Suggested Clothing & Equipment List
This list is designed to help you plan your clothing and equipment needs for your upcoming trip with Sergio Photo Tours. Just the essentials are necessary, so try to pack minimally. If the itinerary calls for camping we provide all the group camping equipment (tents, etc.), except sleeping bags and pads. To enjoy the tour, please bring along some essentials that are nice to have that make life easier, especially when in remote areas. This list should cover you needs. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
The trip can include many kinds of activities usually urban at the beginning and end, but mostly in remote areas. Temperatures will vary during the year but can be warm to hot during the day and a little cool to cold at night. The Andes are usually sunny but if it rains it gets cold and/or windy. The Amazon is hot and humid year-round but can get cold if a southern front moves in.
Pro Tip: prepare for various climates and changing weather patterns even if you are doing just one activity.
The activities and accommodations could include the following locations – depending on your specific itinerary:
- In La Paz, Cusco, Bogota, Quito, Bariloche, Puerto Natales: Walking around the city or to some viewpoints/ruins = walking, light hiking and 4wd overland travel. We are mostly hotel based. On special itineraries, we may have 1-2 nights camping.
- On the Altiplano & Lake Titicaca: Light hiking on dirt and rocky terrain, high-altitude alpine tundra vegetation with possible camping on sandy beaches. You need to have dry clothes and shoes for the camp at night. Hotels and maybe camping.
- In the Andes Mountains: Some walking, light hiking, or extended trekking. It can be sunny and warm and/or sunny and cold. Very likely some cold winds, and it will be cold at night. Hotels and/or camping (if the itinerary includes required camping).
- In the Atacama Desert: hot, windy, sandy, can get cold at night. Unless it’s a hard trek, most activities are walks/light hiking.
- In the Amazon basin: River travel in open boats, walking, short hikes, horseback riding and swimming. Hot, sunny & humid. Your feet may get wet or muddy. Hotels are the norm, possibly basic accommodations, camping if the itinerary requires it.
The clothing for these activities varies slightly but easily complement each other so they can be used throughout the trip unless we state a very specific need. In some regions you will need specific clothing (think Andes or Amazon) depending on the season and current weather. We always recommend to dress in layers (think like an onion) so you can adjust your comfort level easily.
- 1 pair of lightweight hiking shoes or trekking boots (a combination of synthetic & leather is good)
- 1 pair of sneakers – or light footwear that you don’t mind getting wet and with good tread.
- 1 pair of river or sports sandals (make sure they won’t come off in water environments, especially rapids!)
- 1 pair of flip-flops (great for showers and for letting your feet relax)
- 1-2 pairs of wool/synthetic liner socks (worn next to the skin, they help prevent blisters)
- 2 pairs of thin or medium weight wool socks (worn over liner socks for best results)
- 2 pairs of regular cotton/synthetic blend socks that breathe well in warm climates.
- 2-4 pairs of quick-dry underwear, regular top and bottom undergarments (for women – jog bras work well)
- 1 complete set of long underwear tops and bottoms (wool is great, synthetic is good, cotton is dangerous)
- 1 pair of synthetic or wool fleece pants for the cold day hikes and the chilly nights.
- 1 synthetic or wool sweater for the chilly temps (like a hoodie pull-over), w/ pockets is even better!
- 1 pair of quick drying shorts (if they have zippered pockets, great for must-have items)
- 2 short-sleeve t-shirts
- 1 long sleeve is recommended (choose lighter colors for the Amazon)
- 1 pair of lightweight cotton or synthetic pants that convert to shorts or a loose skirt for traveling.
- 1 pair of shorts with a few pockets, if they have at least one with a zipper, that is recommended!
- 1 long-sleeved casual shirt or blouse for the city with collar and pockets
- 1 lightweight down/synthetic sweater or vest for the cold (great warmth for little weight or bulk)
- 1 breathable jacket with hood for wind and rain (i.e.: waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex, Pertex)
- 1 pair over-pants w/zippers for wind and rain (i.e.: waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex, Pertex)
- 1 bathing suit (a quick-dry material is best)
- 1 hat with a full brim (baseball cap with a bandana works too) – protects face, ears, and neck from the sun.
- 1 lightweight wool or synthetic hat (beanie) for chilly days and cold nights
- 1 pair lightweight synthetic fleece or wool gloves with rubber dots for grip (lightweight running gloves work great)
*IF camping is part of your tour, you need to bring the first 3 items. If NOT camping, disregard items 1-3 below.
1) 1 compressible sleeping bag good for freezing temperatures or just below. *This is your personal sleeping bag and can be used in all areas we will be visiting. (Down bags are warm,
light, more compressible but slightly more expensive and become useless when wet. Synthetic bags are warm, slightly heavier, don’t compress as much, work when wet and are a
good value for the money.) Don’t bring ‘Coleman-style’ bags!
We offer rental sleeping bags…please let us know.
2) 1 Compression stuff sack. Used to compress your sleeping bag into a much smaller size. They help you organize with your other bags and save valuable space within the
larger bags as well.
3) 1 or 2 sleeping pad(s) – protects and insulates you from the ground and is very comfortable to sleep on.
*We recommend a regular foam pad on the bottom and an inflatable pad on top of that for the ultimate camp comfort!
We highly recommend you have the following items, as it will make your travel experience that much nicer.
4) A medium sized duffel bag with carrying handles, carry strap and a good beefy zipper that can be locked. This will hold most of your stuff for the whole trip. Please do not bring
hard-sided clam-shell luggage, they will get abused.
5) A few compact and lightweight nylon stuff bags for keeping your stuff sorted between trips.
6) A headlamp with fresh batteries (and spare batteries). Keeps your hands free and are better than flashlights.
7) Personal medications, prescriptions, and hygiene needs (especially if your body is sensitive)
8) Extra set of prescription glasses – including contact lenses and cleaning liquids.
9) 1 personal water bottle (1 quart/liter size) – for keeping you hydrated and healthy.
10) 1 medium towel for drying yourself. We recommend synthetic towels or chamois (please avoid beach towels)
11) Sunscreen that is water or sweat-proof (minimum rating – SPF 30) AND lip balm. Bring more than you think.
12) Insect repellent (spray/lotion) enough for three days in the Amazon – get ones with a high percentage (>80%) of DEET for more protection or get some made of natural
ingredients. Bring more than you think you will need.
13) A digital camera with a zoom lens and extra batteries, CF cards and something to carry it in.
14) 1 small pocketknife or multi-purpose tool with basic tools. You only need a few items. (NOT in your carry-on!)
15) Your personal toiletry kit – bring enough for a week. (Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.) Keep it small and compact.
16) A small or medium day-pack – for day hikes and to carry your essentials every day.
17) Personal first aid kit for minor needs. *We have extended first aid kits for the group.
18) A good quality pair of sunglasses that provide protection from the harmful rays of the sun and reflections.
19) 2 cotton bandanas (they’re useful for everything!) Use under a baseball cap for ear and neck protection.
20) Mobile phone, can take the place of a camera (in many cases), and has many other uses.
Call us if you need advice or help at 303-808-7713 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
You can also e-mail us at sergio@sergiophototours.com or visit www.sergiophototours.com
Updated Sep 1, 2023
