What to bring
 

We are traveling to Peru in a couple of weeks. We will be visiting Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. Im having a hard time knowing what to bring clothing wise. Obviously I'll need hiking clothes for machu picchu etc. (we are back packers and while we won't be backpacking on this trip we know what we need for day hikes etc.) We will be doing tours in Lima and Cusco as well. I have never been to South America and quite frankly, I don't know what to wear. Is it casual? should I bring at least one skirt for going out to dinner, etc.? Is Lima cosmopolitan or? What about going into churches? When I went to that vatican in Rome, I knew I needed to wear a skirt and have my shoulders covered, but I'm just not sure if its more casual in South America...any info you could provide would be appreciated.

Layers! I went last September-temps can be warm during the day, but cold (cool)night (or early morning). Also bring a waterproof jacket, we had a few hours of a downpour, but I was glad to have my rain poncho! Lima will be warmer. Have a great time, Peru is magical

Thank you...

In Lima, be aware that summertime is from December to April (yes temperatures are hot, from 25°-35°c on the coast). However, the rest of the year the temperature drops and it is usually overcast and misty – not usually very lovely weather.

Fortunately for you, in Cusco, the driest months are May to September, although even in these months it can rain. It can get hot during the day in the strong sunlight with temperatures of 20°c -25°c. Conversely the altitude means very cold nights, sometimes below zero.

When going into churches in Peru, dress casually and not too revealing and you'll be fine. Wear skirts to your knees at least and avoid see through stuff or too tight, some people may be offended.

Laurent

Expect the unexpected! We arrived in Cusco a month ago to a hailstorm and torrential rain. It did clear up quickly and we had the blue skies expected a that time of year, at least for a time. Cusco gets very cold at night so bring a fleece and waterproof. Lima was supposed to be overcast but we did have a few blue skies.

South America is very casual so i would not worry overly unless you are planning on special events. Anything you forget is easily purchased in Lima or Cusco. If you are staying in cheaper hostels it may be worth taking thermals because not all have heating.

The only places you wil need to worry about dress for dinner are the more upmarket restaurants like Gaston Acurios places. Even then they won't bat an eyelid if you turn up in jeans and tee shirts. Even in the church's people won't bother too much what you wear as long as it is not too outrageous.

Hi --

I can speak only to my experience in Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Amazon, Lima) in April but:

- They dressed American casual in most places
- The altitudes around Cusco and Machu Picchu are very high. You might want something light to cover your skin. I had a plastic-ish raincoat that protected me from rain and sun
- Hardcore hiking shoes aren't necessary for SV/MP. Decent shoes are fine
- The geography is so diverse that you need to prepare for warm and cold
- I don't think anyone cares what you wear into Lima churches. I went into several of them

- esme