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๐ Peru Retreat Packing List & Practical Guide
๐ Essential Documents & Finances
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๐ชช Passport: Original plus two photocopies (leave one copy with your emergency contact at home).
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โ๏ธ Flight Info: Airline ticket itinerary/receipt.
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๐ณ ATM Card: Visa card (Visa is the most widely accepted card type by ATMs in Peru).
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๐ต US Cash: Cash in U.S. Dollars โ make sure bills are brand new and not torn at all, as damaged bills will not be accepted anywhere.
๐ Bags & Daypacks
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๐ Small Daypack: A small stuffable daypack or hydration pack (e.g., CamelBak or Osprey). Note: Machu Picchu strictly prohibits large daypacks inside the ruins.
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๐งณ Extra Duffle / Stuff Sack: Lightweight duffle or stuff sack for dividing your belongings into an overnight bag for Machu Picchu while leaving your main bag at the hotel. (Optionally, you can buy a bag in Peru so you only need to travel with one piece of luggage).
๐ฅพ Footwear
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๐ฅพ Hiking/Walking Shoes: Sturdy, lightweight walking/running/hiking shoes (or high-tops if you need additional ankle support).
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๐ฉด Camp/Hotel Shoes: Sandals or flip-flops for indoor/hotel use.
๐ Clothing & Layers
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๐ Tops: T-shirts and/or comfortable everyday shirts.
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๐งฅ Long Sleeve / Layering: Long-sleeve shirt or sweater layer.
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๐งฅ Warm Mid-Layer: Fleece jacket.
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๐งฅ Outer Layer: Lightweight rain/wind jacket or poncho.
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๐ Bottoms: Long pants/jeans. (Women generally do not wear shorts or capris in the Andean mountain regions of Peru; please bring long pants).
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๐งฆ Underwear & Socks: Bring enough changes to last the full trip.
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๐ง Yoga Wear: Yoga shorts and/or leggings, plus t-shirts and/or tank tops.
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๐งข Warm Accessories: Warm hat and gloves for chilly evenings.
๐งด Toiletries & Personal Care
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๐งผ Toiletry Kit: Small personal toiletry/care kit.
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โ๏ธ Sun Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses.
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๐งข Sun Hat: Sun hat or cap.
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๐ฆ Bug Protection: Mosquito/bug repellent.
๐ฆ Accessories & Gear
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๐ง Hydration: Water bottle for walking around or a hydration backpack.
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๐ก Lighting: Small flashlight or headlamp.
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๐ท Electronics: Camera with spare batteries or charger.
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๐ Stationery: Notebook and pens/pencils.
๐ Packing & Practical Travel Notes
๐ฆ Packing Reminders
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Pack Lightly: Please pack as light as possible so all luggage and participants fit comfortably in the shuttle vehicles.
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Valuables: Leave high-value items (like expensive jewelry) at home.
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Laundry: Laundry services will be available during our stay in the Sacred Valley.
๐ต Currency & Money Guidelines
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Local Currency: The Nuevo Sol (Soles) is used for daily transactions. The rate fluctuates around 2.5 Soles to 1 USD (please check live rates prior to travel).
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Dual Currency: US Dollars are often accepted for larger tourist transactions, but it is best to carry a mix of both.
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Exchanging Cash: We recommend exchanging dollars for Soles at the airport currency counter near international baggage claim in Lima.
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ATMs: ATMs are available in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu Pueblo, and the Sacred Valley. ATMs accept Visa cards more consistently than Mastercard.
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Bill Condition: Neither US Dollars nor Peruvian Soles will be accepted if they have even small rips or tears.
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Small Bills: Request smaller denominations (20 or 50 Soles). It is very difficult for vendors to make change for 100 Soles bills on small purchases.
๐ Power & Electronics
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Review Peruvian outlet specs and compatibility prior to departure: Power Plugs & Sockets in Peru
๐ฉบ Health, Medications & Vaccines
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No vaccinations are mandatory for this region of Peru.
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Recommended: Hepatitis A series and an up-to-date Tetanus shot are optional but commonly suggested.
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Onward Travel: A Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you plan to fly onward to Costa Rica or certain other countries after Peru.
๐ซ Security Guidelines
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Visit the TSA Travel Guidelines for updated luggage and security tips.