1. Main luggage for check-in–very common (& suggested) is a rugged, rolling style duffel with a retractable handle. (Please, if you already have a good & trustworthy duffel style bag that works for you, don’t go out and buy one just for the rolling wheels.) Typically, these have zippered access to the top, or main compartment and several zippered side and/or end pockets. As for the size, if you can manage it yourself for the equivalent of a short city block or the length of an airport concourse, along with a small backpack style daypack, and camera bag (and maybe, without spilling a latte, to go, from Starbucks), then you’re probably okay. {Stow a second bag inside this first one for goodies you will buy on this trip to be checked in on return flight. It should be one that can easily be folded into this luggage.}

Hint – lay out everything you want to pack for this trip and then pack half of it!!!! Biggest problem we have is tooooo much luggage!

Just for example–my main luggage piece is an Eagle Creek model (and, certainly there are other good brands), on wheels, with telescoping handle. Dimensions are roughly 14"-15" wide, 28" long/tall and with expandable depth from about 12"-16". To take the weight off my shoulders and back, I can sometimes secure my almost 25 pound camera bag or back pack to the telescoped handle while in the rolling along mode. Practice this ahead of time so you don’t lose something in transit. A couple short bungee cords might come in handy here.

2. Backpack/Daypack–the frameless kind, kind of like the ones used by almost every student in the U.S., from elementary schools to college campuses. Likely items for backpack include:

• Your most essential toiletries
• any medications
• extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses & solutions
• any other essential personal items
• small tissue packs
• insect repellant (small, non-aerosol)
• hand/face soap (preferably, bio-degradable)
• one or two changes of socks & underwear along with an extra tee-shirt,
• rain jacket (lightweight/stuffable) and/or plastic poncho (the $1-$3 kinds at K-Mart and Target kinds of stores)
• lightweight pullover or shirt--if air conditioning on the plane is too cool. Depending on time of year, it can be cool in Lima. The highlands will certainly be cool to cold at night..
• your travel journal
• paperback book/other reading material/deck of cards, etc.
• film (removed from cardboard packaging and in ziploc bags*
• camera
• laminated passport copy*
• roll of black electrical tape

3. Fanny Pack/Waistpack–preferably with water bottle holder (you MUST have a water bottle).

• Passport*--unless it’s in a pouch w/ neck strap, or in another quickly accessible, secure and undisclosed location.
• Immunization record (stapled & taped to back cover of passport works really well & can even form a small pocket for safe keeping of customs and immigration forms which will be received and needed later)
• a laminated copy of your passport*
• money* & credit card carrier
• wash ‘n’ dry towelettes
• extra pens/pencils
• small notebook for when "in the field"
• perhaps, a couple more rolls of film (removed from cardboard packaging)
• sunglasses
• sunscreen (go for the higher numbered protection factors)
• chapstick style sunscreen protection for the lips

a. Checked luggage–usually arrives without incident & will eventually make its way off the plane & to the luggage carousel. But, there is never a guarantee. If you can’t live without it (and/or if its absence might result in social embarrassment), make sure it’s in your backpack or fanny pack.

b. Checked luggage–Yes, the airlines typically allow for two checked pieces. But, can you (singularly, alone, by yourself and with ease) handle two, to-be-checked items plus your carry-ons, along with that latte from Starbucks? With rare exception, one checked bag is the recommendation.

c. Carry-ons–understandably, the airlines are becoming increasingly more stringent. One carry-on (the daypack) that adheres to the overhead bin size restrictions, plus the fanny/waist pack will be no problem. But, especially for the serious photographer types among us–two carry-ons could be; might be problematic. The serious photographer will certainly risk clean underwear, socks and a toothbrush before parting with his/her expensive photo gear. So, if this is you (and, me) consider yourself now duly forewarned. Wrap your camera bodies and mega-telephoto with clean underwear and tuck a compact toothbrush & deodorant in with your lens cleaning accessories.

d. Getting through security–if it is pointed, sharp, cleans finger nails, looks like a corkscrew or hat pin, please make sure it’s in your checked piece of luggage!!!

