Altiplano, Peru: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Altiplano, Peru? If you're planning to go to Altiplano, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Altiplano
- Important essentials for Altiplano
- Activities for Altiplano
- Altiplano in January: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in February: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in March: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in April: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in May: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in June: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in July: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in August: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in September: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in October: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in November: weather and what to pack
- Altiplano in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Altiplano, Peru
Based on the climate and weather in Altiplano, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Altiplano, Peru
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Altiplano, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Altiplano is at a very high altitude, and may result in altitude sickness. For that reason, you will want to pack strong altitude sickness prevention products and treatments.
-
Oximeter to check blood oxygen
Like this
-
Over-the-counter medicine
- Consider asking your doctor about Diamox
-
Supplements
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Altiplano. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Altiplano, Peru by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Altiplano in January, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
February
February in this region is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
March
Traveling to Altiplano in March, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
April
April for Altiplano can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
May
If you go to Altiplano in May, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
June
If you are traveling to Altiplano in June, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
July
July in Altiplano is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
August
August is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day.
What to wear/what to pack:
September
Traveling to Altiplano in September, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
October
October in Altiplano can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
November
November here is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
December
Traveling to Altiplano in December, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
Activities for Altiplano, Peru
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Altiplano.
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