When traveling to Peru for birdwatching, it’s important to remember that you’re visiting one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to an incredible variety of ecosystems and life zones. From the humid Amazon rainforest to the misty cloud forests and the high-altitude Andes, conditions can change rapidly, sometimes within a single day. You may find yourself moving from hot and humid environments to cold, dry highlands in just a few hours. Packing smart and efficiently is crucial to ensuring your comfort and well-being while maximizing your birding experience. Here are some key tips to help you prepare for your adventure.
For example, our tours in Northern Peru cover a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from the Lowland Amazon Rainforest and Andean Foothills to the Cloud Forest, Elfin Forest, Intermountain Valleys, and the Dry Valleys of Marañón. Additionally, they explore the Desertic Coast and Pacific Shore, offering a complete gradient of habitats.
Similarly, our Birding and Culture tours in Southern Peru—focusing on Manu and Machu Picchu—span from the Lowland Amazon Rainforest up through the Foothills, Cloud Forest, and Elfin Forest, before reaching Intermountain Valleys, High-Andean Tundra, and Puna Grasslands near Glaciers. These tours also include visits to Dry Forests, making them an extraordinary blend of tropical and high-altitude birding experiences.
Understanding Peru’s Seasons: Dry vs. Rainy Season
Unlike temperate regions, Peru does not have dramatic seasonal changes, as it is located in the tropics. However, travelers should consider the impact of the dry season (May to October) and the rainy season (November to April) when packing.
Many sources will recommend the dry season as the best time to visit Peru, mainly because rain is minimal, and roads and trails are generally more accessible. However, after 15 years of birding across Peru’s diverse habitats, we have learned to appreciate the rainy season just as much—if not more—than the dry season for birding.
Bird Activity: Dry vs. Rainy Season
- Dry Season (May–October): The lack of rain makes logistics easier, but bird activity slows significantly during the middle of the day. Mornings can be very productive, but as soon as the sun rises around 9 AM, bird movement decreases until later in the afternoon.
- Rainy Season (November–April): Though showers are more frequent, bird activity continues throughout the day. Even if you experience some rain or an entire afternoon of showers, the payoff is more dynamic birdwatching, with flocks remaining active longer.
Packing for the Seasons
- For the dry season, focus on sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) and layers for cooler mornings and hot afternoons.
- For the rainy season, a high-quality waterproof jacket, extra rain poncho, and pack cover are essential. If you don’t want to carry bulky boots, you can buy a pair of cheap rubber boots in Peru once you arrive.
If you’re flexible with your schedule and don’t mind occasional rain, the rainy season can be incredibly rewarding, offering lusher landscapes, active birds, and fewer crowds at major birding sites.
Clothing: Dressing for Varied Climates
A birding trip in Peru can take you through hot and humid rainforests, misty cloud forests, and high-altitude Andean landscapes—all in one trip. Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, and adaptable. We present an rough idea of what to pack for a 7-10 days tour considering you can find laundry service in most of the lodges and hotels.
Essential Clothing Items:
✅ Footwear:
- Waterproof hiking boots (essential for muddy trails, rain, and forest walks).
- Comfortable sneakers or slip-on shoes for relaxing at the lodge.
✅ Clothing for Field Use:
- 3 long-sleeve breathable shirts (lightweight, quick-dry, UPF protection recommended).
- 3 pairs of lightweight pants (quick-dry, convertible styles work well).
- 3 cotton t-shirts (for casual wear at lodges or during transit days).
- 1 fleece or warm sweater (for cooler mornings and evenings in the cloud forest or Andes).
- 1 waterproof rain jacket (lightweight and packable, critical for cloud forests and unexpected showers).
- Hat for sun protection (wide-brim preferred over baseball caps).
- Socks & underwear (pack enough for the trip or plan to do laundry at lodges).
✅ Optional Clothing (if visiting high-altitude sites):
- Thermal base layer (only needed for high-altitude birding above 4,000m).
- Beanie & gloves (generally unnecessary but may help in extreme cold locations like Abra Malaga).
Health & Protection: Stay Safe and Comfortable
✅ Insect Repellent (with DEET or natural alternatives like Picaridin or lemon-eucalyptus).
✅ Sunscreen (SPF 30+; strong sun exposure in the Andes is intense).
✅ Medications (based on personal needs). Bring a doctor-provided list of medications you may need. Guides carry first-aid kits but do not provide medication.
✅ Lip balm with SPF (to prevent chapping in dry, high-altitude conditions).
✅ Hand sanitizer & wet wipes (hygiene essentials for remote areas).
✅ Rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets (useful for long days in humid environments).
Optics & Photography Gear: Capture Every Detail
✅ Binoculars:
- Recommended: 8×42 or 10×42 for better light gathering and stability.
- Not recommended: Mini binoculars (they lack brightness and field of view).
✅ Camera Gear:
- Minimum 300mm lens if you want to photograph birds.
- Rain cover for your camera.
- Extra memory cards and batteries (charging may be limited in some lodges).
✅ Other Essentials:
- Umbrella (better than ponchos for protecting optics from rain).
- Small microfiber towel or lens cloth (to keep optics clean in humid conditions).
Tech & Electronics: Power Up on the Go
✅ Power bank (10,000mAh+) to charge phones and cameras during long days.
✅ Charging adapters:
- All lodges in our tours provide 24 hours Electricity (except for Cock of the Rock Lodge and Wayquecha Lodge in Manu Road that provide limited 6-9 pm electricity) you will be able to charge your devices every day.
- Peru uses 220V power (most modern devices work with 100-240V, but check your electronics).
- Plug type: Hybrid sockets accept both flat and round plugs.
- Headlamp or flashlight (useful for night birding or moving around lodges after dark).
Travel Documents & Money: Be Prepared
✅ Passport (ensure it’s valid for your travel dates).
✅ Student ID (if applicable) for possible discounts.
✅ Cash (Peruvian Soles & USD):
- Exchange rate varies between 3.7 – 3.9 Soles per USD.
- Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas but may have small transaction fees since all our tours include full board, 3 meals per day, water, snacks, lodging, transportation, etc
- It’s recommended to carry some small cash for extra snacks, souvenirs, and minor purchases.
✅ Tipping: Not included in trip costs, so budget for tipping local guides, drivers, and lodge staff if you wish.
Luggage: Travel Light & Stay Organized
Since many birding trips involve staying in multiple lodges, having a light, easy-to-carry setup will make travel smoother.
✅ Recommended luggage setup:
- 1 carry-on-sized luggage, duffel or backpack (easy to handle).
- 1 daypack (to carry optics, water, snacks, and rain gear in the field).
✅ Water Bottle: All birding groups provide water refills—bring a reusable bottle.
