Packing Help - Peru and the Galapagos Island
Hello, fellow travelers. Knowing that some of you are experts or at minimum, very well versed when it comes to comes to packing, I come to you once again for your help. Light packing is something I am not good at and have failed at more than once. Hubby and I are going on the Peru and the Galapagos Island tour this June, June 2024. Last time I came to you for help, (Kenya and Tanzania trip) you guys were amazing! This time I will ask the same type questions - As previously stated, we will be going on the Peru and Galapagos Island tour. I will be packing for hubby as well as for myself. - What do I need to pack? - How many of each? - Do hotels offer laundry service? - Which do you recommend for laundry? - Sunscreen - is there a specific kind I need to get? Please be as specific as possible. (Extra credit for pictures, if possible.) Is there anything else I should be asking about that I am not? I am very excited about this trip and with your help, I know it will be wonderful! Thank you in advance for ALL your help!! Thelma
Comments
Not specific at all, but keep in mind, with the exception of the welcome and farewell and possibly dinner at the Monastery in Cusco, you are on an expedition! Even at the aforementioned places, dress is very casual. The other thing that can make it difficult to choose clothes is that this is essentially two tours in one. It will be quite warm in Lima, and the Galapagos, but cool in the mountains and Sacred Valley (Cusco, Sacsayhuaman, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu). While warm in the Gallapagos, you'll want to dress light (we wore our K&T safari clothes) but still cover up- The Galapagos are right on the equator so the sun can be very strong. I don't remember if laundry was available but don't think so. If there was, we didn't use it. To get a sense of what to wear, it is a good idea to go back through the forums (right column) and look at photos from prior travelers. You'll see photos from all situations and locations.
These posts have photos of typical daytime wear in the Galapagos and some discussions of many topics related to this tour:
https://forums.tauck.com/discussion/16409/cruising-the-galapagos-february-2023#latest
https://forums.tauck.com/discussion/13892/peru-machu-pichu-galapagos-clothing
text only:
https://forums.tauck.com/discussion/comment/33295#Comment_33295
We did that tour in 2021 when there were a lot of COVID precautions. It was called Hidden Galápagos and Peru but I think it's the same tour. You can see what we did (and wore) on that tour at https://www.mikeandjudytravel.com/2021-1Galapagos-01.htm
There were only ten Tauck people on that tour. We were on the Silversea ship, the Silver Origin, in the Galápagos, which was a great ship.
Mike - The “Hidden Galapagos and Peru” is on the Silver Seas ship. The tour without Hidden in the title is on the Isabella II. At least I think that is the distinction.
@Smiling Sam - I went and checked and you're correct. In any case, the Silversea ship was very nice. I'm sure the Isabela is nice or Tauck wouldn't use it.
Mike - Thanks to you we went on this trip with Sivlersea in 2023. I had no intention of going to the Galapagos as I am not a good swimmer, however, it made little difference as you and Smiling Sam were very encouraging and I appreciate it. It was a wonderful trip and Sivlersea did an excellent job. The dress code was very casual and laid back.
The Isabella ll is a very basic expedition ship and you certainly don’t need to dress up on it at all. We have had two tours on it and just love the ship and crew. We are mostly expedition type travelers and find the more formal tours tedious as far as dressing is concerned these past few years.
Just a note to just about everyone- despite what you might think (and I initially thought also), and contrary to how the French and Spanish queens spelled their names, The boat, Isabela II. has just one "L" in her name.
@Noreen - Good to hear that you enjoyed the cruise. Smiling Sam and I will look for our commission from Silversea
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Whoops, you are correct Alan.
Alan, the "Professor" is always correct! I'm surprised I was only off by one letter. 😂
In regards to clothing, on the Isabela II, most everyone wore nylon type, quick drying clothes. Some days everyone had clothing draped over the railing (inside glass windows) rinsed and drying or just drying from getting wet. As far as the Peru part, again it was very casual but nicer pants and tops.I believe that the last night many people got a little dressier for a very nice cocktail reception and dinner. We never bring sport jackets or dresses and go carry-on for 2 weeks. Black pants can be worn every day, but maybe bring 2 pairs. A bathing suit was used on the boat, but only by a few of us. Loved this trip! Enjoy!