The Amazon rainforest is the largest unbroken forest on the planet. One in every ten known species in the world resides here, making it the world’s biggest collection of living plants and animals. The main reason people visit the Amazon is to observe its unparalleled biodiversity.
A visit to the Amazon rainforest may be both fascinating and eye-opening. This is not, however, a destination that you can visit on your own. Visiting the Amazon Rainforest necessitates extensive planning and experience. This implies you’ll almost certainly be going with a tour operator of some kind. With your tour operator in control of necessities like water, food, and shelter. The list of survival essentials gets a little shorter. Regardless of what Bear Grylls says, you should definitely leave your machete and fire starters at home for this adventure. We’ve seen what you really need to survive your first trip to the Amazon and what you don’t. Let’s answer What items would you need to survive in the rainforest?
What items would you need to survive in the rainforest?
To survive in the rainforest, for example Amazon, you need to have at least these items:
- Headlamp
- Mosquito Repellant
- Poncho
- Water bottle
- Clothes
Please remember to always select a trustworthy, well-vetted tour operator. When traveling to these isolated locations, keep in mind that “you get what you pay for,” and if someone offers you something that looks too good to be true, it generally is. For over 30 years, Amazonia Expeditions has been presenting amazing excursions into Peru’s rainforest as the region’s top ecotourism operator. We provide an authentic experience and follow a stringent code of behavior to protect our employees, tourists, and the environment. This contains an ethical code that prohibits handling or harassing wildlife in their natural habitat. If you want to take a selfie with some wildlife, this is not the spot for you!
In the list below, we will break it all down for you and explain why we believe these are the five essential items you must have on your first journey to the Amazon Rainforest.
1. Headlamp
Everyone (even those who do not intend to visit the rainforest) should have a headlamp. A decent quality headlamp can be important for short camping trips at home, walking your dog at night, and even as part of your home emergency kit. Headlamps are one of our most useful tools in the Amazon Rainforest. Headlamps are small, portable, and, most significantly, allow you to see while using both hands. This is especially important while exploring the forest at night or simply going through your bag after a long day of adventure.
2. Mosquito Repellant
You should be prepared to face mosquitos on your first visit to the Amazon Rainforest. The good news is that most visitors are relieved to discover that there are less mosquitos than they thought.
Protection against these insects is very crucial depending on where you go because they can potentially carry diseases. Fortunately, our Amazon location, Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Regional Conservation Area (ACRCTT), is well renowned for being devoid of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Dengue, Yellow Fever, and Malaria.
Nonetheless, mosquitos can make your journey exceedingly unpleasant. As a result, a high-quality insect repellent is vital for having a good time in the Amazon Rainforest. While wearing appropriate clothing is the best defense against mosquitos (more on that later), if it is insufficient, some type of spray repellent may be required. Traditionally, the spray of choice was a chemical-based spray containing DEET. However, DEET (while effective) has an unpleasant habit of melting plastic wristwatches, ponchos, and cell phone cases, and it is also bad for the environment. Furthermore, as you might expect (like with most chemicals that can melt plastic), it can cause irritation, redness, swelling, nausea, headaches, and stomach problems when applied to the skin. As a result, whenever a repellent spray is required, we always advocate natural alternatives.
3. Poncho
Remember, this is the jungle, so you may encounter a few surprise rainstorms on your journey. In this situation, having a mechanism to shield yourself and your gear from the rain is critical. We offer a lightweight and packable Rain Poncho as an economical and practical solution.
4. Water bottle
Hydration is the most vital and often overlooked factor of rainforest survival. The rainforest environment can be taxing on the body, especially for first-time visitors. The combination of heat and heavy humidity makes it harder for your body to naturally cool itself down. In this type of setting, dehydration is a genuine danger. Fortunately, there is a simple and quick solution to this problem.
Can you drink rain water in the jungle? Let’s find out in this article.
GET SOME WATER. You should drink double or triple the quantity of water you regularly consume per day while in the rainforest. When arranging your trip, make sure to engage with a tour operator who will supply you with as much water as you require for free. Our rainforest lodges have clean, filtered water available to our guests 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All of our guests are required to bring a reusable water bottle with them. Important note: If you are on a low salt diet, you should leave it at home. Aside from drinking plenty of water, salt is an essential component of hydration.
5. Clothes
One of the most crucial suggestions for surviving your first trip to the Amazon Rainforest is to pack the appropriate attire. We recommend wearing lightweight breathable fabrics that will keep you cool and dry quickly after an unexpected rain shower. Long sleeves are ideal for repelling mosquitos and protecting against UV radiation. Tight or slim-fitting clothing is not normally recommended because it will not protect you against mosquitos, which may bite right through even surprisingly thick textiles.
Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune, but investing in a few pieces of excellent apparel to enhance your experience is probably not a terrible idea!
