We're taking our two kids (10 &13) to MP and the Amazon in early June. I figure this is a pretty rugged trip and am trying to figure out the proper outerwear to bring -- fleece, rain gear, etc. Thoughts?

ttt

I visited MP and the northern Amazon in August of 2004; packing was a bit tricky, as space was limited on trains and riverboats and such.

The Cusco/MP area can be pretty chilly; the fleece is probably a good idea. I layered a lot! In the Amazon, I didn't even use my raincoat as it was so warm; in fact, it really didn't rain very much when I was there, but even when it did, it felt good to get soaked--and I don't think a raincoat would have done much good anyway.

Have a great trip; it's a marvelous experience.

(There's a few pix at www.webshots/community/missalg )

Someday I'll get that webshots address right: sorry, it's http://community.webshots.com/user/missalg

Nadiner, Between Cusco and Iquitos (northern Amazon), we stayed a night in Lima and they kept part of our luggage in their hotel storage area (no charge). Then, when returning from Iquitos, we stayed a night at the same hotel, retrieved our luggage before heading back to the U.S. Kept us from dragging cooler weather clothing to the Amazon and space is limited on the riverboats.
To the Amazon, we brought along rain ponchos purchased from Wal-Mart very cheap. They did the trick. Remember to bring along long pants and long sleeved shirts for night time mosquitos (although we didn't have a problem in October).
And, yes, you'll need layers for Cusco (fleece, sweatshirts, etc.) They will have sweatshirts there. Also, be aware of the altitude from you're coming from a lower elevation.
Happy travels! Peru is amazing!!

Pardon the hijack, please ....

kywood1955, I'm thinking of going back to the Amazon in October. What lodge(s) did you visit? I realize it's pretty much the same year-round, but the mozzies were pretty bad in August; I'm glad to hear October was better. How much rain did you get? (I just get so excited talking about this...)

Amy, We stayed at the Explorama Lodge. Web site at bottom of this posting. It's about 2 hrs boat ride from Iquitos. Within walking distance (30 minutes or so) to the Canopy Walkway. Little cabins, kerosene lights, yummy local foods, quiet, peaceful. We would get about an hour of rain per afternoon. Nice time for the hammock shack with cold beer! Monkeys and birds came into the cabin at night; no glass on the windows. They kept purified water on the walkways for drinking. And brought water to your room for washing up in the mornings (just throw it out the window when done.) Shower house and bathrooms (no odor; lots of lime) down the walkway. Take a shower in the afternoon as the river water will be a little warmer. Oh...I would return in a minute!!
http://www.explorama.com/lodges.htm

**Amy squeeeees like a little girl**Me too! That's where I was in August of 2004~it is phenomenal, isn't it? I'm hoping October will be as good as August was from a rain perspective--and better as far as the mosquitoes are concerned. I really wanted to stay at Explornapo for another week...

I lived in Peru for several years and visited Machu Picchu. You will definitely want to take a fleece and rain gear at that time of year. Almost, allow yourself some time to adjust to the altitude once you reach Macchu Picchu. It is a beautiful place to visit, and you will enjoy it. Always be aware for thieves.

Have fun!