Latin America · Best May–Sep

Peru packing list for families

Most family trips to Peru pair Cusco and the Sacred Valley with a day at Machu Picchu, often with a night or two in Lima. Altitude, quick weather changes and lots of stone steps mean layers and good shoes matter most.

By Kristina McCulley, luxury family travel advisor · Updated October 26, 2026

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The ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu among green Andean peaks — Photo by Eddie Kiszka on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Peru: Machu Picchu

Altitude is the thing to plan around. I like starting in the Sacred Valley, which sits lower than Cusco, and keeping the first day or two slow before any big sightseeing.
Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket with set routes, and your passport is checked at the gate, so book early for dry-season dates and keep passports in your daypack.
Days swing from chilly mornings to strong midday sun. Dress everyone in zip-off layers, and bring a sun hat and a packable rain jacket even in the dry season.

Best timeMay–Sep

PlugsType A and C, bring an adapter

MoneyPeruvian sol

PassportYes

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Peru

This time of year

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Carry-on19

Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick

Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.

Kids' headphones, volume-limited

Tablet with downloaded shows

Snack box with dividers

Reusable water bottles

Change of clothes for each kid

Car seat travel bag

Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups

Kids' travel pillow

Light blanket or large scarf for the plane

Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.

Baby wipes, even for big kids

Kids' backpack for their own things

Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad

A new book or two

Gum or mints

Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.

Small daypackMachu Picchu limits bag size at the entrance.

Clothing13

Daytime outfits8 per person

Pajamas2 per person

One nicer outfit for dinners and photos

Underwear and socks9 per person

Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.

Light rain jacket per person

Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight

Shorts and skirts

Belt

Sports bra or workout clothes

Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair

Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.

Packable fleeceMornings and evenings at altitude are cold.

Shoes4

Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.

Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower

Dress shoes or nicer sandals

Kids' hiking shoesKristina's pickStone steps at the ruins get slick after rain.

Beach & pool1

Mineral sunscreen

Adventure1

Rain ponchoShowers roll in quickly around Machu Picchu.

Little ones13

Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there

Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.

Travel blackout shades

Favorite lovey, plus a backup

Sippy cup or straw cup

Bibs and a few spoons

Portable changing pad

Diaper cream

Baby monitor

Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.

Outlet covers

Potty seat or folding potty

Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.

Little things19

AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.

Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.

Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.

Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.

Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.

Hair ties and a small detangling brush

Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues

Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.

A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.

Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.

Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.

Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.

Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups

Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry

Sewing kit and safety pins

Luggage tags

Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups

Sunglasses for the grown-ups

Small umbrella

Health & toiletries19

Travel first-aid kit

Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine

Hanging toiletry bag

Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash

Deodorant

Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties

Face wash and moisturizer

Makeup and makeup remover

Razor

Contact lenses, solution, and glasses

Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.

Bandages and blister pads

Kids' thermometer

Anti-itch cream

Hand lotion and SPF lip balm

Feminine products

Clear quart bag for liquids

SPF lip balmHigh-altitude sun and dry air chap lips fast.

Documents & tech19

Phone lanyard or crossbody case

Portable phone chargerKristina's pick

Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number

Driver's licenses and kids' IDs

Health insurance cards

Travel insurance details

Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.

Photos of passports and IDs on your phone

Booking confirmations saved offline

Phone chargers and cables for everyone

Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.

Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter

Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups

Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens

Camera and memory card

E-reader

Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip

Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType A and C, bring an adapter

The outfit edit

City neutrals

Navy, cream, camel, olive

For the grown-ups

For the kids

For photos

Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
Overcast days flatter everyone

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Month by month

Peru: Machu Picchu weather and what's happening

Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

Month	Typical high	What it's like	Don't miss
January	66°F 19°C	Rainy season: green hills, frequent afternoon rain, and muddier trails.	The landscape is at its greenest after the rains.
February	66°F 19°C	Rainy season: green hills, frequent afternoon rain, and muddier trails.	The classic Inca Trail closes for maintenance, though Machu Picchu stays open. The landscape is at its greenest after the rains.
March	67°F 19°C	Rainy season: green hills, frequent afternoon rain, and muddier trails.	The landscape is at its greenest after the rains.
April	68°F 20°C	Rains taper off and the valley is still lush.	The landscape is at its greenest after the rains.
May	68°F 20°C	Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco.	Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives.
June	67°F 19°C	Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco.	Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives. Inti Raymi, the Inca sun festival, fills Cusco on June 24.
July	67°F 19°C	Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco.	Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives.
August	68°F 20°C	Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco.	Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives.
September	69°F 21°C	Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco.	Clearest skies for Machu Picchu views and Sacred Valley drives.
October	70°F 21°C	Warmer days with clouds building and showers returning.
November	70°F 21°C	Warmer days with clouds building and showers returning.
December	68°F 20°C	Rainy season: green hills, frequent afternoon rain, and muddier trails.	Cusco's Christmas Eve market in the Plaza de Armas.

Questions families ask

Peru: Machu Picchu with kids, answered

When is the best time to visit Peru: Machu Picchu with kids?

The best time is May–Sep. Dry season: sunny days, clear views, and cold nights near freezing in Cusco.

What's the weather like in Peru: Machu Picchu?

Typical daytime highs range from about 66°F (19°C) in January to about 70°F (21°C) in October. See the month-by-month table on this page.

Do I need a passport for Peru: Machu Picchu?

Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

What kind of plug adapter do I need for Peru: Machu Picchu?

Type A and C, bring an adapter.

What's your top tip for Peru: Machu Picchu with kids?

Altitude is the thing to plan around. I like starting in the Sacred Valley, which sits lower than Cusco, and keeping the first day or two slow before any big sightseeing.

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Kristina's edits for this trip

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The Long-Haul Flight Edit

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The Luxury Travel Edit

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Traveling with the whole family?

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My printable organizer and Google Sheets cost splitter for trips with grandparents or another family. Instant download.

Fillable PDF + cost splitterThe Family Trip OrganizerA 14-page planner for multigenerational trips: family survey, rooms, day plans and a fair way to split the cost.$14.99 on Etsy

Google SheetsFamily Trip Cost SplitterSplit the villa and dinners by household. It tells each family exactly who to pay.$6.99 on Etsy

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Kristina McCulley with her husband and two kids on the beach

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