Packing list guidelines (this is aside from what you will wear to the airport)

a. Lightweight & quick drying–cotton, nylon, blended fibers & some of the newer, lightweight miracle fibers are recommended because they dry more quickly and take up less space. Denim jeans are fine for the highlands, but remember, they still take up more space, take longer to dry and don’t have nearly as many pockets.

b. Layering–pack and dress with layering as your priority.

c. Underwear, socks & tee-shirts–daily changes with a couple of extras.

d. Long-sleeved shirts–three, lightweight

e. Pants– four pair (I’m partial to the lightweight, multi-pocketed, cargo-style with the zip-off legs—especially if you are continuing on to the Amazon).

f. Tennis/sneaker type shoes–for casual wear . Hiking boots if you have them for hiking the trails around Machu Picchu, not a requirement. Tennis shoes are fine.

g. Additionally–flip-flops or teva-style sandals are preferred by some.

h. Shorts–one pair of shorts

i. Bathing suit–modesty is the key here, this is a cultural thing we should respect. For the women, one piece suits will be preferred. There will be an opportunity to swim in the hot springs at Aguas Calienta.

j. Hat (s)–at least one that is brimmed to shade nose, ears & neck (you know, the Indiana Jones jungle styles) and maybe a baseball style cap. At just a few degrees south of the Equator, the tropical sun can produce a trip-ruining sunburn in very short order.

k. Bandanas–to use as headbands. Perspiring profusely, these will be really appreciated

l. Additionally: • alarm clock • Penlight flashlight (optional, maybe in your backpack) • Ziploc bags–a few extra quart/gallon size • Garbage bags–a couple of the larger size–for wet, smelly laundry and for emergency photo gear protection • First-aid essentials (band-aids, tweezers, gauze pads, sterile wipes, antibiotic ointment) • Extra feminine hygiene products • anti-histamines and/high altitude sickness medications (those who have used this before often did not notice it mattered)

m. For video & camcorders–extra, fully-charged batteries!!!! You can recharge (with a 220/110 converter plug) at hotels

n. Binoculars–those who have binoculars will really appreciate them, especially for the early morning boating/birding/wildlife search excursions. Yes, there’s a greater diversity of wildlife here than anywhere else on the planet. But remember, this is not a walk-through zoo or wildlife park. Much of the fauna we hope to see will be cautious, often distant and frequently reclusive. Especially if you are a birder, you will appreciate having your binoculars in the highlands.

o. Electrical tape/Duct tape/or, similar–for emergency security–for when the, seemingly, most rugged zipper, handle or strap breaks at the most in-opportune moment. I’m partial to a couple rolls of black electrician’s tape. They’re small, don’t take up much space and can be tucked into a carry-on for quick accessibility. Highly recommended!

a. film–I’m not pushing a particular brand, but FUJI film comes in clear, see-through canisters. With increased security and hand inspections–the see through canisters can make life a bit easier at security checkpoints.

b. laminated passport copies: personally, I recommend having one tucked safely away in each piece of luggage, carry-on and camera bag.

c. Passport copy–asap–one copy must be received here at Eco-Image Travel (and if yours is new, don’t forget to sign it!!!

d. Passport number–you’ll need to be writing it several times. This is a great number to memorize.

e. Laundry—opportunities will be available through our hotels and/or at local laundry shops.

Snacks & munchies– Favorite "wrapped" munchies to throw in your backpack for in between meals.

For wearing to the airport for outbound flight: Your hiking style shoes/boots (comfortable and well broken in), Better to wear them than to pack them? Long pants, tee-shirt/short sleeved shirt with long sleeved shirt on (or, easily available for layering), light jacket or windbreaker on, or, easily available.

Sweaters - Alpaca, llama, and Vicuna garments are available and inexpensive (a relative term ). You might want to take one light jacket and wait until you arrive in the highlands to buy beautiful Peruvian sweaters and ponchos.

