PRACTICAL INFO - What to bring

Things to bring with you on a tour or expedition

THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU

Obviously, the best idea is to bring as little as possible, or at least no more than you can carry comfortably.  Most airline baggage limit is 20kgs, so this should be a maximum.  If you anticipate bringing back a bundle of souvenirs, then significantly less than 20kgs is a better starting point.  It’s important to realize that you will at times have to carry all your own luggage.  This may only be on arrival from the baggage reclaim to a taxi.  On the other hand, when it comes to the jungle tours and expeditions, you may have to carry most of your personal items for up to three days during trekking (although the porters who carry tents, food and equipment for Ecotribal will happily assist members of the group with carrying personal gear at the Tour Leader’s request).

Generally speaking, the more traveling and trekking on the tour, the more careful you need to be in selecting and minimizing what you bring.

WHAT ARE THE MOST ESSENTIAL ITEMS?

PASSPORT

This should be kept on you at all times and always in a safe place (ideally a waterproof belt wallet or pouch).  Your Tourist Card (a small piece of paper given by the Immigrations Officer on arrival at Lima airport) is in essence your Visa or registration of permission to visit Peru; this should be kept safely with your passport until you hand it in when eventually leaving the country for home.

MONEY

Euros or US$ can usually be changed into local currency without problems in South America.  Most major credit cards can be used at atms throughout South America for local currency withdrawals;  they can also be used in many city restuarants and hotels.  Travellers cheques
can also be cashed, but in less places and for a worse exchange rate than hard foreign currency.

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS

For example, copies of the contact phone numbers, passport details and card numbers for any atm cards;  the policy and emergency contact for your travel insurance, and the serial numbers of any traveller's cheques.

SUN HAT, SUNGLASSES & SUNSCREEN

The chances are that you will need all of these at some point on your tour or expedition, but it is possible to buy any of them in country if you wish.  Sun hats are particularly recommended for the rainforest elements of the Tours and expeditions.

WHAT KIND OF BAGS ARE RECOMMENDED?

We recommend a sturdy rucksack or hold-all with strap, plus a smaller shoulder bag or day-pack and, of course, a money belt or pouch which can be comfortably hidden under layers of clothing.  As with all personal items, bags are their owners’ responsibility at all times.

WHAT CLOTHING WILL I NEED?

We can’t and don’t want to tell you what to wear, but lightweight (ideally cotton and loosely fitted), quick drying and hard-wearing clothes are advisable.  One warm sweater or fleece type top is recommended for any cold spells.  However, most people bring many more clothes than they really need, so try to minimise what you pick then weed out again before leaving home. 
Changes of tops, trousers, skirts, underwater, socks are obviously required; as are shorts,
t-shirts and swimming gear.  Apart from this, a lightwieght waterproof jacket or poncho may
well save a soaking or two.  Most items of clothing can be bought locally in Peru if required.

WHAT ABOUT FOOTWEAR?

The most recommended all-round footwear for Ecotribal’s tours and expeditions is a
combination of sturdy shoes or boots with some ankle support, plus open sandals or slaps
(i.e. flip-flops or thongs).  They should be well worn-in and, most importantly, comfortable for
you during prolonged use.  This is particularly true for tours and expeditions that involve some trekking and those to Ashaninka rainforest terrain.  Trekking in the rainforest often involves walking across rivers with strong flows; with this in mind, it’s best to have waterproof sandals which are not too loosely strapped (slaps would be pulled off your feet by the current).

WHAT TOILETRIES WILL I NEED?

Wash bag, toothbrush and towel will be useful on all trips.  We urge participants to use only
eco-friendly and bio-degradable soaps and shampoos wherever possible.

WHAT CAMPING GEAR WILL I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?

The following useful items are listed as essential or recommended for trips where camping is specified e.g. on visits to Ashaninka communities and while trekking:

ESSENTIAL

• Sleeping bag
• Roll mat or inflatable matress (important for your own comfort)
• Water bottle
• Waterproof or plastic bags for clothes and kit storage

RECOMMENDED

·          Torch and batteries (very useful)

·          Utility Knife (optional)

·          Binoculars (optional)

·          Alarm clock (optional)

SHOULD I BRING ANY GIFTS FOR LOCAL PERUVIANS?

You may wish to bring along some small gifts for children or people you meet on your tour or expedition (e.g. pencils, notebooks, hair bands etc. for children in Ashaninka communities or the villages around Cusco and Machu Picchu).  If you want to donate more than this, please discuss in advance with Ecotribal administration or your Tour Leader.

OTHER PRACTICALITIES

WHO RE-CONFIRMS MY FLIGHT?

The short answer is that you – as passenger – must do this.  Reconfirmation of international
flight tickets (e.g. your return flight from South America) is always your responsibility.  It is recommended that you ask for a confirmation reference at the time of reconfirming.  We always strongly advise arriving at the airport early for check-in, but these days it’s often possible to check-in online before-hand, thereby avoid long queues at the terminal.

WHAT ABOUT CAMERA FILM AND BATTERIES?

For most modern cameras, film and memory cards can be obtained in Peru, though it’s more reliable and generally cheaper to bring these with you from home.  A tough case or bag is strongly recommended for your camera and associated equipment.

For expeditions that spend a week or more beyond access to electricity mains, it’s useful to have at least two sets of charged (preferably rechargable) batteries.  Mobile solar chargers are good, but the tours and expeditions are rarely in the same place long enough to be sure of getting a good re-charge that way.  Don't forget the charger for when you’re back in town.

HOW WILL MY CLOTHES GET WASHED?

Good and inexpensive laundry services are available in most hotels, towns and cities in South America.  Tour or expedition participants are expected to cover the cost of their own laundry. While in the jungle there is rarely sufficient time for any serious personal laundry to be washed and dried; but it is usually possible to wash some clothing and dry on the rocks beside the river.

WHAT ARE THE TOILETS LIKE?

Toilets in hotels, towns and cities tend to be of a reasonable standard with flushing systems.  When camping or in the jungle, your Tour Leader will indicate the appropriate toilet site, normally located in a garden within a short distance of the village or camp.  It is recommended that you  carry toilet paper with you at all times.