Peru Trekking Packing List: What to Pack for Huayhuash, Santa Cruz & High

Trekking in Peru’s high Andes is an unforgettable adventure — but packing the right gear is essential for staying warm, safe, and comfortable at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,000 meters.

Whether you’re preparing for the legendary Huayhuash Circuit, the classic Santa Cruz Trek, the remote Cedros–Alpamayo route, or a climbing expedition like Pisco or Vallunaraju, this complete 2026 guide from Inkaland Treks covers everything you need to bring — plus what we provide on all our premium expeditions.

With more than 12 years of experience operating high-altitude programs in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash, these recommendations are based on real conditions and real expedition expertise.

You will need:

• Warm layers (essential!)
  • Waterproof jacket & pants
  • Comfortable trekking boots (already broken-in)
  • 25–45 L daypack
  • Hydration system: CamelBak or Nalgene bottle
  • Personal items (toiletries, medication, snacks)

Additional essential items to bring:
• Your personal clothing (base layers, mid-layers, socks, etc.)
• Extra batteries for your camera
• Power bank (highly recommended for cold nights)
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat / beanie
• Trekking poles (highly recommended for descents)
• Headlamp (front light) with spare batteries
• Sleeping bag rated for –16°C to –18°C for our high-altitude expeditions
(High-quality rentals available through Inkaland Treks.)

Inkaland Treks provides:
• Expedition duffel bag
• 4-season tent (shared or single supplement)
• Dining & kitchen tents
• Sleeping mat
• Professional mountain chef
• All meals during the trek
• Donkey team for carrying your gear

You only carry your daypack.

Weather in the Andes changes quickly. Layering is the key to staying warm and dry.

✔ Base Layers

• 1–2 synthetic or merino T–shirts
  • 1 thermal long-sleeve top
  • Thermal bottoms (ideal for sleeping)

✔ Mid Layers

• Fleece jacket or mid-layer hoodie
  • Lightweight insulated jacket

✔ Outer Layers

• Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Waterproof pants

✔ Warm Layers

• Down jacket (essential for Huayhuash & Cedros–Alpamayo)
  • Warm hat
  • Buff or neck gaiter
  • Gloves (inner + warm outer gloves)

✔ Trekking Pants

• 2 quick-dry trekking pants
  • 1 pair of shorts (optional)

✔ Footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
• Sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
• 3–4 pairs of trekking socks (wool or synthetic)

✔ Backpacks

• 35–45 L daypack (you carry this)
  • 60–80 L duffel bag (provided by Inkaland Treks)

✔ Sleeping System

Provided: high-quality sleeping mat
Bring or rent:
• Sleeping bag rated –16°C to –18°C

(High-quality rentals available.) with Inkaland Treks office.

✔ Accessories

• Trekking poles
  • UV-protection sunglasses
  • Sun hat & beanie
  • Headlamp + extra batteries
  • 1–1.5 L water bottle or bladder
  • Dry bags / organizing bags

Inkaland Treks provides:
• All meals
• Hot drinks
• Snacks at camp
• boilet water

Bring:
• Electrolyte tablets
• Energy bars or favorite snacks

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Biodegradable soap
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Wet wipes
• Quick-dry towel
• Personal medications
• Blister treatment items

• Phone + power bank
• Camera / GoPro
• Charging cables
• Universal adapter
• Extra memory cards
• (Optional) small solar panel for treks >8 days

• Personal medication
• Diamox (consult your doctor)
• Ibuprofen / paracetamol
• Rehydration salts
• Small personal first-aid kit

Your Inkaland Treks guide carries a professional mountain medical kit.

✔ Premium Expedition Equipment

• 4-season tents (Eureka, Doite, Marmot)
• Dining tent
• Kitchen tent
• Sleeping mat
• Chairs & table
• Portable toilet (private groups)

✔ Logistics & Staff

• Certified mountain guide
• Professional chef
• Donkey driver + pack animals
• Private transport (start/end)

✔ Food & Hydration

• All meals
• Snacks
• Hot drinks
• Purified water

✔ Duffel Bag

Carried by donkeys — you carry only your daypack.

• Cotton clothing
• Bulky perfumes or bottles
• Expensive jewelry
• Excess cash
• Unnecessary electronics
• Hard suitcases

Huayhuash (8 or 10 days)

• Nights can reach –8°C to –10°C
• Down jacket essential
• Bring extra socks

Santa Cruz

• Slightly milder nights
• Similar clothing — fewer extreme cold nights

Cedros–Alpamayo

• Exposed to wind and dust
• Strong down jacket + extra dry bags recommended

Climbing Programs (Pisco, Vallunaraju, Mateo)

Additional mandatory gear:

• Helmet
• Harness
• Crampons
• Ice axe
  (All available for rent.)

• Pack light but smart
• Use layers instead of bulky clothing
• Break in your boots before traveling
• Store electronics inside your sleeping bag at night
• Use dry bags for clothes
• Always carry a warm layer in your daypack

Inkaland Treks provides everything you need for a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable trekking experience in Peru.

➡️ Explore Huayhuash Treks
➡️ View Cordillera Blanca Routes
➡️ Join a Group 2026 Departures
➡️ Contact Us for Gear Rentals & Questions