What to pack & leave
The best way to carry your luggage is in a backpack and a comfortable day pack, as some of the guesthouses are to be reached by walking over small paths (the guest families are happy to help you carrying!). In the case of the Inka Naani trekking you will walk with your day pack and have lama’s carrying your backpacks.Clothing for Huaraz and surroundings
In general it is recommended that the clothes you bring are suitable for the rural, outdoor environment (they will get dirty!). During day time it can get quite hot (especially when hiking is on the day’s program), up to 30º C, but here in the mountains temperatures drop considerably at night (possible -10º C). The difference may be more than 30º C (90 degrees Fahrenheit)! The best way to prepare for such conditions is to wear several layers of clothing. A recommended list of items to pack is:
- long pants (zip-off pants) + extra pair
- short pants
- thin sweater / long sleeve shirt
- t-shirts
- warm (fleece) sweater (2, or one fleece and a warm jacket/ soft shell)
- light weight rain jacket (in the rainy season; also a good poncho!)
- thermal underwear
- warm sleeping clothes
- swimming clothes
- hiking boots
- (walking) socks
- leisure shoes (trainers), flip-flops or water shoes
- sunhat or bandana for the day,
- wool or fleece hat for the night
- gloves
Clothing for the jungle
It is recommended that the clothes you bring are suitable for the jungle outdoor environment (they will get dirty!). The Amazon area or jungle has a tropical, hot and humid climate, with presence of torrential rains that are increased in the months of summer. The average annual temperature is 25º C, and temperatures can differ between 18º C and 35º C. A recommended list of items to pack when going to jungle is:- light clothes; shorts
- long comfortable trousers
- short- and long-sleeved t-shirts or blouses
- pairs of walking- or high- socks
- swimming gear
- towel
- hat, sombrero or headscarf/kerchief
- rain cloths/ponchos
- walking shoes or rain boots
- sandals
Please do not bring too much luggage, as you are the person who will carry your luggage most of the times (max 10 kilo). An idea is to put your cloths in plastic bags to protect them from potential rain and make sure you have something to cover your bag with. Use a “Ziplock” to make sure that your camera and other articles of value are protected.
Gear
- flashlight (have it handy as power outages are quite usual, a headlamp is ideal)*
- photo camera with an extra accu or enough batteries*
- Swiss knife
- sunglasses with UV-protection
- water bottles (ideally 1 liter each)
- light-weight towel(s)
- USB-flash drive for backing up pictures (optional)
- walking sticks (optional)
- book / magazine
- deck of cards or other lightweight games
- sleeping bag (until -15ºC)
- mattress
For the jungle trips you might also want to bring:
- binoculars
* Please note that any battery loses power quickly below 0º C. If temperature drops below freezing point at night (while on Inka Naani), keep your electronic devices and spare batteries in your sleeping bag!
Toiletries and medicines
- personal toilet gear
- some toilet paper (for on the way)
- sunscreen (high SPF : at least 30!)
- lip balm with UV-protection
- drinking water purifying tablets
- travel first-aid kit
- own medicines
- second skin / Compeed
- aspirins in day pack
For the jungle trips you also need to bring:
- insect repellant (Local pharmacies carry good insect repellants, however, the best protection against mosquitoes is proper clothing (see above).
- products to alleviate pain and itching from bites and stings (Camphorated Alcohol)
- anti-mite lotion, also available in Iquitos’ pharmacies
What to leave
- too much clothes
- hardcase suitcases
- expensive jewelry
- expensive (-looking) gadgets
- fancy clothes or shoes