Money–your soft drink (and other beverages) and souvenir money should be in low denominations–plenty of one’s and five’s and several ten’s and then a few twenties. All bills must be clean, unmarked w/ ink and relatively crisp. If they are wrinkled, worn-looking, have any writing on them or have torn edges–they most likely will not be accepted anywhere in Peru.

Changing money–we will have an opportunity to do this. Though, The American dollar is widely accepted and always greatly appreciated. The Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol. Current rate of exchange in Nuevo Soles is roughly 3.5 to the dollar. There will be ample opportunities for exchanging money, or retrieving money in soles from ATM’s.

VISA–is the most commonly accepted credit card and can be used at many shops throughout Peru.

ATM’s–Yes, they are fairly common in main shopping & business areas throughout Peru’s tourist destinations. The challenge is to find one that will accept your ATM or credit card. Check with your issuing financial institution to verify your card can be used internationally, and that your PIN will be recognized, specifically in Peru. Should it work anywhere you see the CIRRUS, VISA, MAGICLINE, etc. symbols? Theoretically, yes. But, best to be prepared with a backup contingency fund tucked away.

Guide Tips–more about planning ahead with money: For your guide, a fair rule-of-thumb is $5 per day per participant. Thus, $25 -$30 if you are pleased with the overall knowledge, expertise, personality, etc. of your guide, is a reasonably fair amount. (Personally, I’m a strong proponent for tipping to the high side, especially here.). Before you even leave home, stick this amount aside in an envelope. Your tips, your tangible tokens of appreciation, will be personally given by you, to your guide.

A word about film: In general, for the average traveler, shooting for personal scrapbook memories, 400-speed film is the best all around choice. If you are shooting professionally, or, with publication aspirations, 100-speed ("push-able" to 200-speed) is, typically, the film of choice. In this case, be prepared with a sturdy tripod. Mine collapses and can be dismantled so as to be packed in (or, strapped securely alongside) my checked-in piece of luggage. If you are shooting digitally, make sure you understand film speed equivalents, equipment capabilities and limitations.

Batteries–Particularly for photo and flash needs, be adequately prepared. Be more than adequately prepared.

Passports: Usually requires a minimum of four weeks, and can take up to a couple of months. Please, apply immediately. You will need an original birth certificate. Applications can usually be obtained at your local county court or local county administrative offices. Call first to be sure. Passport cost is approximately $65. No visa is required for entry into Peru.

Customs: As for entering most any foreign country–no fresh produce, fruit, seeds, etc. No drugs–if you have prescription medicine you must take, it might be wise to have the prescription with you, just in case.

National and Local Laws and Customs: Even though you are a U.S. Citizen, in a foreign country you are subject to the rules of that country. You must be certain to follow the rules and regulations of Peru. If laws are broken, you will be subject to the criminal justice system of Peru.

Immunizations:

Yellow fever immunization is recommended but, not required for entrance into Peru. As well, tetanus, polio, and hepatitis A & B should be up to date. Again, please, check with your local health department and/or the CDC for these and any other recommendations.

Insurance: Trip Purchase Protection covers trip cancellation, interruption, delay, emergency medical care, emergency medical transportation and repatriation. Travel Guard’s Protect Assist policy is highly recommended. Purchase on-line at: www.TravelGuard.com

Liability Waiver: On the reverse side of your application/registration form–must be signed by each participant for permission to participate in/on the trip.as a condition for participation.

Lodging: Hotels will be basic to moderate. They will be clean and with private baths and hot showers.

Time Difference: Peru is in the same time zone as Eastern Standard, however daylight savings time is not observed.

Altitude Sickness: Access the following website for information about altitude illness :

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/altitude.htm

We will be going into these altitudes with a designated day for rest and acclimatization.

