What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest?
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on July 4, 2022 by James Bustamante
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most exotic destinations on the planet. The natural landscapes and unique biodiversity make it a desirable destination for travelers. A very frequent question we get from several travelers is, “what to wear in the Amazon Rainforest?”. While it can generally be confusing to figure out what to wear in Cusco, the Machu Picchu hike, or Lima due to the seasons, the Amazon rainforest is more straightforward with attire requirements.
Among the characteristics that bring tourists to the Amazon rainforest we can name the warmth of the people, the exotic local customs, the unique dishes, and of course, the mysterious vibe the Amazon Rainforest gives.
Knowing what to wear in the Amazon Rainforest will make the trip much more comfortable, and by doing so, the trip will be more enjoyable.
What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest Of Peru?
In the Amazon Rainforest, you’ll need to dress in layers made of material that dries quickly. The tropical climate in the Amazon makes it very humid and entirely unpredictable, with heavy rain coming out of nowhere to have sunny skies.
It is also recommended to wear light-colored clothing in the Amazon rainforest. The light colors will help you deal with the intense heat, and as a bonus, you’ll be able to see if any bugs suddenly decide to land on you. Trust me when I say there are many bugs in the Amazon.
What to Pack For The Amazon Rainforest?
Below is a short list of packing items we recommend in case you plan on visiting the Amazon Rainforest.
- A Rain Poncho. As we mentioned before, the weather in the Amazon is unpredictable, so having a rain poncho on hand will be very useful.
- Long Sleeve T-shirts. The Amazon will be hot and humid, making anyone want to wear as few clothes as necessary. The problem with this is that many creepy crawlers can bite and sting you. This also applies to several species of plants that can also sting you. The t-shirts should be breathable to help heat, so cotton is a good material. Try to bring several long sleeve t-shirts, 3-4 should suffice.
- Good Hiking Shoes. A good and sturdy pair of shoes will help you navigate the changing terrain you’ll find during a hike in the Amazon. You can also bring comfortable sneakers but be warned that they will get wet and muddied up. The proper footwear also includes several pairs of socks, so make sure to bring those along as well.
- Pants. You should bring hiking-style pants that are made from material that dries quickly. You’ll be twice as comfortable if you find hiking pants that transform into shorts by unzipping the leg portion.
- Hats and Caps. A good cap or hat will protect your face from the blistering sun in the Amazon rainforest. Suitable headgear will also keep the sweat out of your eyes.
- Additional Clothing: A jacket if it cools at night, shirts, pajamas, swimsuit, and sunglasses are other items you should pack as Amazon rainforest clothing.
What Items To Pack For The Amazon Rainforest?
There are also a few non-clothing items that you will need to include in your Amazon rainforest packing list.
- Flashlight and batteries. A camera flashlight won’t cut it in the extreme darkness of the Amazon rainforest night.
- Sunscreen. The sun’s rays are potent in the Amazon, so always protect your skin.
- Hand Towels. Your Amazon rainforest lodging will have towels for you but make sure to carry small towels during activities like hiking or canoeing.
- A Good Camera. A good camera is vital for taking good pictures in the rainforest. Unfortunately, it can be too humid for regular cameras or even camera phones.
- Passport and Proper Documentation. It is crucial to have proper documentation with you at all times.
- Cash. Having cash on hand is always essential. You won’t find too many ATMs in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
- Natural Insect Repellent. Try to bring an insect a natural spray-on insect repellent. Several lodges and reserves will not let you use anything that might hurt the local biodiversity.
Additional Tips For Traveling to The Amazon Rainforest
Have a water bottle or drinker on hand at all times. You can quickly become dehydrated due to the heat in the rainforest.
Remember to wear comfortable clothing, primarily light colors, to stay cool. Light-colored clothing will also make it easies to catch any insects that land on you. Long sleeve shirts are essential to protect your arms; make sure they are made with cotton.
It is always a good idea to have a first aid kit. Also, remember to bring your antihistamines and analgesics in case of allergies from the flowers and humidity. It is also necessary to vaccinate against yellow fever before traveling to the Amazon rainforest.
Visiting Indigenous Communities In The Amazon Rainforest
During trips to the rainforest, activities include visiting local indigenous tribes. We like to mention to travelers that they should always ask before taking a picture of the locals. Some tribes outright dislike the idea of being recorded, while others are much more welcoming. However, in some communities, it has become a habit to ask for money in exchange for pictures, so be aware of that.
Bring Plastic Bags For Your Devices
As we mentioned before, electrical devices might have a tough time with the intense moisture in the rainforest. So make sure your devices are put away in plastic bags when they are not in use.
Some cameras might have foggy lenses from the humidity, while others simply short circuit and are rendered useless. Some Amazon rainforest lodges have dehumidifiers on hand for guests.
Pack Light For The Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest does not need to be void of luxury, but in general, most lodgings, even upscale hotels, will be far more rustic than one might think. Even five-star rainforest cruises are limited to achieving an exclusive experience in the middle of the jungle. Therefore, we suggest packing light for the rainforest portion of your trip. Excessive baggage will hinder the experience, so a good backpack and a carry-on with the essentials should suffice.
Do I Need Travel Insurance To Go To The Amazon Rainforest?
Travel insurance is not a requirement to travel to the Amazon, but it should be on everyone’s priority list, not just for the Amazon but for all tourist destinations.
A good travel insurance provider can handle the hassle of needing medical attention in a foreign country, canceled flights, hotel issues, and just about all “unforeseen” situations.
Conclusion
When it comes to what to wear in the Amazon rainforest, try to focus on comfort and being a minimalist. Pack light, but remember to bring the essentials like long sleeve t-shirts, a rain poncho, a first aid it, hats, sunblock, and the other items on the list.
Contact our travel advisers today for a personalized itinerary for information on Amazon travel.
Cover Photo by Nareeta Martin
