While the pandemic has brought our journeys to a pause, it has not taken away our dream of travel. As avid explorers we are sure planning trips will become gratifying again. For many of us, road trips represent the most feasible option for travel right now, but remember packing considerations should start with coronavirus precautions. Now more than ever, preparation is key.

If you’re planning to give yourself a few weeks to rediscover the wonders of the Peruvian coast or immerse into a winding, off-radar road trip all the way to the high jungle, it's essential to pack the right gear before embarking on your journey. We've rounded up your must-haves, so that you can focus on just following that compass.

Staying Safe

Before we start listing all the items we think you’ll need during your next trip, we recommend you to check your destination’s most current coronavirus-related restrictions. Calling ahead to confirm hotel or other reservations, as well as opening hours and other logistics to avoid any unwelcome surprises is a good idea before jumping in the driver’s seat.

When it comes to packing, consider bringing hand sanitizer, disinfecting wet wipes, sealable disposable plastic bags and tissues as well as plenty of extra masks. Also stock up on healthy, portable snacks and lots of water, allowing you to limit the number of times you need to stop for refreshments.

The Coast

Water Bottle

We're pretty sure you know why using a reusable bottle is a better idea than buying bottled water every 10 minutes. There are tons of materials and designs to choose from, and you can consider volume, weight, size, quick access, screw tops, eco friendly materials and every other detail. But the most important thing when lounging or swimming under the sun is to make sure your body stays hydrated. Pure, cold and filtered water is your best choice.

Sunglasses

Squinting in the sun can easily wreck your whole day at the beach. When picking out a pair of beach-ready shades, protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by looking for a tag indicating 100 percent UV protection. And don't hesitate to choose jumbo frames — the bigger the sunglasses, the better the protection.

Book/ Headphones

Sitting in the sand, swimming in the sea and soaking up the sun are surefire ways to melt away the stress of your daily routine. Now is your opportunity to read the book that has been sitting untouched on your nightstand and pack all your favorite songs onto one epic road trip playlist.

Insect Repellent

Repellents remain one of the most effective defenses against mosquitoes. Consider bringing a repellent with 20% to 30% DEET to protect against mosquitoes and viral infections such as Dengue Fever.

GoPro

It's amazing all the things you can do with this little camera. To begin with, it’s practical, it fits anywhere and you can surf, dive, ski and record all sorts of adventurous sports with it. If this is your first time using this wondrous invention, don't toss aside the practical guide that comes with it. It will help you improve the quality of your photos and videos until the GoPro becomes your best friend.

The Jungle

The Right Backpack

A strong backpack is a must-have among the dense vegetation of the jungle. Consider a versatile 50- or 65- liter backpack that adjusts easily to your back and holds the load close to your body's center of gravity. You want to choose one that's roomy enough to fit all your stuff and has a full suspension frame, load-stabilizing straps and hip belts. Try to include a daypack that clips to the outside and a rain fly to keep your pack dry during a sudden (and inevitable) rainfall.

Jungle Boots

If you're planning to explore the muddy turf of the jungle, jumping puddles and crossing streams, you'll want some tall boots. Most lodges and tour companies provide rubber boots, but if this isn't the case for you, look for long-lace boots with a Gore-Tex or Vibram sole that allow you to stomp through all sort of terrains and protect you from insects. Try to find a pair with air vents that will keep your feet cool.

Binoculars

What's really going to amaze you in a jungle are the surprise encounters with, say, a flying macaw or a curious howler monkey swinging from the trees. Therefore, a high-quality pair of binoculars is essential to get the most out of your jungle holiday. Your surroundings are likely to be wet and humid, so search for a set that's both water- and fog-proof and tough enough to sustain drops and scratches. Binoculars are the last thing you want weighing you down, so focus on finding a model that's lightweight, with good magnification.

Raincoat or Light Waterproof Jacket

You need to be prepared for out-of-nowhere jungle downpours, which can last for hours, if not days. These days it's easy to find eco-conscious jackets that are waterproof and have a breathable outer layer to wick away sweat but lock out rain.

