What to pack for Cusco and Machu Picchu: a packing list by season

Packing for Cusco puzzles a lot of people: the city sits at about 3,400 metres, the midday sun is fierce, it can freeze at night and, if you go on to Machu Picchu or the high jungle, within a few hours you're in a mild, humid climate. The trick isn't packing a lot but packing well: layers you can put on and take off, serious sun protection, something waterproof and a small backpack that meets Machu Picchu's rules. This list helps you put it together by season and type of trip.

Start here: Cusco tips · things to do in Cusco

Why getting the clothes right is hard

Cusco has two seasons, not four. From May to September (dry season) days are sunny and nights very cold, sometimes below freezing. From November to March (rainy season) it rains often, mostly in the afternoon, and nights are a little less cold. Daytime temperatures change little through the year, usually around 18–21 °C. Add the altitude: solar radiation is intense and the air is dry. Machu Picchu is lower, at about 2,400 metres, and much more humid; in the high jungle around Santa Teresa or Quillabamba it's hot.

• Cusco weather by month: temperatures, rain and what to expect
• Best time to visit Cusco and what to pack

The golden rule: dress in layers

Think of three layers you can combine:

• Base layer: breathable T-shirts, ideally quick-dry or merino wool. Avoid cotton for long walks because it dries slowly.
• Mid layer: a fleece or a thin alpaca sweater for mornings and evenings.
• Outer layer: a windproof, waterproof jacket. In the dry season add a light down jacket or padded coat if you'll be up early for high-altitude trips.

In the morning you head out with everything on and peel off layers by midday. It's exactly what the locals do.

Basic clothing list for a week

• 4–5 T-shirts or technical tops, at least one long-sleeved.
• 1 fleece and 1 light down jacket or coat.
• 1 waterproof jacket with a hood (or a plastic poncho as backup).
• 2 pairs of comfortable trousers; one for hiking if you'll be walking.
• Thermal underwear if you travel from June to August or go to Rainbow Mountain, Humantay or on a multi-day trek.
• Thick socks plus one or two spare pairs.
• A wool hat (or buy one there: an alpaca chullo makes a good souvenir), thin gloves and a scarf.
• Warm pyjamas: many budget places have no heating.

• Chullos and monteras: a guide to Cusco's Andean hats and where to buy them
• Buying alpaca in Cusco: how to spot the real thing, prices and where to look

Footwear

Ideally bring worn-in hiking shoes or light boots with a good sole: Cusco's streets are cobbled and steep, and Machu Picchu has lots of stone stairs. A second comfortable pair is enough for the city and transfers. If you're doing a multi-day trek, never break in boots on the trail. Sandals or flip-flops are handy for hostel showers and hot springs.

• Hot springs near Cusco: Cocalmayo, Lares, Aguas Calientes and Pacchanta

Sun protection: don't underestimate it

At this altitude the sun burns even through clouds. Bring high-factor sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, UV-filter sunglasses and a hat or cap with a brim. On high-altitude trips a buff or neck scarf prevents burns. Reapply sunscreen every few hours, especially at Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and the high lakes.

If you travel in the dry season (May to September)

• Prioritise warmth for nights and early mornings: a down jacket, hat and gloves.
• Bring moisturiser and lip balm: the air is very dry and lips crack.
• A light rain jacket is still useful for Machu Picchu and the high jungle, where it can rain in any month.
• In June, during Inti Raymi and the festivals, it's busier: keep valuables in zipped pockets.

• Inti Raymi in Cusco: date, schedule, tickets and how to experience the Festival of the Sun
• Is Cusco safe? Real risks and practical tips for a worry-free trip

If you travel in the rainy season (November to March)

• A proper waterproof jacket and a plastic poncho for heavy downpours.
• A rain cover for your backpack and dry bags or zip bags for your phone and documents.
• Quick-drying shoes and spare socks.
• A folding umbrella is handy in the city.
• Insect repellent if you're going to Machu Picchu, Santa Teresa or the Amazon.

• Rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu: what to expect and how to make the most of it
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: permits, when to book, the 4-day route and the short version

Your backpack for Machu Picchu

Only small bags or backpacks are allowed at Machu Picchu, with maximum dimensions of roughly 40 x 35 x 20 cm; large ones go in the luggage storage at the entrance. Single-use plastic containers aren't allowed, so bring a reusable bottle. You can't eat inside the sanctuary, there are no toilets inside (they're by the entrance), and umbrellas, selfie sticks, tripods, metal-tipped poles (rubber-tipped ones are allowed for older visitors or those with mobility issues), drones and speakers are banned. So for rain, pack a poncho rather than an umbrella. Pack the small bag the night before with: passport, printed or mobile ticket, water, sunscreen, rain jacket, a warm layer and some cash for the toilets and storage.

• Machu Picchu rules: what to bring, bag size, banned items and guides
• Machu Picchu tickets: how to buy them on the official site and not miss out

First-aid kit and health at altitude

• Your usual medication, with the prescription, in sufficient quantity.
• Painkillers and ibuprofen for headaches.
• Altitude-sickness medication if your doctor recommends it.
• Rehydration salts and something for upset stomachs.
• Plasters, blister pads and hand sanitiser.
• Purification tablets or a filter bottle: tap water isn't drinkable in Cusco.

See a doctor before you travel, especially if you have heart or breathing problems. Coca tea is offered in almost every hotel and helps many travellers feel better.

• Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do
• Health in Cusco: vaccines, yellow fever, water, sun and first-aid kit
• Coca leaf in Cusco: tea, chewing, altitude sickness and whether you can take it home

Documents, money and tech

• A valid passport (or national ID if your country allows it) and a digital copy.
• Travel insurance that covers mountain activities and evacuation.
• Debit and credit cards, plus some cash in soles for markets, taxis and tips.
• A plug adapter: Peru uses 220 V with type A and C sockets.
• A power bank: there's nowhere to charge your phone on treks and long day trips.
• An eSIM or local SIM card so you have data as soon as you land.
• A head torch for early starts, treks and power cuts.

• Money in Cusco: soles, ATMs, exchange offices and cards
• SIM, eSIM and internet in Cusco: how to stay connected in Peru

If you're doing a multi-day trek

For the Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares or Choquequirao you need more gear: a sleeping bag rated below freezing, poles, thermal clothing, a comfortable daypack and a duffel for the porter or mule (agencies usually set a weight limit). Much of it can be rented in Cusco at good prices, such as sleeping bags, poles and down jackets. Ask your agency what's included before you buy anything.

• Trekking gear rental and shops in Cusco: what to rent, what to bring and tips
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: permits, when to book, the 4-day route and the short version
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: route, difficulty, best season and how to plan it

What not to pack

• Too much cotton clothing: it's heavy and doesn't dry.
• Only summer clothes: even if it's "South America", Cusco isn't tropical.
• Expensive jewellery or watches you don't want to lose.
• A huge wheeled suitcase: cobbles and stairs make it awkward. A backpack or medium suitcase works better, and luggage is limited on the train to Machu Picchu.
• Drones, unless you have permits: they're banned without authorisation at Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites.

• Trains to Machu Picchu: stations, companies and which class to choose
• Luggage storage in Cusco: hotels, left-luggage, the Machu Picchu train and treks

Travel light: leave luggage behind

If you're going to Machu Picchu or on a trek and coming back to Cusco, leave the big bag at your hotel or a luggage storage and take only a small backpack. Most places to stay store luggage free for guests.

• Luggage storage in Cusco: hotels, left-luggage, the Machu Picchu train and treks

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).