The Amazon is a warm and humid place, with temperature ranging between 23º-30ºC. We recommend you to wear light fast-drying clothes, as well as loose-fitting pants that can keep you cool and won’t stick to your skin. You shouldn’t be wearing shorts on hikes to avoid getting bitten by moskitoes and other insects. Spraying your clothes and skin with insect repellent is probably the best protection you can get, and covering as much skin as you can is also a good idea, and for that purpose you might want to wear long-sleeved shirts.

Pack as many cotton socks as you can, as they get wet and dirty fast while on hikes. When staying at a lodge, you can wear sandals or flip flops, although sneakers are always better against moskitoe bites.

For the hikes, we recommend rubber boots rather than sneakers. Tracks are usually made of mud, and if you get caught in the rain, you’ll be better protected with rubber boots than with sport shoes. If you’re staying at a lodge in the Amazon, it will most likely provide you with rubber boots, which they usually have up to size 11. If you need a bigger size, you will need to buy them before traveling to the Amazon (in Quito or Guayaquil for around $5).

Do not hesitate to apply sun block. Although the sun might not be as strong as you think, you can get sunburns even in the jungle, and especially if you plan to visit communities on a sunny day. Alongside, bring sunglasses and a hat, which could also protect you from drizzling rain. Seeing as though it could rain at any time of the day, it’ll be a good idea to keep all your things in well-sealing plastic bags.

Nights can get chilly, and for that reason, pack a light cotton sweater or jacket in your bag. Nights are also very dark, and if you need to walk outside, you might be happy to carry a flashlight with you. Remember to have enough batteries.

Finally, one of the most important rules (along with applying insect repellent at all times!) is to always drink a lot of water. For that purpose, carry with you a bottle of fresh water while on hikes or visits. With the heat, you can get dehydrated fast.

If you plan to fly to the Amazon (which is usually the common way to get there), be aware that there is a limit of 20 kilos (44 pounds) to check in per person in most of the aircrafts, plus carry on. If you are checking in more weight, then the excess baggage will be charged to you directly by the airline.

REMEMBER! Once you arrive in the Amazon, you can be far away from civilization. Be prepared and have everything ready, as there are no such things as supermarkets where you’re going! That includes enough insect repellent and all the toiletries and medicine you might need… Of course, those items are probably available at the lodge where you’ll be staying, but they could be a little pricy too! The best is to buy whatever you need before heading to the Amazon.

For additional information, read our Amazon products pages where we provide you with specific details on each destination, and what is available at each lodge we offer.

Amazon packing list (some items are already part of the general list)

- Insect repellent.
- Good binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- Camera/video gear.
- Two or three pairs of lightweight long pants (for the hikes).
- A pair of loose-fitting pants (no jeans).
- Two or three long-sleeved lightweight shirts.
- Two or three T-shirts.
- One or two pairs of shorts (mostly for around the lodge).
- Lightweight sweater or jacket.
- Raingear (if you prefer not to use the ponchos provided).
- At least a pair of good socks for each day.
- One pair of sneakers and/or hiking boots.
- Rubber boots (usually provided by the lodge).
- Sandals/flip flops (for around the lodge).
- Small backpack for excursions.
- A bottle to carry water on hike.
- Plastic bags to cover optics and clothes.
- Flashlight or headlamp bright enough for use on night walks.
- Small, easy-packing umbrella (can be useful in light rain).
- Hat for sun protection (and that will stay on during windy boat rides).
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Swimsuit.
- Extra batteries/film.
- Money (US$) for bar bills and handicraft purchases.