• Bandanas–to use as headbands. Perspiring profusely, these will be really appreciated. Have a few extras, the little kids in the villages love to trade for your bandanas!
• Rubber boots–mid-calf height, for most muddy trail jungle hikes & excursions can be purchased in Iquitos
• Additionally: • alarm clock • Small Flashlight -D-cell preferred w/ extra bulb & batteries, • Penlight flashlight (optional, maybe in your backpack) • Extra insect repellant (non-aerosol, and avoiding the high % of DEET concentrations) • Ziploc bags–a few extra quart/gallon size • Garbage bags–a couple of the larger size–for wet, smelly laundry and for emergency photo gear protection • First-aid essentials (band-aids, tweezers, gauze pads, sterile wipes, antibiotic ointment) • Extra feminine hygiene products • anti-histamines and/or anti-itch allergy medications and topical anti-itch sticks/creams
• For video & camcorders–extra, fully-charged batteries!!!! You cannot recharge batteries in the Amazon

How to pack, especially for the Amazon: This has become an appreciated suggestion for many, especially for fresh & dry feeling underwear, socks and tee-shirts. In a gallon-size Ziploc bag: one pair socks, underpants & tee-shirt. Kneel on bag to press out air & zip closed. One bag per day. Just grab one bag when you head to the shower & you’ll always have these items fresh and dry.

• Snacks & munchies–should be of the packaging where once you open it, you consume it all at once. Especially in the rainforest, in your cabin–partially consumed items will invariably attract all manner of biodiversity. Decide if you want all this biodiversity with you … in your cabin. Personally, other than for a snack in the airports, I never have food munchies at the lodge. The food served is ample and wonderful. But, if you must have your private cache, consider yourself advised and forewarned.
• VISA–is the most commonly accepted credit card and can be used at many shops throughout Peru.
• Guide Tips–more about planning ahead with money: For your guide, a fair rule-of-thumb is $5 per day per participant. Thus, $25 -$30 if you are pleased with the overall knowledge, expertise, personality, etc. of your guide, is a reasonably fair amount. (Personally, I’m a strong proponent for tipping to the high side, especially here.). Before you even leave home, stick this amount aside in an envelope. Your tips, your tangible tokens of appreciation, will be personally given by you, to your guide.
• Explorama staff tips–for your motoristas, cooks, servers, room cleaners, bed makers, watchmen, grounds keepers, and others–this amount has already been built in to your program cost at about $45 per person and will be given to the lodge administrator who will in turn distribute it proportionately among his hard working and certainly deserving staff. This, again, affirms that responsible eco-tourism has a role in the complicated formula of addressing rainforest conservation and sustainability.
• Immunizations: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, GA recommends prophylactic treatment for malaria. Typically, Mefloquin or Larium is prescribed. These are in pill form and taken once per week beginning one week prior to travel and continuing for five weeks. [Amazon only]
• Lodging: Hotels will be basic to moderate. They will be clean and with private baths and hot showers.

Explorama Lodge, the rustic cabins will be mostly double (possibly triple) occupancy WITH mosquito netted beds. Outhouse style bathrooms and ambient temperature showers are in a separate bath/shower buildings.

• Explorama rainforest excursions: Usually lasting two-three hours. These are casual strolls, often along muddy trails. Mid-calf, rubber boots will be worn. While these excursions are not difficult or strenuous, participants should be in good physical condition.
• Rainforest excursion dress protocol: FJA–or, Full Jungle Attire will be expected. This means long pants (with socks pulled up over the pant legs/cuffs), long sleeve shirt, rubber boots, hat, and fanny pack with water bottle.
• Time Difference: Peru is in the same time zone as Eastern Standard, however daylight savings time is not observed. For the Amazon, being so close to the Equator, the days and nights are pretty much of equal length. By 6 A.M. it’s light. By 6 P.M. it’s dark.
• Explorama meals: Wonderfully prepared local foods are served. There will be lots of chicken, fish and possibly some beef. Marvelously diverse tropical fruits (locally harvested) and vegetables from the Andean highlands are often served along several variations of rice and beans–this, a Latin American staple. Vegetarians will find plenty to be filling, but should make their needs known in advance.

• Hairdryers/blowers and/or curling irons–as you’ll not find any electrical outlets in your Explorama Lodge bungalow or bathhouse.