What to Pack for the Amazon

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Preparing for Your Trip

If you've never spent time in the Amazon, it can be hard to know what to bring. We've put together this guide to help — think of it as a reference, not a checklist of requirements. Nothing on this page is mandatory for our tours, but most of it will make your trip more comfortable.

A few weeks before

Before You Fly

These aren't required by us, but they're worth sorting out before you travel. Iquitos is reachable only by air or river — fly in to IQT (Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International). Confirm specifics with your airline and a travel clinician before departure.

Valid passport (and copies stored separately from the original)
Flight tickets to and from Iquitos (IQT)
Travel insurance — strongly recommended
Yellow fever vaccination — recommended for the Loreto region; consult a travel clinician 4–6 weeks before departure
Anti-malaria prophylaxis — ask your doctor whether it's right for your itinerary
Cash in small denominations (Peruvian soles preferred) for tips, drinks, and souvenirs — ATMs aren't available at the lodge

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Suggested Packing List

Recommendations, not requirements

Clothing

● Lightweight, easily washable items for evening wear or travel
● T-shirts — synthetic, lightweight
● Long-sleeve shirt(s) for sun and insect protection
● Hiking shorts — synthetic, quick-drying
● Hiking pants — synthetic, quick-drying
● Hiking socks and synthetic liner socks
● Swimsuit

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your skin — they protect you from the sun, biting insects, and the humidity. Stick to muted earth tones and lighter colors when you can: they reflect heat, blend in for wildlife viewing, and tend to attract fewer mosquitoes than darker clothing does.

Clothing Accessories

● Wide-brimmed sun hat
● Sunglasses with a retainer strap
● Bandana

Outerwear

● Rain jacket or poncho — waterproof and breathable
● Rain pants — waterproof and breathable, side zippers recommended
● Lightweight windbreaker

Footwear

● Lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes, broken in
● Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
● Water sandals or booties

Rubber boots for jungle walks are provided by the lodge — no need to pack your own. Bring moleskin in case of blisters, and test your sock combination at home.

Travel Accessories

● Sunblock and lip balm
● Insect repellent with DEET
● Reusable water bottle
● Small binoculars
● Handy-wipes and hand sanitizer
● Toiletry kit
● Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
● Personal first-aid kit
● Small towel and washcloth

Electronics

● Cameras and extra batteries
● Chargers for phone, camera, and small devices

120V power is available at the lodge from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM for charging. Most modern electronics (laptops, cameras, phones, tablets) charge safely on 120V — check your owner's manual first. Skip energy-heavy items like hair dryers and curling irons.

Luggage

● Soft duffel bag — preferred over hard cases for boat travel
● Daypack for rain gear, camera, water, and snacks
● Small dry bag for boat rides and unexpected showers
● Passport security pouch or belt
● Luggage tags and locks

We don't enforce weight restrictions, but we ask guests to keep luggage under 23 kg / 50 lb when possible. If your bag is heavier, please email us in advance. After San Juan Village, we provide a vehicle to transport your belongings during the short jungle walk to the Yanayacu River port.

Optional Field Gear

● Pocket knife or multi-tool (check airline regulations)
● Reading and writing materials
● Ziplock bags for storage
● Mosquito head net
● Permethrin-treated clothing for added insect protection

Medication

● Personal medication
● Anti-malaria tablets (if prescribed by your doctor)
● Allergy medication
● Anything else recommended by your doctor

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Tips from the Field

A few things worth knowing before you pack

Carry-on essentials

In case checked luggage is delayed, always pack your passport, money, eyewear, hiking boots, a change of clothes, and medications in your carry-on.

Skip the cotton

Cotton is comfortable in warm weather but drains body heat once it gets wet. Bring wool or synthetics like Capilene, MTS, or Thermax instead.

Dress for the jungle

Stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your skin. Lighter, muted earth tones reflect heat, blend in for wildlife viewing, and attract fewer mosquitoes than dark colors do. A light layer is useful in the evenings.

Pack by season

High-water season (December to May) means more boat and canoe time — bring extra dry bags and quick-drain footwear. Low-water season (June to November) means more hiking — sturdier shoes, gaiters, and extra socks come in handy.

Break in your boots

Wear your hiking boots before the trip. Bring moleskin in case of blisters. Thin synthetic liner socks worn under regular hiking socks help reduce friction — test the combination at home first.

Pack smart

Stuff sacks in different colors and sizes help you sort gear quickly. Ziplock bags keep wet clothing separate from dry, and a small dry bag is invaluable for boat rides.

Eyewear backups

If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and pack a backup pair. Contact lens wearers should bring an extra set or pack glasses as a backup.

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Questions Before You Pack?

If you're not sure about a specific item or have questions about your trip, reach out — we're happy to help you prepare.

+51 (906) 280-820

Phone (English)

+1 (209) 347-7637

contact@brisatropicalodge.com