OaktownTraveler

Have done several searches and would like any specific or general packing advice for July.

Relevant Information:

Female, fashion conscious, and sensible.
Wants night life attire suggestions too.

Thanks!

SharonNRayMc

Hi, Oaktown!

I thought you were going in October. I suppose plans change more often than we like and not everything is in your control especially when you are going with friends.

I almost hate to contribute for fear of signalling the fashion police, but here goes. I know you are genuinely interested as I have seen your posts on the Europe forum.

Now, I have only been to Peru. (Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu). So, hopefully someone else can speak for Chile and Brazil.

TravelTess is right in her comment. Most definitely.

However, not everywhere is rural, so for the cities I think it's smart to dress like a nice adult. I think travelers can send a definitely disrespectful message if we dress as slobs when visiting someone's country, even when it is an impoverished country.

That said, I would say lean to the casual in rural areas. Nice slacks or jeans would be fine. You can pair these with casual shirts and sweaters. (Cusco would also be considered rural because of the number of Quechuan people who visit the citie to sell their wares around the plaza.)

Avoid wearing shorts in public and don't show too much skin... er female-only body parts.

Practically speaking, think about layers, fine silk underwear will be welcome in the Andeas. Expect mornings to be cold, afternoons hot and cold evenings. You will not need layers in the lower altitudes. A hat will be a welcome accessory at the high elevations also.

Oh, and bring plenty of sunblock to protect your skin. (You wouldn't want it to be glowing red!) You will notice in the high Andes that the people sport constant sunburned cheeks. Saline solution for your nose, like Ocean Spray, will be a handy help at the high, dry altitudes.

Bring a rain slicker, just in case. This time of year, your weather should be fine.... it would be more of a must for October. Or, you could skip the rain gear altogether and buy it if you need to. We were in Peru during late June and had no rain to worry about.

Once there, buy a fabulous alpaca sweater to wear at higher elevations. There are some terrific buys. It will also make a great souvenier. You could also go for vicuna.

Lima is a very modern city and you can dress with all your finery or choose to stay casual. Business people and professinals in Lima dress in western attire and tend to be classier and dressier than the US "business casual" attire.

For night life in Cusco, it would be very casual. In Lima, it would depend on the place.

I hope this helps.

And... I can't wait for your trip report. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your two-and-a-half-month long Spanish adventure. You certainly know how to travel!

Best -
Sharon

OaktownTraveler

Sharon and TT:

Thank you for your suggestions.

I had already deleted shorts because of what I had been reading.

How cold is cold? Will I need a Pea Coat or more or will the Alpaca Sweater suffice?

I am thrilled that I will be able to wear my fashionable clothes!

Again, your help and specifics are much appreciated.

OT

SharonNRayMc

For the cold think sweatshirt, alpaca sweater, light jacket. (That's for the high altitudes in Peru.) We made it as high as 14,000 feet. Cusco is 11,500 or so and Macho Picchu is about 8,000.) I just looked at my photos and even the natives in Lima wore light jackets.

As tourists from North America (34 degrees north of the equator...think OKC) we were mostly dressed in short sleeves in Lima and during midday in the mountains.

OaktownTraveler

Thanks Sharon!

OT