Travelers Packing List

Pack your bag, and get ready for a great time!

You should begin packing a week before we leave. This way, as you think of items needed you'll have time to locate them. A common mistake is over packing. If you forget something it is usually easy to find once you arrive.

Everything should fit within one or two large bags of a size you can carry without much help. In addition, a backpack or shoulder bag and a waist belt for cameras, water or snacks are useful. The lighter you travel, the easier it is to negotiate boats, trains and buses. We have porters along the way, but occasionally you are on your own.

Andes
A good example of this is the train between Cusco and Machu Picchu. At best it is a rush of people wanting to board, and once it arrives, the train only stops for a few minutes. There are guides traveling with us, but little room on this train. Excess baggage, or very large bags, quickly becomes a problem. Essential items for the Andes are highlighted in blue.

Amazon
If you are only traveling to the Amazon, keep in mind you are traveling to the lodge on a small boat. Your luggage follows on a larger boat. It isn't huge, so things can become heavily packed with ust a few people's belongings. Travel light, and pack your things in sealable plastic bags in the event there is rain, or the boat leaks (or worse). Essential items for the jungle are highlighted in green.

Markawasi
If your trip is to Markawasi you'll need less than normal due to the camping aspect. Burros carry everything to the plateau. Take only what you absolutely need. One burro should easily be able to carry the baggage of 3 persons. A medium size back pack plus your sleeping bag is suggested. Essential items especially needed for Markawasi, and very useful for every journey we offer, are noted in red "X's" below.

M a r k   y o u r   l u g g a g e !
You should find and securely attach luggage tags that have your name and contact info in large easily read type or print. Place these where they can be easily seen. Airports, train stations and hotels have a lot of traffic (people) and piles of luggage. Our porters and assistants look for these tags. If these tags are not visible your luggage might be misplaced. Do NOT allow anyone to handle your luggage unless you have seen Kathy or I direct the person(s) to help. If in doubt ask immediately!

___ Suitcase, Duffel Bag (no metal edging please), Back Pack 6

___ Carry on, Day pack 6

___ Fanny pack 6, camera bag

___ Passport pouch

___ sweat pants

___ sweatshirt (s) X

___ T shirts 1, X

___ shorts

___ swimsuit

___ tennis shoes

___ hiking boots X

___ sport sandals (closed toe best in jungle)

___ hiking socks X

___ underwear

___ hat, cap, visor 1, X

___ sunglasses 1, X

___ headband, bandanna (s) X

___ winter coat (Markawasi) X

___ lined gloves (If your hands get cold easily) X

___ PASSPORT!!!!!

___ Travelers Insurance 3-b, X

___ toothbrush and toothpaste 1, X

___ toothbrush case

___ soap 1, X

___ soap case X

___ washcloth (not found in Peru for some reason) X

___ plastic bag for wet washcloth

___ aspirin 1

___ hair brush 1

___ chapstick 1, X

___ sun block 1, X

___ insect repellent 2

___ cash (not travelers checks) 3-a, X

___ toilet paper 1, X

___ Personal Supplements

___ snack food in small bags

___ trail mix X

___ hard candy 1, X

___ energy bars X

___ lotion 1, X

___ batteries 1, X

___ voltage converter (220 to 120) 5

___ Battery charger

___ camcorder X

___ extra video tapes 1, X

___ still camera 1, X

___ extra film or memory card 1, X

___ iPod or similar (if you like to listen to music)

___ headphones

___ Cassette tapes, CD's, CDR's, DVD's etc... 1

___ plastic bags X

___ flashlight (two) X

___ safety pins

___ Personal first aid kit (a small one will do) X

___ knife (Gerber is good)

___ candy / gum

___ T shirts

___ caps

___ scarves / bandanas

___ shoes 4

___ Big Balloons

___ Baby Clothes, Diapers, Baby Toys, Bottles, etc...

• 1. You can easily find this item in Peru if you want to wait until you arrive. However, there is little chance to find these items in the jungle.
• 2. The best insect repellent contains "Deet" and is essential for your protection while in the jungle (Also use Permethrin clothing spray!). In this part of the world there is always the possibility of Malaria. Be informed - take the necessary precautions! Deet works great against mosquitoes, but not biting flies (Andes). Nothing works for repelling these flies. They pose no hazard unless you get several (10 - 20) of bites. If this occurs you will likely swell up and feel bad.
• 3-a Travelers checks are very difficult to cash and the exchange rate is less than cash. Depending on the length of your journey and your personal spending habits, you should have a minimum of $300 set aside for personal spending. This is not including "Tips & Taxes" ($100.00) which will be collected once you arrive. I usually recommend my fellow travelers have no less than $500. There are many items that are one of a kind. You might not have another opportunity to purchase these once you leave Peru.
• 3-b You might need special attention, rescue, or help due to accidents or illness that can quickly deplete your funds. We require Traveler's Insurance. Accidents can and do happen - be prepared. Purchase Travelers Insurance >> H E R E
• 4. You will meet Indians in the Jungle and the mountains who are wonderful people. They need shoes (sneakers, sandals or boots) if you have room in your luggage, and old shoes to spare. Dress shoes are not useful. The women like cosmetics; the children enjoy crayons and coloring books; The men enjoy brightly colored T-shirts, fishing supplies (jungle) & gym shorts. Everyone likes colorful bandanas! Pencils, pencil sharpeners, ink pens, paper, clipboards and other school supplies are too expensive in Peru (oddly). Please help as you can.
• 5. Check to make certain you'll need this. Most electronics devices now available are made to operate on both 220 & 110. Look for the following on your charger: 220 ~ 50 / 110 ~ 60. If you see something similar to this your device will work without problems here. Keep in mind there is limited electricity from a generator (while in the jungle). Batteries are a must.
• 6. We suggest you investigate Osprey for your luggage needs. They make the best equipment for adventure travel, and is exclusively what we use. Osprey is the official sponsor and equipment provider for the Xpeditions Research Team.
• X  Based on our 20 years experience traveling through south America, we consider these items essential during your trip. Especially during your journey to Markawasi.