The Swarovski AX Visio Binoculars proved to be an overall success — especially for birding wetlands outside of Lima, where our guide was relatively new. He was good, but these binoculars came in handy for confirming a few identifications he wasn’t sure about. Best yet, Scott enjoyed the mini adrenaline rush when the binoculars confirmed his own ID. They’re not ideal for hummingbirds (or any bird that won’t sit still for at least 30 seconds), and we ran into some frustrations with the interface for guest viewers — in theory, you can invite fellow birdwatchers to see what you’re looking at, but in practice it wasn’t very smooth. Where they really shine:

• Helping new birdwatchers build confidence
• Supporting young guides coming into their own
• Assisting independent birders who expect to spend some time without a guide
• Possibly for an eco-lodge with naturalist visitors looking for help id-ing species that come to nearby feeders

For those use cases, the Swarovski AX Visio could be a real game-changer.

The OM-1 Mirrorless Camera surprised me in so many ways — first and foremost with its light weight. At times, it almost felt like a toy camera because it was so easy to carry, but don’t let that fool you. Paired with two lenses — a 12-50mm lens with macro and a 100-400mm lens for birdwatching and distant artifacts like the sarcophagi at Karajia — this kit was a perfect fit for a trip that blended both nature and culture. I need some practice with the birds but I came away with enough great shots that I can see this replacing my Nikon 750 with no problems.

The downside? The included battery only charges in the camera. Yikes! To get around this, we purchased spare battery that charges via a standard USB cord — a purchase I highly recommend. In fact, I plan to buy a second and save the original OM battery for emergencies only.

Overall: a full thumbs-up for travelers who want a lightweight, versatile kit for both wildlife and heritage photography.

The Gossamer Gear Aero Jet Backpack The Gossamer Gear Aero Jet Backpack — which Scott used to replace his heavier pack — was an overall success. On our flight from Lima to Chachapoyas, airline staff asked him to check the bag because “it looked large.” But once we reminded them it contained a laptop and lithium batteries, they agreed it could go in the cabin. And guess what? It slid into the overhead with room to spare.

If you’re looking for a more streamlined backpack that works with airlines enforcing strict overhead size limits, this one is officially Not Your Average American approved.

Last but not least, a simple little addition made our transition from Lima to the higher altitudes of Chachapoyas a bit easier: Zaca Hydrate & Revive Chewables. With a taste reminiscent of the Sweet Tarts of my childhood, these tablets helped us adjust to the thinner air. We noticed fewer headaches and less of the muscle achiness that often comes with moving in low-oxygen conditions. Sometimes it’s the smallest items in your pack that make the biggest difference.

Rio Quijos EcoLodge Connects You With Nature

From stunning birds to incredible night life, we highly recommend a visit to Rio Quijos EcoLodge where owner Angel Nuñez is ready to welcome you. Witness»​