Northern Sierra, Peru: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Northern Sierra, Peru? If you're planning to go to Northern Sierra, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northern Sierra, Peru

Based on the climate and weather in Northern Sierra, Peru, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Sierra, Peru

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Sierra, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Sierra, Peru by month

January

January in this region is chilly. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost sometimes. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Ensure that you find the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

February

February is crisp. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost occasionally. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Check that you choose the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

March

March in Northern Sierra is crisp. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost once in a while. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Make sure to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April for Northern Sierra is chilly. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost once in a while. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Make sure to choose the right type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

May

Traveling to Northern Sierra in May, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Take care to find the necessary type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you go to Northern Sierra in June, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

July

Traveling to Northern Sierra in July, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Check that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

August

August in Northern Sierra can be chilly. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about a third of the time. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Make sure to pick the correct type. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September is chilly. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about a third of the time. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. It's important that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

October

If you go to Northern Sierra in October, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Make sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November for Northern Sierra is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost 5-10 days this month. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Make sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in this region is cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost regularly. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Peru has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sierra. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. Take care to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

What to do in Northern Sierra, Peru

The Northern Sierra region of Peru is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers visitors a unique blend of ancient history, outdoor adventure, and natural beauty. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, this region is home to many top tourist attractions that are sure to delight travelers from all over the world.

One of the most iconic attractions in the Northern Sierra is the ancient city of Chachapoyas. This pre-Colombian city was built by the Chachapoya people, who were an indigenous tribe that lived in the area from the 9th to 15th centuries. Today, visitors can explore the city's many ruins, including the towering fortress of Kuelap, which is often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of the North." This site is one of the largest stone monuments in South America and offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient Chachapoya culture.

Another must-see attraction in the Northern Sierra is the Gocta Waterfall. Located near the town of Cocachimba, this impressive waterfall is one of the tallest in the world, standing at a height of over 2,530 feet. Visitors who make the trek to the waterfall will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and mountains.

For those who love outdoor adventure, the Northern Sierra offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and trekking. One popular hiking trail is the Santa Cruz Trek, which takes visitors through the stunning Cordillera Blanca mountain range. Along the way, hikers will pass through remote villages and enjoy panoramic views of the snowy peaks and glacial lakes.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, the Northern Sierra also boasts a rich culinary tradition. The region is known for its delicious dishes made from local ingredients, including hearty stews, roasted meats, and fresh Andean vegetables. Visitors can sample these dishes at local restaurants and markets, and even take cooking classes to learn how to recreate them at home.

Overall, the Northern Sierra of Peru is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of this remarkable region. With so many top tourist attractions to choose from, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience that will leave them with lasting memories of this incredible corner of the world.

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.

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