What to bring to Peru?

December 4, 2007 10:48 AM

What should I bring on a fieldwork expedition to Southern Peru (Tacna, Arequipa)?

I'm going to Peru in January for a month or so to carry out some linguistic research - though I don't really know this corner of the world. I'm planning on bringing a waterproof tent (suggestions for brands?), camping stuff, gifts for the locals who I meet (I hear postcards and candy are pretty safe bets), a recording device of some sort, a camera (waterproof? lightweight/small - suggestions?)...

Other stuff, too - of course.

Anything you guys can think of? I'll start the shopping this week.

Stuff for 1st Aid kit?
Reliable brands for camping products?
Ideal gifts for locals?
Quality recording device for linguistic analysis?
Good microphone?

Any tips, tricks, hacks, advice, warnings, threats, and/or wisdom much appreciated!

Thanks -

posted by mateuslee to travel & transportation (12 comments total)

I was told to bring pencils, workbooks and other school supplies when I was there in 2002. We had been told that these items are hard to come by for the poorer locals and so they really appreciate them.

I loved Peru when I was there and found the people to all be very friendly and smiley! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
posted by LunaticFringe at 10:57 AM on December 4, 2007

Are you really going to be sleeping in a tent? The only people I knew who slept in tents for their field research were some ecologists in really remote areas -- pretty much everyone I have known who has studied people or societies has stayed in hotels, rented rooms in houses, slept in schools, etc, probably because it is physically more comfortable, safer, and less socially deviant. If you aren't certain that you will need the tent and camping gear, that is a lot of luggage space you could save for things like clothes, batteries, etc.
posted by Forktine at 11:32 AM on December 4, 2007

Yes, what kind of fieldwork? Arequipa is a big city, so I didn't get the need for a tent. Of course, there's a lot of desert between the two cities. Arequipa will be cold at night.
posted by lukemeister at 12:56 PM on December 4, 2007

Thanks for the answers - yes, I'll be in very rural areas which do not have hotels. I won't be in any cities. Although I've heard that the locals commonly invite strangers in, I don't want to set myself up curring favors right from the onset.

Anyway, any other suggestions?
posted by mateuslee at 2:52 PM on December 4, 2007

Are you traveling alone or with a group? Will you be cooking for yourselves? On foot, car or combination?

You may still need a sleeping bag if you get invited to stay at someone's house, so that and a sleeping pad would be best.

A lightweight 3-season tent made for hikers - low weight, easy portability.

January is in the hot season for Peru, dress lightly but bring a windbreaker and a good sweater for cold nights and high elevations.

You need a good basic first aid kit similar to this one, plus a compass and nice loud whistle in case you get separated from your group and lost.

As for an audio recording device, if your budget allows you may want to concider the H2 Handy Recorder - everything is saved on small, lightweight SD cards.
posted by Kioki-Silver at 6:57 PM on December 4, 2007

Peru definitely rocks. I would say to try and get some antibiotics (Cipro) to bring with you. Most travel clinics will prescribe you some. When I went for a few weeks, I didn't need it, but my traveling companion definitely did, and my friend we were visiting (he was in the Peace Corps) got sick a few times while he was down there. Also bring some Pepto Bismol and some Immodium if you're going on long bus trips (going to the b-room a bunch of times on the bus is no fun).

Make sure you eat the ice cream, the guinea pig, and the anticucho (although be careful of where you get the last one, otherwise, you'll need the Cipro).
posted by bluefly at 9:08 PM on December 4, 2007

Thanks guys - I'm going alone - but I'll definately look into the Cipro and that first aid kit... the H2 Recorder looks great. Have you used it? cheers everyone
posted by mateuslee at 11:07 PM on December 4, 2007

The South American Handbook is invaluable. The Canon SD750 is a nice camera that you can carry in your pocket. Have a great time!
posted by lukemeister at 7:33 AM on December 5, 2007

You also might want to contact the South American Explorers Club for advice. They have clubhouses in Lima and Cusco, although not in Arequipa. Don't forget sunscreen!
posted by lukemeister at 7:52 AM on December 5, 2007

Thanks Lukemeister for the tips - I stick with the Lonely Planet guides though, I always found them more thorough (or am I just being biased here?). The camera looks good.

I'll check out the South American Explorers club - that looks great. Cheers!
posted by mateuslee at 4:24 AM on December 6, 2007

mateuslee,

I've never used the Lonely Planet guide to South America, but the South American Handbook has more pages :-) The South American Handbook is currently in its 84th annual edition, and I think they have an unmatched set of contacts.
posted by lukemeister at 9:08 AM on December 6, 2007

Yes, it could be Lukemeister - however, it is a fat book and I only need the Peru stuff... though then again, there is such a thing as a photocopier, isn't there... hmmmm....
posted by mateuslee at 11:15 AM on December 10, 2007