The Amazon jungle: a unique environment spread over 5.5 million km2 with over 2.5 million insect species and more than 40,000 different tree and plant species, as well as thousands of bird and mammal species. Sounds incredible, doesn’t it?
For many of you it will most likely be the first time you visit the jungle. Therefore, it’s normal that you’re wondering what clothes you have to pack to be well-equipped for this adventure.
The weather in Iquitos and in the jungle in general is a very special topic because it is often humid and warm at the same time. So, it may well be that you wake up with a blue sky and that it rains like crazy in the afternoon!
Based on our own experience and those of our travelers, we have created a small Amazon jungle pack list for you with the most important things you need to take with you for your jungle trip.
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What to Wear in the Amazon Rainforest?
The Amazon is directly at the equator and the average annual temperature is approx. 26 °C (80° Fahrenheit). Due to the fact that the weather changes very rapidly, it’s crucial to be well prepared for your Amazon tour.
Clothes and Shoes for the Amazon Jungle
Dri-fit clothing
This sportswear keeps your muscles warm and also brings sweat to the surface of the clothing so that it can evaporate.
Long Sleeve Shirts and Trousers
The best thing to do is to put on zipper trousers, because this way you can always shorten your trousers quickly in case it gets too warm. Regarding what to wear in the Amazon rainforest, long sleeves and long trousers are probably the best tip we can give you, because they help you avoid getting bitten by mosquitos or other insects.
T-Shirts
You can bring your t-shirts and tank tops for the time at the Amazon lodge in Iquitos.
Loose Cotton Clothing (Shirts)
This also protects you from mosquitos and from the intense sun of the Amazon jungle.
Shoes and Socks
Almost all excursions are made in rubber boots (provided by the lodge), so you should bring sandals, flip-flops or normal shoes for your time at the lodge. Take an extra pair of socks with you as you can quickly get wet and sweaty feet in the jungle.
Light Windbreaker
If it gets windy on the boat, a light wind or rain jacket is nice to have.
Swimsuit
If your lodge in Iquitos is equipped with a swimming pool, you should definitely take your swimsuit with you. Most lodges provide towels at the pool.
Hat/Cap
Definitely take a hat or cap with you so that your head and neck is protected from the sun.
Amazon Jungle Pack List: What to Pack for Jungle?
Toiletries
Mosquito Spray and Insect Repellent
If there’s one thing you don’t want to forget, it’s insect repellent, because there are lots of mosquitos in the Amazon! Tip: get a cortisone cream as it helps relieve the urge to itch.
Medicine
Pack medicine for stomach pain, diarrea, headache etc. and of course your daily medicine in case you need any.
Waterproof Sunscreen
Since the Amazon jungle lies directly on the equator, the sun is very intense. We therefore recommend that you take a waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 50.
Hand Sanitizer
Always have some hand sanitizer, disinfectant or hygiene towels with you if you have the need to clean your hands when in the Amazon rainforest. Please also make sure that you don’t throw away your trash in the jungle.
Cosmetics
Take shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and everything you use in cosmetics with you.
Helpful Accessories and Devices for the Jungle
Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars is very helpful when you visit the jungle. Many animals are in the tree tops and are difficult to spot with the naked eye.
Camera and Extra Memory Card
Take your camera, an extra memory card and your charger with you. There is electricity in the lodges at certain times of the day so that you can charge your devices.
Plastic Zip Lock Bags
The practical zip locks are ideal for protecting electronic devices or other objects from moisture.
Backpack
A backpack is useful to bring your personal belongings to the lodge. Also for the daily excursions, so that you can safely store water, cameras etc.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have for your time in the jungle!
Flashlight
Many lodges offer a jung walk at night, so it’s advisable to take a headlamp or a regular flashlight with you.
Cash for Souvenirs or Tips
If you want to buy souvenirs, order drinks at the bar of your lodge or tip the guides/staff, you will need cash. In some lodges, drinks or dishes from the menu can be paid for by card, in others not (it is best to contact your lodge directly to find out).
