HIi Di and Dave
Sorry for the delay in reply
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip although there is a lot of travelling by coaches involved which I was not fully prepared for but is essential to be able to see everything.
The Ballestas islands were wonderful and the sea was very calm. The boat did go at speed to get to/from the islands so at times we got sprayed but it all added to the excitement. We were on the boat for approx 2 hours. It was thoroughly worthwhile with different birds around every corner and the sea-lions were a magnificent sight Unfortunately, although we were advised that dolphins are sometimes seen, we did not encounter any. I cannot remember them mentioning whales.
As far as the lodge was concerned they had their own generator so power was on for only certain periods of time. It seems likely that this will apply to all lodges in the area. It did get dark early in the Amazon (by 6pm in May). The only evening trip we had was to see the caimans. The torch was needed for the early start to the parrot claylick and for during the night within your room. The lodge did provide a lantern in the room but it was easier to have the torch in bed with you rather than fight your way through the mosquito net to get to it. I know that in a previous review someone mentioned a head-torch but it was not needed for our lodge. I assume it may well apply to the one you are staying at though.
We were not advised to wear long sleeves in the rainforest so most wore short sleeved/t-shirts due to the heat and humidity. The only essentials really seemed to be a hat, suncream and water. We did all wear long trousers and wellies for the duration though as was very muddy due to the amount of rain experienced.
As far as packing is concerned we did not have a lot of time to transfer things for the Amazon from our case to the holdall. One lady used a carry on flight case to save having to transfer item but most people just packed the Amazon stuff to the top of their main case before leaving Cuzco so that it could be transferred quickly to their holdall at Puerto Maldonado following the flight. Please note that, as it is an internal flight, they do allow you to take liquids on the plane (we did not know this until we got to the airport).
I had not taken a holdall with me but purchased a soft light "llama holdall" for approx £6 in the market just over the road to the Cuzco hotel and used that for the Amazon which was ideal. Water bottle carriers were also available everywhere and were a cheap and very useful purchase.
Hope the above helps but if you have any further questions please just ask
If I don't speak with you again beforehand have a wonderful holiday
Regards
Janet