Ross’ Packing Tips for the Amazon Rainforest

On my recent trip, I decided to throw myself into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, travelling by canoe, kayak, jeeps, vans, and on foot. Besides the obvious items, I needed to pack for the Amazon accordingly as I would often be in places with no local shops to pick up supplies.

After speaking with the experts and doing some online research it was apparent that a small rucksack (5kg) would be my essential kit, and the great news being that I would be able to lock up my main bags in the office of the guides taking me, allowing me to pack lightly for this portion of my adventure. Here is a list of what I packed for my adventure and a great guide to what to pack for the Amazon:

Must have items to pack for the Amazon…

• Daypack
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots for trekking
• Sandals/flip-flops for lounging in your free time.
• Camera, memory cards/film & if you are clumsy like me a waterproof case
• Clothing – The Amazon is hot but can cool down rapidly in the evening and during rain, so layers are better and anything quick drying is helpful – don’t forget a light waterproof jacket or swimwear if you fancy a dip!
• Sunblock of at least 15 SPF – the tropical sun is strong
• Insect repellant with DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide)
• Any medication your doctor has prescribed for the trip

Now, the above items are my must haves that I believe you cannot do without, but if you want to be a lot more practical (and prepared) than I was, below are the items I didn’t pack for my Amazon trip and sorely missed, so be a good adventurer and always be prepared… or suffer the consequences as I did!

• Contact lenses/Extra pair of eye-glasses
• Anti-bacterial soap, toiletries, toothbrush (yes I left this locked in the office…doh)
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
• Swiss army style knife
• Plastic bags (zip lock bags and a larger rubbish bag)
• Water bottle
• Travel alarm clock

First Aid Kit that might include:

• Pepto-bismol for mild diarrhoea
• Throat lozenges
• Motion sickness medication
• Sunburn salve such as aloe vera gel
• Aspirin or other pain-killer
• Antibiotics for traveller’s diarrhoea (TD)
• Antacid tablets
• Plasters

Pack well for your Amazon trip and you can enjoy your adventure fully, escaping any health or comfort worries along the way, which makes for a much more rewarding experience.

And lastly don’t forget your toothbrush or (if you are travelling with Rickshaw) your travel vouchers, as this has been known to happen!