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and chinchillas, all while being welcomed by the warmth of local communities.
At Wonderful Peru Experience, we care about every traveler’s comfort and well-being. That is why we would like to share some helpful advice especially for women, taking into account their specific needs and sensitivities, so they can fully enjoy their journey and create beautiful memories to share with family and friends — free from discomfort or inconvenience.
The following recommendations are designed to help ensure you have the best possible experience while traveling through Peru.
1 DAY BACKPACK
A day backpack is a lightweight pack ideal for short hikes and daily tours. It should be 15–20 liters in size, with padded straps for comfort and side pockets for a water bottle or canteen.
If possible, choose a waterproof backpack or use a rain cover to keep your belongings dry and protected.
2 PASSPORT
On this day, you will need to present your passport several times — at the train station, when boarding the train, while taking the bus, and upon entering Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel.
At the end of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to receive a special souvenir stamp in your passport.
3 FOOTWEAR
Good hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you will encounter many steps and uneven cobblestone paths. If it rains, the stones can become slippery, so proper footwear is important.
Make sure your shoes are well-fitted and comfortable, since very few areas are completely flat.
4 CLOTHES
Machu Picchu is located where the Andes Mountains meet the rainforest, which is why the area is known as a cloud forest. The region has two main seasons: the rainy season from November to April, and the dry season from May to October.
For this reason, it is important to dress according to the season and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
5 LONG-SLEEVES TOPS
If you plan to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, early mornings can be quite chilly. Packing one or two long-sleeved tops will help keep you warm while also protecting your skin from both cool temperatures and UV rays.
6 FLEECE OR DOWN JACKETS
Packing a lightweight fleece or down jacket in your day backpack is a smart way to stay warm and comfortable without adding extra weight.
7 WATERPROOF JACKET
To protect your belongings and avoid getting wet, many travelers choose to wear a plastic poncho during rainy weather. While wearing both a poncho and a rain jacket can feel uncomfortable, it is still recommended to pack a lightweight waterproof or windbreaker jacket for extra protection.
8 TREKKING PANTS
Convertible pants are a great choice, allowing you to wear shorts during the day and zip on the legs if the weather changes. Leggings or fitness pants are also comfortable options.
Choose a clean and comfortable outfit — you’ll be taking many photos, returning to Cusco the same day, and exploring for several hours.
9 PAIR OF SOCK AND UNDERWEAR
If you plan to spend the night in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) after your visit, be sure to pack one extra clean outfit, including socks, underwear, and a comfortable top or leggings.
10 SPORT BRA
You will want to add this to your Machu Picchu packing list.
11 BATHING SUIT
In case you want to go to hot spring in Aguas Calientes after visiting Machu Picchu. If you decided not to, at least you will have an emergency set of underwear/bra.
12 SUNHAT
It’s really important to wear a hat, to avoid sunburn or heatstroke,
13 SUN PROTECTION
UV rays are much stronger at this elevation, so don not let your trip be ruined by sunburn, apply sunscreen several times a day.
14 SUNGLASSES
UV is so intense and can damage your eyes, stay safe by investing in a pair of high-quality sunglasses to wear during your trip.
15 RE-USABLE BOTTLE OF WATER OR CANTEEN
There is a new regulation at Machu Picchu that discourages the use of disposable plastic water bottles. While enforcement may vary, we encourage travelers to help protect this incredible site by bringing a reusable water bottle or canteen.
16 HEADLAMP OR FLASHLIGHT
In case you are thinking to take some of the Inca trails, with overnight camping, do not forget your headlamp or flashlight to find your way around camp, is very handy.
17 TOILET PAPER AND COINS OF NACIONAL CURRENCY
In many places such as train stations and restaurants, restrooms are available for customers only. If you are not using their services, you may need to pay a small fee, usually between 1 and 2 soles.
For convenience, it is a good idea to carry some toilet paper and a few coins with you.
18 LIP BALM
In the Andes, you will find dry weather, cold wind, or high UV rays, so getting a high-quality lip balm is important to protect the skin of your lips.
19 PORTABLE. CHARGER
A power bank is reasonably priced nowadays and can hold an impressive amount of power and when you are traveling for a long period it’s not always easy to keep your devices fully. charged. It would be very useful.
20 WALKING POLES
If you are an experienced trekker or not walking poles will make your trek a lot more comfortable. Choose lightweight, adjustable poles, make sure they have a water-resistant grip in case of rainy days.
21 INSECT REPELLENT
Mosquitos like to come out around the early evening as the sun goes down so it’s worth protecting yourself for itchy bites and diseases.
22 HAND SANITIZER
To keep your hands clean before meals, it is recommended to use hand sanitizer, especially since the handrails along the path to and from Machu Picchu are touched by thousands of visitors every day.
This simple habit helps prevent the spread of germs and illness.
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