MANU ASSISTANT FAQ’S

GEAR RELATED QUESTIONS

 I started looking for rubber boots. Is the primary purpose of these to protect from snakebites, or  wading in water? For some reason these boots seem to be very specifically characterized (at least  in the online shops), and I don't know what to look for. How high-top should they be (mid-calf,  knee, etc)? I looked on the Bass Pro Shop website, and they have lots of boots in all different  price ranges, and I feel kind of lost among all that selection.

To be honest, I haven't shopped much for these in the US. 
Usually I buy them in Cusco, and you can try various sizes on there.  Rubber boots should give at least some defense against snake bites, and in muddy or wet places they come in handy as well.  In the foothills, I wear the boots all the time (don't even bring the hiking boots along), in the high elevations, I hardly ever wear rubber boots, though sometimes they come in handy.

So, if you want to buy boots before you go instead of waiting until Cusco, my only advice is to look for boots up to the knee, and you don't need to get anything for cold weather.  Try to avoid boots that will weigh you down.  In terms of structural integrity, like steel reinforcement in the sole, and comfort, well, you probably get what you pay for, and that's up to you.  I can tell you that of all the boots on Bass Pro Shop website (search for "rubber boots", the "ProLine Rubber Knee Boots" are the closest match to what I have worn in the field.  The ones you can get in Cusco take a bit of getting used to, but they last.  Some people really think they are comfortable whereas I'd prefer my hiking boots over those rubber boots any day.  You may want to try Dick's sporting goods or some hunting/fishing place to try a few pair on, and see what you are willing to deal with in comfort.
what kind of minimum and maximum temperatures should I count on (I know that it varies, and I don't want to over-or-under-pack)?

Minimum and maximum temperatures...in tres cruces (at 3700m), it can get really chilly, down to freezing (0 celcius) at night.  Daytime at high elevations, when the sun is out, can be quite warm - a t-shirt and field pants is enough cover (but keep in mind that sunburns can be nasty up there).  In the foothills, daytime temperature is around 20 celcius, at least in the forest, and the nights are pleasant, no fleece necessary most of the time.  Here's an overview of the types of clothing I am packing and where they will come in handy:

Highlands (in the mornings and at night, I wear all of these layers, minus rain pants, when it's really chilly, and then I'm comfortable):
winter hat (or "sock hat" as I call them), gloves, long underwear, long sleeved thermal shirts, synthetic down vest, heavy fleece, rain jacket (no lining, use as a windbreaker), rain pants (no lining), smart wool socks, field pants, hiking boots

Middle elevations (like the San Pedro platform):
long sleeved thermal shirt with t-shirt, or a button-up long-sleeved shirt (for insects - september to december), synthetic down vest or fleece (on occasion at night), field pants, smartwool socks, hiking boots.  Note that during a sunny day at San Pedro (1400m), a tank top and shorts would be comfortable.

Foothills (the lowest of our sites):
t-shirt with long-sleeved button-up shirt (a must for insects), field pants, smartwool socks, rubber boots, a bandana or hat would also be nice.   The only reason I bring a fleece or my synthetic down vest is for a pillow at night.
What about personal hygiene products? Should I prepare for the whole time period, or expect to be able to get stuff there?

You can get all the personal hygiene products that you need in Cusco, and we will go to Cusco about once a month or month and a half.  That said, don't count on name brands that you like, so if you're attached to your Herbal Essence shampoo or Arm & Hammer Baking Soda toothpaste, or Dr. Bronner's natural peppermint soap bar, you should bring it along.  For me, well, I really like comforts from home, so I find space in my luggage for supplies for five months (this goes also for foods, peanut butter, m&m's, skittles, cake mixes, to name a few)