Adam Ventures

In just over a month Peace Corps Guatemala will accept 50-something intelligent and attractive Trainees eager to change the world. Now, however, those Trainees-to-be are freaking about what to bring. Think about it — try fitting two years of your life into two suitcases (no more than 80lbs)! You bet your pupusathe greatest invention known to mankind – cheese (or fried pig skin) wrapped in two corn tortillas then fried until crispy and melty that you would be anxious too and trying everything to get it perfect! The following is a list of items that are helpful when coming to Guatemala as a Peace Corps Volunteer with some notes.

General Clothing

• Two to three pairs nice pants (lightweight that quick dry can be helpful)
• Two to four pairs of jeans
• Six T-shirts or short sleeve polo shirts
• Two to three blouses or dress shirts
• One to two pairs of shorts (not short-shorts)
• Two week supply of cotton underwear and socks
• One pair long underwear
• Two to three medium-weight sweater/sweatshirt
• One medium-weight jacket or fleece
• One poncho or rain coat (rain pants optional and advised by some)
• For Men: a few ties, one or two nice dress shirts & a sport coat (optional) for formal occasions
• For Women: two casual & one dress-up dresses
• Two to three “going-out” outfits You can freely take just one going-out outfit. PCPeace Corps/G limits how many going-out opportunities you have as a Trainee so it’s not worth bringing something that you can easily buy at a pacastores that sell second-hand American clothing when you become a PCVPeace Corps Volunteer, an active volunteer serving in country

Shoes

• One or two pairs of sturdy, walking tennis/cross-training shoes
• One pair of hiking boots or water proof shoes
• One to two pairs comfortable casual/dress shoe
• One pair sport and dress sandals
• One pair farm/mud boots (for agriculture Volunteers). Rubber boots are also very easy to buy in Guatemala.

NOTE: The overall selection and quality of shoes in Guatemala is more limited than the US. It is difficult to find women’s shoes larger than size 9 and men’s shoes larger than size 10. If you have larger feet, you may want to consider a plan for getting extra shoes once the ones you bring wear out (e.g., bringing a two-year supply, having people bring you shoes when they come to visit, or arranging for people to send them to you).

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

• Your regular hygiene items (e.g., soap, shampoo, shaving cream, etc.) to get you started (replacements/ refills are easily bought here)
• Three-month supply of prescription medicine
• Extra pair of prescription glasses

NOTE: Peace Corps nurses will supply you with over-the-counter medicines such as: vitamins, painkillers, cold medicines, tampons, etc.

Miscellaneous

• One to two sets of flat sheets and pillow cases for a full bed if possible, get two of the fitted sheets for a full bed. The elastic band wears out so it’s best to get two new fitted sheets and buy the rest of the sheets second-hand in-country
• Two bath towels (quick dry towels are convenient for travel)
• Flashlight (headlamps are popular)
• Sturdy backpack/duffel bag for three- or four-day trips
• Day pack/Small backpack easily purchasable in-country
• Watch (fairly cheap and water-resistant/proof, although cell phones can also serve as a watch.) not necessary/easily purchasable in-country
• Small travel alarm clock (Most people use the alarm on their cell phone.)
• Money belt (30% of PCVs in Guatemala report theft so this is almost a necessity)
• One water bottle I recommend two
• Pocketknife (basic knife, corkscrew, screwdriver model is very handy, e.g., Leatherman)
• Shortwave radio
• Start-up supply of stationery, pens, journal, etc.
• Light sleeping bag and sleeping pad (e.g., thermarest)
• Digital camera (blank CDs are cheap for copying files). Film developing is also easily still accessible in many towns.
• Good scissors
• Photos of family, friends, and home (Guatemalans will LOVE to see your photos)
• Decks of cards and favorite board games are popular
• Small sewing kit
• One or two books to get you through training (PCPeace Corps has a very large library/ book exchange)
• Travel guide to Guatemala
• Music (Many PCVs have iPods, although they are targets for theft. Some people bring small radio/CDCountry Director/MP3 players, but others buy them in Guatemala.) CDs are sold in every market at very cheap prices.
• Small, basic cookbook/favorite recipes (Peace Corps/ Guatemala also sells Que Rico! a cookbook of Volunteer-compiled recipes that are easily prepared with common items sold at market)
• Duct tape
• Instrument (harmonica, guitar, etc.)
• Comfort foods (favorite snack foods)
• USB storage stick 4 GB (easy to use and hardier than disks for saving important documents)
• Laptop or netbook computers are very useful, just be aware that computer theft can be common on public buses so the property insurance policy is a good idea. do not bring a new laptop, it’s not worth it. Bring an older laptop so that in case it’s stolen or stops working you aren’t out any additional money. In other words, take the one you have been using.

This list was taken and adapted from Peace Corps Wiki’s packing list page.

I hope this list is helpful.