Hi,
I am going on the Hola Peru tour leaving on the 20th December, so not long now!
I am having a few problems trying to decide what clothes to bring. I think I have got everything for the Inca trail sorted, but I'm not sure how hot it will be for the first week (Lima to Aqueripa) or once we get to the Amazon. Will t-shirts/vest tops and trousers be fine, or will that be too hot?
Also, as the tour is over Christmas and New Year, will we be likely to need nicer clothes to wear for going out on those days, or as it's an adventurer style tour will everyone be in t-shirts/fleeces and combats everyday regardless of location or occasion?
(sorry for the questions, it's been 10 years since I did this sort of travel and I don't want to bring too much, but equally want to bring the right things!)
Thanks!
Clothing for Peru
Hello
Thanks so much for getting in touch.
Basically, I would recommend that while you travel from Lima to Cuzco on days 1 to 5 you wear light and breathable clothing, together with decent sunglasses and a proper sun hat. Zip-off trousers that convert to shorts are ideal, as well as loose t-shirts and warm-weather shirts that allow the arms to roll up and down to protect from the sun.
However, as you gradually ascend you will need warmer clothing such as a fleece top (one will be enough), and thermal underwear for the night time. Fleece or thin ski gloves are also ideal for extra insulation, as well as a woolen hat and several pairs of thick and comfortable socks.
Some other items that you might want to consider (both obvious and not so obvious!) are listed below:
• Sun Hat.
• Sun glasses and case.
• LOTS of sunscreen.
• A good book.
• 100% Deet spray and roll-on if you prefer.
• 1000 Mile double-lined walking socks.
• Blister plasters (Boots will have these).
• Basic first aid kit (although your guides will have
everything you will need. Still, it’s good to be prepared.
• Hydration salts.
• Head Torch (don’t bother with standard bulb lamps. Get
LED. They are more expensive but you save your money in
the long run with batteries. Petzl are great! They are
especially handy when reading.
• Spare batteries.
• Pen Knife.
• Sleeping sheet (thin sheet to go between you and the
sleeping bag to provide extra insulation and cleanliness.
Can also be used as a blanket alone, on warmer nights.
• Sterile hand drops.
• Lip salve (at least two).
• Sports hydration sachets (Lucozade, Maximuscle, etc) to
mix with water.
• A 2-3 litre CamelBack hydration bag with drinking tube.
It’s far better to stay hydrated with small, frequent
sips then to have the occasional swig of water.
CamelBack are the best brand, in my opinion.
• Lastly, and most important of all is a decent and
comfortable day sack of around 20-25 litres in size.
Blacks Outdoors are the better company for these.
It should have a reasonably breathable back, with side
pockets and pouches, and a chest strap to help take the
weight off of your shoulders.
I doubt that you will be required to wear nicer clothing for Christmas, however you might like to set aside a change of clothes just for that time that is completely unworn and perhaps a little more presentable, as this might help make the day more special.
I hope that this helps answer some of your questions, and I hope you have a wonderful time with us.
_________________________
Regards,
Tristan Smith
Travel Consultant
•Email: tristan@imtrav.net
•Tel: (44) 01473 - 667337 (Direct Sales)
•Tel: (44) 01473 - 667333 (Agency Sales)
•The Imaginative Traveller Online
The Imaginative Travelle
Thanks Tristan, I think I have everything I need now, my only problem is what trousers I bring. I have a pair of walking/ zip off trousers for trekking, and also some light combats which will be suitable for warmer weather, but I'm not sure what to wear on free days in Cuzco and Aqueripa. I was considering travelling in jeans and wearing those on those days - would they be totally unsuitable? I know jeans aren't normally recommended for travelling, but on the free days surely we won't be going anywhere wet/muddy/trekking?!
My other alternative is linen trousers, but I wasn't sure they'd be warm enough. I can feel the cold and don't want to regret not bringing something warm enough, but I'm finding it very hard to find suitable clothing on the high street (I'm tall and most high street shops are too short for me).
I have plenty of layers for the top half, so it's just the trousers that are the problem!
Travel trousers
Hello again
The zip-off trousers and the light combats should be suitable for your trip, and for free days a pair of jeans should also be fine. However, in warmer weather a pair of jeans can become very stifling and are also difficult to dry after washing them.
You might want to consider thicker combats as these will dry more quickly but will still be heavy enough to provide ample warmth.
___________________________
Regards,
Tristan Smith
Travel Consultant
•Email: tristan@imtrav.net
•Tel: (44) 01473 - 667337 (Direct Sales)
•Tel: (44) 01473 - 667333 (Agency Sales)
•The Imaginative Traveller Online
The Imaginative Travelle