Water Bottle
As you will sweat a lot due to the heat in the jungle, you have to make sure to drink enough water. Keep one water bottle per person, because most lodges offer free water dispensers.
The Best Time to Visit the Amazon Jungle
Did you know that the air humidity in the jungle averages around 80-100%? The best time to visit the two most famous jungle regions in Peru, Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos, is as follows:
- Puerto Maldonado: May to September is the dry season, October to April the rainy season.
- Iquitos: Although the weather in Iquitos is rather constant, there is more precipitation in March, April and May. In June, July and August it decreases significantly. Temperatures can reach up to 31 °C (88 Fahrenheit) during the day and drop to 22 °C (72 Fahrenheit) in the evening.
If you’re not sure which one to visit, we recommend our comparison of Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos.
You can also integrate this jungle adventure into your customized Peru tour with us and put together a trip according to your personal preferences.
Check the video below to find out more about our Amazon jungle tour in Iquitos:
Security Aspects for Your Stay in the Amazon Rainforest
First of all: don’t worry, you are safe in the Amazon rainforest! However, we prefer to give you some additional safety instructions, as the rainforest is a completely new environment for you.
Safety on the Boat
For the excursions you will often be traveling along the Amazon River by boat. So make sure that there are enough life jackets on board.
Vaccinations & Medication
Before your tour, it is advisable seeing your doctor to make sure that you have any necessary medication with you. Malaria pills or yellow fever vaccination is not necessary. All of our team members did the tour without vaccination and didn’t have problems.
However, as already mentioned above, we definitely recommend taking and applying sufficient insect repellent and putting on long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Filtered Water
Don’t drink the tap water in your lodge, only filtered water.
In general, you should move around carefully in the jungle and always follow the instructions of your guides. Nature and the Amazon rainforest animals are very special. Let’s remember that we are guests and we have to respect their living space.
Want to combine your jungle adventure with other tours? Check out our customized Peru tours for an unforgettable trip based on your preferences!
Pack the Most Important and Enjoy the Amazon Jungle
The adventure in the Amazon jungle of Peru will be one of the most spectacular experiences you will ever have. Unlimited green landscape as far as the eye can see, the gigantic Amazon River, the extraordinary biodiversity of animals and rainforest plants and the delicious regional cuisine ensure many great moments.
Considering all of the points mentioned above, you should be well prepared for your trip regarding what to wear in the Amazon rainforest. For more info about Peru’s Amazon jungle, check out our post about all you need to know about Iquitos or about the top 10 things to do in Iquitos.
Do you have a few more days in Lima or Cusco after your jungle stay? Then definitely check out our tours so that you can make the most of your time.
Lianna 21 April, 2024 at 4:56 pm
I’m looking at going on a trip in July, I’m really excited but I’m also terrified of spiders. I know there will be spiders because it’s the amazon but is there a high chance they will be coming into the lodges? I know it seems like a silly question.
Konsti from Exploor Peru 22 April, 2024 at 6:25 am
Hi Lianna,
thanks a lot for your response.
I have just send you an email with more information about your unforgettable jungle trip.
It’s not a silly question. I can only tell you that your room is protected with nets and is all the time closed. Therefore, the chance of spiders entering your room is very low.
I am looking forward to your response.
Best,
Konsti
Katrin 18 January, 2024 at 10:38 am
Hallo,
ich habe eine Frage zum Mückenschutz, was empfehlt ihr?
VG Katrin
Oliver from Exploor 15 February, 2024 at 10:49 am
Hallo Kartin,
in jeder Apotheke in Peru kannst du Mückenspray (repelente auf Spanisch) kaufen. Das Spray oft auftragen und langärmelige Shirts und am besten Trekkinghosen tragen, die euch vor den Mücken schützen.
Liebe Grüße aus Peru,
Oliver
Thom 29 November, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Interesting! So there no vaccinations required? And should we get a general insect repellent or particular for mosquitos?
Oliver from Exploor 25 December, 2021 at 12:46 pm
Hey Thom, exactly! There aren’t any vaccinations required, it’s up to you whether you want the yellow fever vaccine. We’d recommend mosquito repellent (spray or creme).