Peru INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST
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Hi there, i'm going on this trip. Really looking forward to it but a little apprehensive.
Anyone else travelling from Northern Ireland?
Hi All,
I have been on about 22 Exodus trips, and 4 more trips before Peru, so its at the back of my mind at present, I don't seem to find the time to read up on a country before going there.
I am not sure what the guides carry, but a packet of asprin in case of headaches at altitude may be handy.
No need to be nervous or apprehensive, thats an advantage of group trips with local guides.
( my previous trips at www.1sandstone.net ).
Hi Fiona,
I think a rucksack ( or a soft bag ) is the safer bet if you have one, they are easier to stack in the transport, I suggest a read of page 5 of the trip notes, as luggage on the trek bit is limited, with porters carrying some, and anything else you carry yourself, I guess some luggage can be left somewhere. It all requires a bit more thought than chucking it all in.
I use a 80 ltr rucksack and a 30 ltr day pack, which is a flexable arrangement, but starting with a half hour walk from home its really the only option.
I shall travel from near Bristol to LHR by coach, to link up with the group flight.
Dave P..Hi Fiona,
It can be difficult finding fellow travelers at the airport, just so many people. also even if you spot an Exodus luggage label, they may be on a different trip. generaly you meet the others when leaving the arrival airport. ( I look for people wearing walking boots ).
Personaly I pefer rucksacks with side pockets, used for waterproofs, then you know where they are, and have quick and easy access to them, ( good for sudden storms ).
Dave P..
Anyone got ideas or good advice about what clothes we need to bring and necessary accessories?
Maybe you could write up a packing list for us Dave??
Fiona - I'me planning on using a wheeled soft bag and a day rucksack. Also, I'me flying from London too so hopefully we can meet up there before our flight to Madrid.
Roisin
Hi Roisin
I do not normally think about a trip until about a week before, but this one does require a bit more thought. I have two trips before this one so its not been the first priority, but I will have a serious think about it when I return from the next one on 10-June
Dave P..
Hi Roisin
Packing list, well everyone has different ideas on what they need to take, the advice on page 7 of the trip notes is a good start. Day time clothing and the amount is a personal choice, but long trousers and a warm top for evenings is normally a must. The biggest problem is not knowing how cold it may get, so I guess thermals will need to be included. The jungle section is only 3 days total, so the weight restriction should not be a problem.
The Inca Trail is a different matter, at 5 days and a 7Kg porter limit. As a guide I have just weighed my sleeping bags, the winter bag weighs 2Kg, summer one 1.6Kg, thermal liner 0.5Kg, and foam mat
less than 0.5Kg I think I may just take the winter bag, but not totally sure. Possibly a good idea is to get out all you need for the trek and weigh it all, then work out what needs to be carried by yourself.
( then change your mind and dump what you don't really need ).
Other possible gems of wisdom,
I pack everything in dry bags, it segegates things, and no worries if luggage gets a soaking.
Travel wearing your walking boots, ( always asume airline will mislay your luggage ).
Travel with your washing Kit/Towel, ( same reason as above ).
Full waterproofs, always in the day pack.
Toilet roll, always in day pack.
asprin in case of headaches at altitude.
Head tortch, so much better than a hand held one.
Bear in mind water is 1Kg per litre.
Thats about all the brain can come up with at present, I hope its a help, but will be happy to try and answer any areas that I have missed.
Dave P..
How many US$ to take, well I normally take too much as any left over can be used on a future trip. From the notes it looks like :-
Tips 60
Tips (Trek) 50
Meals 200
Beer ??
+ any of the options, all of them = $215
+ souvenirs, and the unexpected.
As for peruvian currency, I would expect that Tips and any options could be paid in UD$ not sure about the lodge in the Amazon (possibly). But meals etc, possibly best in nuevo sol. As days 5 & 6 are in Cuzco with opportunities for changing money, only a small amount need be changed at the start of the trip..
I shall be arriving at LHR(5) at 14:25 27-July by National Express Coach from Bristol. Happy to meet anyone before traveling, would need to arrange a meeting point ( shop or cafe ?? )..
Dave P..
Many thanks Dave for all the useful advice regarding items to pack and money - I have been advised by a few others that I should wait & hire a sleeping bag when we get there. Do you know if this is possible?
Fiona, it would be great to meet before our flight to Madrid. I arrive in Heathrow (terminal 4 I think!) at 2:15pm from Belfast. I'm not familiar with shops or cafes in Terminal 5 though how about 3:30pm as a suitable time, if someone else wants to name a place?
Roisin
The following is cut out of the advice from Exodus :-
Sleeping bags are available for hire in country, or from Trek HireUK (www.trekhireuk.com). Trek Hire UK can also provide a range oftrekking essentials and accessories, from down jackets to rucksacksand waterproofs. Please note that supplies are limited, and it isadvisable to reserve any equipment as early as possible. For furtherdetails please ask for our Trek Hire leaflet.
So yes it is possible to hire in Peru, problem they don't say where or the cost, and I assume it would have to be done the day you arrive, as the next day, to quote --
" Day 2 Early start for the flight to Puerto Maldonado "
Maybe its possible to hire in Puerto Maldonado. If hiring is your best option then I would give Exodus an Email or call, They should have someone who has been on the tip, or able to advise.
Meeting place, there is a Starbucks and a WH Smiths Bookstore ( They also have another outlet ).
Google "Heathrow shops" to find other places.
Dave P..
Im booked into this trek next year. Regarding sleeping bags, i requested one when i booked the holiday, it was £35 for the trip. If its anything like the pervious trek i went on with Exodus, the tour leader will give you the sleeping bag on arrival
Might be worth asking Exodus to add one on for you and ask if you can pay now
4pm at Starbucks sounds good Fiona - see you there
Yes getting really excited about the trip now, though deciding what to bring and what not to
bring is going to be a challenge!
Happy packing everyone,
Roisin
Fiona - I just got my flight details for next years trip and i dont have those flights booked either.
When i went to Everest Base Camp the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla wasnt prebooked and was booked buy the guide the day before the flight. I suspect its the same with the Puerto Maldonado to cuzco flight
Hi Fiona,
No need to contact Exodus regarding the Internal flight, these flights are arranged localy, tickets may be given out at the start of the tour, or at the airport, one way or another they just happen, so no need to even think about it.
Dave P..
