To help you prepare for your trip, here are some guidelines for what to pack.
Basics
- T-shirts (4-5)
- 2 shorts (quick drying)
- Sun hat
- Swim suit
- Sunglasses
- Hiking boots
- 2 long quick drying pants
- 1 Warm jacket/sweater/ fleece (in higher altitudes you can get minus 10 degrees depending of the season)
- Rain gear
- Sandals (waterproof and comfortable
- Flip flops (for the beach)
- Wool hat
- Wool socks
- Mittens/gloves
- Long johns
- Micro fibre towels (these are light, take up little space in your pack and are very absorbent)
- A money belt/pouch or a bag- or a bag that you can keep close
- Water bottle/Nalgene
- Watch
- Travel alarm clock
- Pajamas
- Scarf
- Extra film
- Torch/flashlight****
- Daypack and backpack
- Snacks (you can buy in Cusco)
- Garbage bag (you can buy in Cusco)
- Toilet paper (you can buy in Cusco)
- Sun screen (you can buy in Cusco
- Insect repellant (you can buy in Cusco)
- Sleeping bag (you need at least one of minus 5 degrees for the Inca Trail, if you are not participating in the inca trail it is completely up to you if you want to bring a sleeping bag or not)
- Ziplock bags for journal, maps, passport, money
- Blister care set. Tape, second skin, band-aids
- Personal first aid kit (the guide will have a first aid kit but it is good to pack your own) In this you can include: personal medication, anti-inflammatory, electrolyte packets, blister care, antibacterial cream, gauze, bandages, feminine hygiene products, throat lozenges, rubber gloves,. Mountain Equipment co-op has good standard first aid kits that you can add to. *remember to label all of your medication or it is better to use original container to avoid problems at customs.
- Wet Naps or hand sanitizer – the number one cause of travellers diarrhea is actually the travelers not washing their hands!
- A “night on the town” outfit or two.
- A small backpack/daypack is necessary to keep your essentials for day excursions ex. Snacks, passport, sweater, rain poncho, camera.
Carry-ons
Make sure to pack your carry on bag with enough clothing to last you a couple of days. There are times when airlines may loose your baggage and it can take a few days to get them back. Toothbrush, pajamas, 2 shirts, 1 pair of pants, brush/comb, bathing suit, sturdy shoes and all of your important documentation should be included in your carry on bag.
Extras
- Camera
- Battery Charger
- Deck of cards, good book, i pod
- Binoculars (you can consider these mandatory if you are excited about spotting wildlife).
- It is a good idea to bring small gifts from your country. You can then give them to give to locals you meet and form friendships with. For children you may encounter – DO NOT give sweets. They may not have access to good dental care depending on area. A toothbrush, toothpaste, pencil and sharpener, “Learn English” books are a fantastic present.
Money
A debit card/credit card that you can use to withdraw money at ATMs is the easiest and most convenient way to travel with money. Travelers checks are the safest way to carry large sums of money because they can be replaced if lost or stolen. If you do choose this option, buy the checks in US dollars and in small denominations. There are places that do not like cashing travelers checks: remember you will need your passport when you are cashing checks. Travel into the country with at least $100USD in small denominations. It is really hard to get small change in a lot of countries and people will not accept large bills.
In case of emergency family members can send money via Western Union, bank wires, or if possible, direct deposit into your bank account (check with your local branch about these options).
Spending Money
This is up to the individual. Depending on how many souvenirs you buy, what type of restaurants you want to eat in, expensive nights out, some of you make be on a tight budget. Each of you will have different personal preferences on how to spend your money.
Eco-Librium Sustainable Adventures recommends bringing a minimum of $250 dollars a week. This allows for major tourist attractions, money for meals, and additional costs. If you love shopping and splurging bring more!
