The Ultimate Cusco Packing List for Women

Know all the must haves to pack on your exciting trip to Cusco, Peru!

Packing List

Clothing

• 7-10 basic versatile t-shirts & long-sleeves

• 2-3 tank tops

• 1 Swimsuit

• 12 pairs of underwear (take however many days you plan to stay and add 2 extra)

• 2-3 bras & sports bras

• 1 dress

• 1 sweater

• 1 lightweight jacket

• 3-4 pairs of leggings or sportswear pants

• 1 pair of jeans (not necessary, but if you like to wear them!)

• 1 pair of pajama pants & 1 pair of PJ shorts

• 1 baggy shirt (in case you get sunburned or to sleep in)

• 10 pairs of socks including 2 pairs of wool hiking socks

• 1 pair of gloves

• 1 toque

• 1 scarf

• 1 pair of hiking shoes or boots

• 1 pair of comfortable sneakers

• 1 pair of sandals

Toiletries & Beauty

• Lotion

• Sunscreen (2 bottles)

• Aloe (in case you get sunburned, I regretted bringing this!)

• Lip chap

• Travel size shampoo, conditioner and body wash

• Dry shampoo

• Towel & face clothes

• Make up (if you wear it - only take the basics)

• Deodorant

• Tooth brush & travel size toothpaste

• Brush or comb

• Elastics (lots)

• Small mirror

• Straightener or curling iron

Medications (take all medications out of the box or bottle, put them in a plastic bag to save room - label them if they don't clearly state the medication on the pill or package)

• Tylenol (the altitude will likely give you a headache for the first few days)

• Muscle pain reliever (if you plan on hiking Machu Picchu or other mountains)

• Diamox (a medication used to relieve altitude sickness - ask your family doctor to prescribe you this for your trip!)

• Anti-nausea medication (just in case - medications are fairly expensive in Peru, so its cheaper to buy them before you go)

• Band-aids

Others

• Portable phone charger (two if possible!)

• Camera

• Phone (of course)

• Sunglasses

• Water bottle (I recommend the Brita water bottle on Amazon as water can taste a little funny in Peru)

• Selfie stick (to take pictures with the LLAMAS!)

• Extra memory card

• Fanny Pack

• Wallet

• Passport & extra copies

• Health insurance card

• Headphones

• A few of your favourite snacks

How much cash to bring?

I survived in Cusco bringing $500.00 in Canadian cash and at the end of our 10 day trip I had a bit over $100.00 leftover. There are many small shops all over the city of Cusco that will exchange your cash from your currency to theirs. In Peru, their currency is Peruvians Sols. $1 CAD = 2.50 sols. $1 USD = 3.35 sols.

Almost everything in Cusco is very cheap.

Hostels range on average from $10 - $30 a night. We stayed in a very nice hostel for $13 a night per person, with our own room (4 bunks) and our own private bathroom. The hostel was nothing fancy, but it was very clean and MOST of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The hostel includes a complimentary breakfast, however, most hostel breakfasts are just a piece of local bread, mini bananas and a slice of processed meat and cheese. I recommend eating at an amazing cafe in Cusco called Cuscoffee, they serve up an incredible french toast that will have you drooling and coming back every day for more! Plus, it's cheap! A breakfast including french toast and a drink (coffee, tea, smoothie, fresh juice, etc) is about 20 sols which is equal to about $7 Canadian.

Food will range from $15-35 CAD per day, depending on where you eat and what you order.

Tours & excursions will vary. We booked Machu Picchu for $160 per person, Lake Humantay was $80 per person and Sacsauyhauman was $40 per person.

The amazing french toast at Cuscoffee in Cusco in Peru.