Convertible Pants & Long Sleeves

Yes, tropical jungle air can be suffocating. Yes, it will make you sweaty. That said, you still want a pair of full- length pants so you don't ruin your trip with sunburn or mosquito bites. Consider versatile and convertible pants that can be turned to shorts. Look for durable, water-repellent fabrics that will help you shed rain quickly. Most options are made with a stretchy or spandex weave and are pretty comfortable for long walks and all kinds of adventures.

The best shirts for the rainforest are comfy long-sleeve shirts. These are mainly to protect yourself from mosquito bites and the sun during excursions. Long-sleeved tops made of cotton or other lightweight and fast-drying fabrics are probably your best choice to provide a protective barrier for the biting insects and keep the sun’s rays from burning your skin.

The Desert

Long Sleeves and Loose Fits

Whether you'll be traveling to a semi-arid or hot and dry desert, you'll need to think about comfortable clothes that will protect you from the strong, relentless daytime heat. Consider taking lightweight, breathable, loose- fitting clothes that help you release moisture. Usually long-sleeve shirts and full-length pants are most appropriate for a desert destination. Brighter colors (preferably white) tend to reflect light and keep you cooler, though there's some debate about this. Focus on fit.

Shemagh Scarf

The shemagh (or keffiyeh) is a versatile travel tool. The traditional headscarf worn across the Middle East is a multi-use piece of woven cotton cloth that can protect you from sunburn and dust, turn into a towel and basically come in handy in all sorts of situations. You'll need one to protect your face and neck from the harsh daytime conditions and to keep you warm at night.

Hiking Boots

When venturing to the desert you want to be prepared for rambling around rough terrain. Many experts suggest wearing heavy-duty hiking boots to protect your feet from the hot ground, but some travel pros prefer more lightweight styles. Whichever you choose, they should have resistant soles and collars that stabilize the ankle when stepping on uneven rocks. The high tops will give your ankles more support and protect them from pebbles, sand and thorns. Breathable materials are a bonus.

Water

Water is an absolute priority in the desert, and finding different ways to store and carry water should be your first and foremost concern. When it comes to bottles, stainless steel is the best choice since you can use it for boiling as well as transporting. You might also consider water bladders that allow you to store more than a liter. For water purification you may want to take a filter or lightweight chemical tabs.

Compass

Even though losing your sense of direction while exploring the desert is far from ideal, plan for the possibility — a compass is an essential tool. Using your compass alongside a map is the first thing you have to learn. Remember that you actually need to know how to identify the basic components of your compass and master a few navigation skills, but that's all part of the adventure.

The Highlands & Mountains

Clothing & Shoes

Layering clothes, that you can take off and put on, as the temperature changes is usually considered the best idea for any extended Peru journey. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so you need to know that temperatures fluctuate. It’s very likely to be sunny and warm during the day and if it gets cloudy, it can be very cold. Carrying a light rain jacket is always a good idea as well as a thick cozy sweater to warm you up at nights.

Be sure to get a comfortable, breathable hat for your trip, with a wide brim to protect you from UV rays and a wool cap for the low temperatures.

Whether you chose boots, hiking shoes or trail runners, comfortable shoes will make your life easier if you plan to follow easy to more difficult hiking trails. Don’t forget to toss in a few pairs of wool socks to keep your feet comfortable and a pair of looser socks too.

Travel first aid kit and Toiletries

Get a basic one then add in medications you’ll need, like altitude medication, Paracetamol, antiseptic towelettes. The same with the toiletries – just stick to the basics and extend it to your own liking such as: hand sanitizer, basic skin cream, soap, sunscreen, natural bug repellent etc. The climate is in fact so dry that you’ll need lip balm or chapstick during your stay.

Document Wallets and Holders

An effective passport holder is a tool for protecting and organizing all your important travel documents. Most of them have multiple compartments that can hold both passports and credit cards and also have room for your boarding pass and a smartphone. Having your personal stuff together will also help you avoid petty purse snatching, pickpocketing, phone grabbing, and general ripping off of tourists — especially in places where the crowds gather.

Accessories we like

A light, small, dry quick, easy to wash microfiber towel is a key item for any traveller – as well as a multitool knife in case anything needs to be fixed or cut. We also like to take a handy headlamp for any adventurous nighttime strolls.

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The Ultimate Packing Guide for Peru