Carry-On Only for Peru and Machu Picchu: Altitude Packing Guide

Peru is a destination that rewards carry-on-only travel, but the layered airline network — long-haul into Lima, then domestic hops on smaller regional aircraft — means understanding weight limits before you pack is essential. Get this right and you will move between Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu without ever queuing at baggage claim.

The Airline Landscape

Use the baggage conditions and operating carrier printed on the actual domestic ticket; do not infer aircraft type, current route operation or an 8 kg allowance from another airline. Avianca includes a 45×35×20 cm personal item on every fare. One main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 10 kg is included with international Light, Classic, Flex and Business; domestic Basic requires purchase. Check original conditions for Americas Light tickets bought before 27 January 2026. Business still has one main cabin bag.

Lima's Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) runs thorough security checks on domestic departures. Allow extra time, particularly in the morning peak. The domestic terminal is separate from international arrivals, so factor in the walk between terminals if you're connecting.

Altitude and What to Pack for Cusco

Cusco sits at 3,400 m and Machu Picchu at 2,430 m. Temperature swings are dramatic — cool mornings (around 5–8°C), warm afternoons (17–20°C), and cold evenings. Layering is the only strategy that works.

Core clothing approach:

• 1 insulating mid-layer (lightweight down or synthetic jacket that packs small)
• 2–3 moisture-wicking base layer tops
• 1 pair of quick-dry trousers that work for hiking and evenings
• 1 pair of comfortable walking trousers for Lima and town use
• Merino wool or thermal underlayer for cold Cusco nights

Wear your hiking boots on the plane. Boots are the heaviest single item in any Machu Picchu packing list and wearing them eliminates 1–1.5 kg from your bag allowance immediately.

The Machu Picchu Daypack Strategy

Leave your main carry-on at your hotel in Cusco — virtually all hotels and hostels offer free luggage storage. When you take the PeruRail or Inca Rail train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, bring only a small daypack (15–20 litres is ideal).

Daypack contents for Machu Picchu:

• Water bottle or hydration reservoir (2 litres minimum — no water sold inside the site)
• Compact rain poncho (not an umbrella — umbrellas are impractical on the terraces)
• Light fleece or thermal layer for the early morning bus ride up
• Sunscreen — the high altitude UV index is severe
• Snacks (the cafeteria inside the site is expensive and has limited options)
• Entrance ticket printed or on your phone
• Altitude medication if prescribed

Altitude Sickness Medication

If you're flying directly into Cusco without an acclimatisation day in a lower-altitude city, consult your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) before travel. It's a prescription tablet taken the day before and during initial altitude exposure. Keep it in an accessible pocket of your carry-on or personal item, in original pharmacy packaging.

Coca tea (mate de coca) is served widely in Cusco hotels and is culturally standard — it provides mild relief but is not a substitute for proper acclimatisation or medication if you're affected severely. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, and fatigue. If symptoms are severe, descend.

Cash in Cusco

Cusco has fewer card terminals than Lima. Restaurants in the San Blas and Plaza de Armas areas increasingly accept cards, but markets, street food, transport, and smaller guesthouses are largely cash-only. ATMs in Cusco can run low or empty during peak season (June through August). Withdraw soles in Lima before flying — the ATMs at Jorge Chavez are reliable and the exchange rate is fair. Bring more than you think you need.

Packing Light for Lima

Lima is a warm coastal city (18–24°C year-round) that doesn't require the same layering strategy as Cusco. If you're spending days in Miraflores or Barranco before or after the highlands, pack one lightweight city outfit that doubles as evening wear. You don't need a separate Lima wardrobe — your Cusco layers work with a light cardigan swap.

What to Leave at Home

Avoid packing full-size shampoo or heavy toiletries — small pharmacies and supermarkets in Lima and Cusco stock everything. Pack your rain poncho (don't buy one at Machu Picchu — the gift shops charge significantly more). Leave any non-essential electronics: the trail network has no charging points and your phone camera is sufficient.

Reviewed carrier allowance

Avianca includes a 45×35×20 cm personal item on every fare. One main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 10 kg is included with international Light, Classic, Flex and Business; domestic Basic requires purchase. Check original conditions for Americas Light tickets bought before 27 January 2026. Business still has one main cabin bag.

Avianca carry-on guide

LATAM allowance for the booked fare

LATAM permits one main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 12 kg in Economy, or 16 kg in Premium Economy/Business, plus a 45×35×20 cm personal item. Basic requires a main-bag purchase. Light is included in the English main page and Spanish tables, but the Portuguese international table lists an extra cost; confirm the issued fare. The personal-item FAQ gives 10 kg, while the Brazilian regional table gives 12 kg in Premium cabins.

LATAM cabin guide