Things to pack for Amazon Rainforest Tour:
- Take a few extra pairs of socks (these are especially nice to use with rubber boots to avoid getting blisters).
- Pack a couple of Tek Towels™ (or equivalent) and some quick-dry shirts.
- Pack a light sweater, as it can feel chilly after a wet afternoon.
Avoiding Insect Bites and Stings:
- Make sure you buy insect repellent in Baños.
- Pack a breathable long-sleeve shirt and pair of pants.
- If you’re planning to venture deeper into the rainforest, make sure the hotel, lodge, or community you’re visiting provides mosquito nets.
- Are you allergic to bites or stings? Pack an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benedryl or Claritin. And if you are allergic to stings, make sure to pack your Epi-Pen (injectable epinephrine).
- Avoid going to the Amazon during the warmer, wetter months when there are more mosquitos.
- Avoid sandy river banks where sand fleas abound. Sand fleas don’t respond to mosquito repellent. Instead, try rubbing a skin-safe oil on your skin, impeding the fleas’ movement on your skin.
Other items you should pack for your trip to the Amazon region include:
- An extra set of clothes
- Sun protection in the form of sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and light, long-sleeve shirts
- Flip-flops (you’ll want to allow your feet to breathe while protecting them from the ground and its inhabitants)
- Snacks
- A headlamp
- Reusable water bottle (make sure you have access to potable water on your trip or else consider taking a portable camping-style water filter)
- Camera or phone and something to protect it from moisture
- Binoculars, especially if you want to take part in bird-watching activities.