Ultimate Packing List: 4 Days in the Amazon Rainforest
We spent two weeks in Peru in the summer of 2022, with the last four days being in the Amazon Rainforest. Click here to see how we spent our four days. We flew into Iquitos and took a boat along the river to Maniti Expeditions Eco-Lodge (ironically located in Indiana, Peru, when I live in the state of Indiana). The trip was definitely a bucket list item, but we went into it knowing we needed to seriously prepare for this portion of the trip differently than our time in Cusco, Lima, and the rest of Peru.
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Here is our ultimate guide to everything you will need for a trip to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest:
Insect Repellant (Lots of It)
I knew there were going to be bugs when I went to the Amazon. I thought I was prepared for this. I quickly learned I was not. The mosquitoes were everywhere at all hours of the day, and seemed especially drawn to my sweat, which I was doing a lot of since it was hot and more humid than I had ever experienced. Make sure to pack what seems like an unnecessary supply of bug spray. We used this lotion for most of our trip and it worked to keep the bugs from biting us pretty well.
Sunscreen
Like I already said, it gets hot and humid in the Peruvian sun. Most of the time at camp and on hikes, you are covered by the cloud forest of the Amazon, but when we went out on boat rides and fishing excursions, we were definitely grateful to have brought sun protection.
Long Sleeve Shirts
It seems counterintuitive to stress the importance of long sleeves right after talking about the heat and humidity, but I promise you: when it comes down to sweating or getting eaten alive by the mosquitoes, you will choose sweating every time. Not only do long sleeves help keep you from getting bug bites, it also will help protect you from the rainforest itself as you are going on hikes, sometimes at night. From poisonous plants to the flying fire ants, you definitely want a layer of protection to keep yourself from getting a rash.
I opted for this hooded synthetic long sleeve that worked out great for this purpose. The hood was also great for sun protection when needed. Keep in mind the neutral, earthy tones are best for spotting wildlife.
Loose Hiking Pants
Along the same lines as the long sleeve shirts, it is crucial to get some lightweight hiking pants that are loose fitting. I wore leggings for a hike one evening, which was my biggest mistake. Not even bathing myself in insect repellant could save me from the bugs biting through my pants.
Hiking Shoes/Boots
For a lot of our hikes through the jungle, we were given a pair of tall black rubber boots to get through the mud during the rainy season, but we still wore our hiking shoes that we brought around camp and on several of the excursions on the boat. I personally prefer a hiking shoe as they are more lightweight, but as long as it provides room for toe movement and sturdy ankle support, you will be good to go! You will also want to look for shoes that are water-resistant if visiting during the wet season.
Flashlight/Headlamp
This is the one thing we forgot to pack for our trip, and we really regretted it. Even walking to the bathroom during the night at camp was tricky without it. Our guide ended up having some we could borrow, but I definitely recommend packing a small, compact flashlight to take with you.
Moisture-Wicking EVERYTHING
Can I stress this enough how you need your clothes to work with you to keep you cool and dry in the humid, tropical climate? This includes underwear, socks, and sports bras. I do not deal well with the humidity, but these things kept me dry during our entire trip.
Swimwear
On our second day, we had the opportunity to swim in the Amazon River after our river dolphin spotting excursion. Make sure you pack appropriately so you can join in on the fun!
Travel Towel
Something that is quick-drying and can be packed down to fit in your backpack. We have had these for three years, and take them on all of our backpacking trips. You never know when a hostel (or jungle lodge) is not going to have a towel for your shower or to take on water activities.
Camera
Peru is incredibly beautiful, and you will not want to miss out on all the amazing wildlife you will spot while on your expedition. From poison dart frogs, tarantulas, and snakes, to monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds, you will want either your smartphone or a nicer camera to capture it all.
Phone Charger
The rooms at Maniti Expeditions have electricity for a few specified hours in the evenings. You can use this time to charge your phone, camera, and any other electronics you may use. Keep in mind that you may also need an adapter to fit the correct plugs used in Peru.
External Battery
Since the electricity is limited, you may find it useful to bring an external battery pack to keep your devices charged. We always take this when we travel anywhere, to avoid getting lost and not having access to a GPS if our phone is dead after a long day of exploring.
Waterproof Rain Jacket
Once again, if you are visiting during the rainy season, it is crucial to be prepared. You will still go on your hikes regardless if it is rain or shine, so make sure you have appropriate weather clothing to protect both you and your gear!
Sun Hat/Bandana
For all of the hours spent on the river, you are definitely going to want protection from the sun. Whether that comes from some form of sun hat or bandana is entirely personal preference. I definitely had a sunburn on my scalp for a few days following our trip from not taking my own advice!
Sunglasses
Opt for a pair of sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection and polarized lenses to reduce the glare from water and other reflective surfaces. Make sure they are lightweight and comfortable, as you will probably be wearing them for long hours spent on the boat, cruising the river!
Water-Resistant Sandals
These double as the perfect footwear for both walking around camp and the shower! When packing light, it is important to pack multi-purpose items and I don’t travel anywhere without a lightweight, packable pair of shower sandals or flip flops. For this trip, I had my Chacos with me and they worked perfect. For our upcoming trip to Africa, I bought this pair to try out.
Personal Medications
Being in such a remote location, make sure you have all of your personal medications with you! I also recommend bringing some form of generic allergy medication. I spent the first two days feeling miserable due to the pollen being different than what I was used to back home. I so wish I would’ve packed (or purchased in Lima before we got to the jungle) a daily allergy pill to ease some of the symptoms I was having. I also recommend taking ibuprofen or other general pain relief! You never know how you’re going to be feeling, and it’s not worth missing out on parts of your trip because you’re sick.
Anti-Malaria Tablets
These can be obtained through a prescription from your doctor prior to your trip. We started taking the medication a full day before we arrived in Iquitos, and continued daily for seven days after we left. We never felt any symptoms, and with all of the mosquitoes in the jungle, it is better to be safe than sorry!
Preparing for an adventure in the Amazon rainforest requires careful planning due to its remote location away from many modern amenities. Follow this list and you will enjoy a worry-free and rewarding experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Be prepared to encounter extreme humidity, dense vegetation, and diverse wildlife. You will thank yourself if you pack light and versatile gear to accommodate the changing weather conditions and terrain, while minimizing environmental impact. If you are looking to plan your trip to the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, check out our complete itinerary here!