When you are travelling in the Amazon, your main aim is to stay cool and dry; you also want to keep your belongings dry and undamaged! Of course, what you bring depends on the type of holiday you wish to have in the Amazon, whether you prefer to observe the rainforest from the comfort of one of the luxury lodges we propose on our trips or if you are a budding explorer itching to get out into the forest.
Luggage Bags
If you are planning to spend a lot of time travelling in the Amazon, then it is best you avoid hard – shell suitcases. Carrying on and off boats means unwanted scratches and marks, not to mention they are harder to store and tend to be brittle. Also, they take up more room which can be problematic if you happen to take a trip on a small Amazonian canoe. It is better you opt for lightweight and durable duffel bags and rucksacks, waterproof or with a waterproof cover is best.
Clothes
The first item of clothing you will need for the Amazon is a waterproof jacket. Preferably light – weight but make sure it is 100% waterproof! One with Zip covers is best as it stops waters seeping in through the zips. Bring a number of loose – fitting, fast – drying long sleeve and short sleeve t- shirts, (remember long sleeves protect you from insect bites as well as the sun). Lightweight waterproof trousers are great for trekking in the jungle especially during the rainy season. A fleece or warm jumper is useful for the when the weather gets cooler in the evenings. A hat that keeps the sun out of your eyes is useful for hiking in the evening and watching the beautiful Amazonian sunsets! Fill the rest of your bag with plenty of spare socks and you are on your way to a comfortable stay in the jungle.
Footwear
To travel to the Amazon, your best bet is to bring a pair of lightweight and waterproof hiking boots. In the dry season, or if you don´t plan on doing many excursions you may get away with hiking shoes. The lodges provide rubber wellingtons for the excursions in the rainforest during both seasons and it is advisable you wear those. Make sure the sole of the footwear has good grip. Also, don´t forget your flip flops for lounging in the evenings and for using around the common areas of the lodge!
Gear
A pair of sunglasses is useful for travelling in the Amazon as it can get sunny during the day. A pair of binoculars is excellent to have to spot wildlife and observe the wonderful landscapes. Bring spare chargers, memory cards, batteries etc. for your phones and cameras in case something gets lost or broken. It is also a great idea to bring waterproof zip – lock bags for small electrical items and make sure your documents (passports, boarding passes) are in plastic covers as well. You will definitely need plenty of insect – repellent and sunscreen; in fact, these are an absolute must! Talcum powder is also good for absorbing moisture and helping get your feet into rubber wellington boots!