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
Suitcase ready for travel
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
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
2 days ago
Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!
Kathleen Weller
2 days ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
1 week ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.