2 weeks packing list -- Peru & Bolivia

I did quite some research on what you would need to pack for a 2 weeks trip in a country with such different weather conditions like Peru and Bolivia and after reading several blogs and travel guides, this is what I ended up with taking with me. 
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Choosing the BACKPACK:
As I did not have a backpack I started researching what to buy. Most of the backpackers recommend the front opening backpacks as it is more convenient to search what you need in the backpack without taking everything out (versus the open top ones).There are a lot of reviews you can find on Google about the different types with advantages and disadvantages for different types, I won't list any links here on that as it depends more on everybody's priorities. 
I decided for Osprey Farpoint 55 simply because it is a 2 in 1 backpack. It's a 55L backpack having actually two parts. A 40L (37L for S version) + 15L Daypack. I did manage to get it as hand luggage on Iberia, but it is a fine line, make sure you don't over load it and that you wear it as 2 separate pieces. No guarantees though especially if flight is full. 

I bought mine from Amazon.de for aprox 153 Euro (February 2015)
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​What to Pack:

1. SHOES:

• trekking sneakers (I had a Nike pair)
• some Converse style of shoes for lighter walking days
• flip flops (I had a pair of Havaianas)

2. UPPERS:

• Fleece-jacket
• Rain & Wind Jacket
• 2 dry fit hyperwarm hoodies (if possible turtleneck style)
• T-shirts: 4-5
• Tanks: 3

3. BOTTOMS

• (blue) Jeans
• trekking pants 
• leggings 2 pairs
• short pants

4. UNDERWEAR

• 8-10 pairs of underwear 
• 8-10 pairs of socks
• 1 bra
• 1 sports bra
• 1 pajama (short sleeves + evtl a long sleeve shirt you can use to sleep)

5. COSMETICS

• tooth paste & brush
• shampoo & conditioner 
• sun cream & lip balm (Vaseline)
• shower gel
• face cream (opt body cream)
• deodorant 
• face cleaner
• foundation + mascara (optional)
• razor 
• anti-bacterial wash gel 
• manicuire set
• hair brush

6. MEDICINE

• anti-headache pills 
• ibuprofen/paracetamol (+aspirin)
• antibiotics
• imodium
• mosquitos repellent 
• band aid (anti blisters)

7. ELECTRONICS

• smartphone + charger 
• extra battery 
• head lantern (optional, though advisable)
• photo camera (DSLR type)
• hair dryer + straightener
• mp3 player + charger

8. MISCELLANEOUS

• passport + copy 
• backpack rain cover 
• water bottle
• luggage lock 
• sun glasses
• ear plugs 
• gloves 
• scarf 
• ultralight towel 
• sun cap 
• eBags (for organization)
• Notebook + pen 
• sleeping bag
• dry sacks

Organization: tips & tricks 
Yes there are and LOADS.
apparently the most popular ones are the Slim eBags Packing Cubes. I got them from Amazon UK. You also have the ones from Eagel Creek Pack It Cubes. I guess it depends a lot on the preferences. :)


Going Further, you have a lot of other things to get you luggage small:

• compression sacs also from Eagle Creek for example
• light and ultra light cloths, towels, seeping bags, basically everything can have less weight
• dry sacks are also cool (got mine from Karrimor - size S = 10L for 7 Euro), keeps your things dry (in case you are caught in a strong rain or you could use them to keep your wet things in not to get the rest of your things wet).

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Overall weight is very important during such trips, thus investing into the low weight sector will save you quite some back problems for long travels. for my first packing I am quite happy with my 11 kg (all together) 
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Here also a link to an Infographics for a easier overview and possible use as a checklist.

After trip comments 

• The BackPack - I could take it on board on the return flight, both LIM-MAD & MAD - BRU. In Madrid they said next time to load it less. Main part was under 10kg (before duty free load) and the daypack only had my wallet, water bottle and some other documents. 
• Did not use: head lantern although would have been useful a couple of times (Canon trekking, walking back Isla del Sol), ear plugs to tired to care of the noise 

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