Packing Guidance for Peru

In general, most items you will need are available in country and locally acquired items are often the best at helping you integrate into your community. However, locally available items may not be the brands, quality, prices, or sizes you are used to. Bringing some key items from home might make your transition to service more comfortable.

This guidance has been compiled by Peace Corps staff and Volunteers and is based on their experience. Use this information as an informal guide as you make your own packing list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect packing list!

This packing guidance is designed to help you think through different categories of items and consider what you might want to bring, considering work expectations, cultural considerations, and your own personal preferences.

Weather in Peru depends on climatic zone and altitude and varies dramatically across the country. Volunteers are generally assigned to communities either on the coast or in the highlands:

Coast: Moderately warm climate, but with high humidity and thick fog in winter. In summer there is very little fog, and the temperature can reach 35 °C.

Highlands: The highlands have two seasons: summer (April - Oct), when the days are sunny, the nights cold and there is little rain; and winter (Nov - March), when rain is frequent and heavy. During the day the temperature can reach 24 °C and at night fall to -3 °C.

Peace Corps Peru provides the following items:

Mosquito net: Malaria is endemic in some areas of Peru. In addition to taking malaria prophylaxis, Peace Corps Volunteers are required to sleep under a mosquito net when serving in or traveling to those areas. Regardless of their placement, all Volunteers receive mosquito nets to use as needed.

Medical kit: Peace Corps Peru provides all Volunteers with a medkit that can be refilled as needed. See the full list of items.

Home safety: Peace Corps Peru provides fire extinguishers and smoke-carbon monoxide detectors to all Volunteers to be used at their homestay during pre-service training. They will bring these items to their permanent sites. If extinguishers are used, Volunteers may request a replacement/replenishment.

Work vest: Trainees will receive a work vest labeled with their name for use during service. Representatives of NGOs and government organizations in Peru wear vests, which are a sign of professionalism and respect.

WASH Volunteers: Given the nature of their work with water committees, WASH volunteers receive a pair of rubber boots to use during water system maintenance activities.

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take:

• Pets
• Weapons
• Explosives
• Radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted)
• Drones
• Automobiles or motorcycles
• Flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers
• Valuables such as precious jewelry or family heirlooms

Drugs

Do not bring any drug that has not been authorized by the Peace Corps for medical purposes without prior consultation with Office of Health Services Pre-Service. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Illicit drugs, including marijuana and related products such as CBD and herbal substances such as kratom, are prohibited during Peace Corps service, even if they are legal in your home of residence. If you use, possess, or distribute illicit drugs, you will be administratively separated from service.

Also see: Items prohibited by the government of Peru

Below is guidance on clothing expectations and cultural norms for work as well as leisure and recreation.

Work clothing

Volunteers are expected to dress neatly and appropriately in professional settings, such as schools or health posts. Peruvian counterparts will typically wear pants (rarely jeans), mid length skirts, closed toed shoes, blouses, polos or similar collared shirts.

Outside of work, casual clothing is fine. At home, Volunteers often wear T-shirts, jeans, shorts, or casual skirts and dresses. Quick-dry fabrics are useful in humid or cool climates. Larger sizes of clothes and shoes can be hard to find locally. If you plan to exercise or swim, pack appropriate gear—Peruvians typically prefer modest swimsuits like one-piece suits or swim shorts.

You can likely buy shoes familiar to you in larger malls, but larger sizes of shoes can be hard to find. Bring at least one pair of each type you’ll need. If you wear a large size (10 and above for men, 8 and above for women), consider packing extra pairs. For work settings, closed-toed shoes or dress boots are appropriate. Sandals, tennis shoes and hiking boots are appropriate for casual or recreational activities.

You should bring a 3-month supply of any prescription and/or over the counter medications you use that are authorized/approved by the Peace Corps.

Prior to service, Peace Corps supplies all Volunteers with a medical kit containing basic over-the-counter medications as well as multivitamins.

The medical unit will replenish prescriptions after the initial 3-month training.

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs (of the current prescription) with you. Contact lens use will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additional guidance: Medical Care During Service

Peru uses 220-volt electricity, so check your devices for dual voltage. Converters are readily available in Peru.

Volunteers must have an unlocked GSM smartphone for communication. Confirm with your carrier that your phone is unlocked and compatible with international service prior to departure. Due to the risk of theft, consider bringing an inexpensive or older phone. If needed, Peace Corps Peru can assist you with purchasing a cell phone on arrival in country.

A laptop is strongly recommended for training, reporting and collaborating with partners. Choose a durable model and consider getting property insurance for this and other personal items.

A headlamp or flashlight may be helpful for Volunteers placed in communities with limited electricity. Batteries of every size are readily available.

Based on your interests and personal preferences there may be additional items you will want to consider bringing with you. It’s not uncommon for belongings to get lost, stolen or mildewed. Therefore, carefully consider bringing or not bringing things that might be hard to replace. Most items needed for nearly any activity or interest can be found in Lima and even some regional capitals. Prices, quality and brands may vary.