We will be visiting Peru for two and a half weeks beginning in mid-September. We're looking for some advice on packing, etc.

To give some background, we start with a day or so in Lima. Next we spend a few days in Cusco to acclimate before trekking to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay trail. After MP, we head down to Puerto Maldonado to stay a few nights at one of the jungle lodges (Posada Amazonas). Our next stop is Arequipa with an overnight trip out to the Colca Canyon. And finally we head back to Lima. We arrive back in Lima on the 2nd of October and our flight back to NY is at 11:50pm on the night of the 3rd.

Our first question is whether we have time to visit the Ballestas Islands at the end of our trip. We had actually added a day to our itinerary hoping to have time to see the Islands, but we're still not sure if we will be rushing too much and if it is worthwhile. If we did it, we'd hope to take the bus down on the 2nd, see the Islands the morning of the 3rd and then head back to Lima in time to freshen up, have dinner and a last stroll around town and then head to the airport. If you've been to the Islands, please tell me if you think they're worth visiting and if you think we're crazy given our timing.

The other question we have is the question we always have: what to bring. We understand the vast temperature differences we'll experience, not just between the mountains and the jungle, but even during a day of trekking and changing altitudes. Please let me know what you've brought; what you've used (and not used); and what we should be sure to bring. Most importantly, maybe, are the shoes. For trekking to MP, are trail shoes/hiking shoes (i.e. Merrills or Keens) sufficient or do you need real hiking boots?

Thanks so much for any advice you can give.

Parts of the Inka Trail are basically uneven stone steps. It can rain year round.

I would bring something with ankle support and a nonslip sole.
Note that a lot of trail shoes do not have a good nonslip sole.

I would go first to the Sacred Valley, save Lima for the end (other than if you need to overnight on arrival due to schedule). Take the first flight in the morning. Go to the Sacred Valley for a night or two prior to Cusco, which is at 11,000 feet after all. Remember it's where you sleep that is most critical for acclimatization.

Here's a great tip for those cold nights camping on the trail: Hand and foot warmers! They are easily packable and last for hours and hours. I stuck them in my socks at night, and sometimes in my pockets while hiking at the higher elevations. I also brought really light-weight silk long underwear to layer for nights on the trail.

Hiking boots are, IMO essential. I used Rockport XCS. Good ankle support and non-slip soles. Other essentials are thermal underwear, woolly hat and gloves, waterproof jacket, fleece.

from arequipa picked up Nasca for the lines and

Paracas for the islands via www.cruzdelsur.com.pe

on the way back into Lima.

Tremendous ankle stress never do the trail

without quality light GoreTex hikers

Thanks everyone. This is helpful.