For an Amazon adventure trip everyone should pack accordingly. Except for the occasional internal flight, we'll be taking canoes, kayaks, jeeps, vans and our own feet between destinations. A sturdy internal frame backpack is convenient for this form of travel; a strong duffel bag works well, and some people get by fine with a rolling suitcase (although we don't really recommend the latter). Remember, we may have to carry our bags short distances and if you can put everything on your back you'll be happiest! Besides a pack or duffel bag, a small day pack is advised, although you can purchase a locally made bag in Lima or Quito when we arrive. Below is a suggested packing list. It is not necessarily comprehensive and some travelers manage taking much less.
ESSENTIALS
One backpack, sturdy duffel bag, or easily managed suitcase.
Daypack
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots comfortable for walking
Sandals or shoes you don't mind getting wet
Money belt or pouch. Leave your wallet at home - they make easy targets for pickpockets in the city.
Personal medications
Camera, film, and waterproof case
Clothing - Generally, the Amazon is quite hot, but during the evenings if it rains, it can cool down quite a bit. Fast drying clothes that can be layered work best.
The following is a suggested list of clothing:
Light, water-resistant jacket that will keep you warm on a cool evening or during a sudden downpour, yet can be stuffed away or worn loosely on a warm day
Cheap rain poncho - the lodges have ponchos, but it's best to be prepared!
Fleece or wool sweater
Two pair of shorts and/or swimming trunks
Bathing suit
One to two pairs of pants - one that can be worn to a nice restaurant or club, and another rugged pair for hiking in the rainforest
One long sleeve shirt or blouse and 2-3 short sleeve shirts - a long sleeve cotton shirt is great for the jungle.
Three pair of cotton socks
Underwear
ADDITIONAL USEFUL ITEMS
Contact lenses
Extra pair of eye-glasses
Anti-bacterial soap, toilettes, or gel such as Purell
Sunblock of at least 15 SPF - the tropical sun is strong
Insect repellant with DEET (diethyl-metatoluamide)
Anti-itch cream for insects bites
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, toiletries, etc
Sunglasses
Swiss army style knife
Sun/ rain hat
Plastic bags (zip lock bags and a larger trash bag)
Water bottle
Small padlock to lock your bag shut
Travel alarm clock
Writing materials for traveling thoughts and addresses
Kevin got right on our request and had us booked within the week
Linda Cummings
1 day ago
The info on the website was laid out very well. I did some comparisons with other tours and found Adventure Life met a lot of what I wanted in an Antarctica trip at the cheapest price. Requested a quote on Claudia contacted me right away. She answered a lot of questions the I had via email even though she offered to discuss via phone call. I’m more of an email person so appreciated how she accommodated that and answered all my questions. And when I was ready to book, she quickly got the ball rolling with getting our spots reserved on the trip my friend and I wanted. Thanks again, Claudia!
Hazel Araza
1 day ago
(1) great information on the website and throughout all the "materials." (2) Jane Packer is great: knowledgeable, responsive, takes a personal interest and tone, seems to care about the customer as a person not a sale.
Larry Bethune
1 day ago
great people doing a wonderful job to make our voyages happen.
trudy
2 days ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.