The rainforest is very diverse and what you should bring will also be diverse. From sunscreen to rain jacket to binoculars. Some of the things below are in my favorites list, you might love them too.
Hat or baseball cap
The sun is scorching hot and you don’t want to get a sunburn here. Bring your favorite hat or baseball cap with you. I love my hat and baseball cap for a high ponytail and I always bring one or both of them with me.
Sunscreen
A hat is definitely not enough here. If possible bring a nature friendly sunscreen because you will probably swim here or the water from the shower goes back into the river or forest. Bring it with you because most of the time there are no big shops around plus this product is quite expensive in Brazil.
After sun or Aloe Vera crème
Just in case you did get burned, bring a good after sun or Aloe Vera crème with you. It can be very painful when by accident you did get burned. Usually they don’t have these products in the little shop at your accommodation.
Sunglasses
Yes, we are still talking about the sun. But I guess this is probably already on your list when you are going on holiday. Not only is this good for protection, it’s also a great fashion accessory for all your holiday outfits.
UV shirt
Okay last but not least. The UV shirt is a great way for people who don’t like to use too much sunscreen but still be protected. I have worn mine a lot even though at one point it was soaking wet because of the humidity. It was a great choice for me because I’m so white that I glow in the dark.
Hand held collapsible fan or just a normal fan
I don’t know how you deal with heat but I need a bit of cooling down when I’m traveling. Especially after a jungle walk I need some help with regulating my temperature. I have brought both normal fans and also a small little hand fan (that usually works with a usb charger). I do love my hand held fan a lot.
Long pants
Wherever you go in the jungle you will need to wear long pants. There are so many insects that can bite you and some of the plants are prickly. In order to protect your legs it’s best to cover them up. You can buy special pants for hiking but only buy them if you will wear them often.
Dry-fit clothes or fast dry clothes
Because of the humidity you will get wet and if it’s not the humidity it will be the rain that will soak you. That’s why I brought some dry-fit clothes with me. Also great for when you are doing laundry. Cotton clothes are also good to bring if you don’t want to buy something new.
Portable clothes line
This product is so simple and yet so important for me. I bring it everywhere but especially when I travel to a place like this. Because of the sweat, the sunscreen and mosquito repellent my clothes got dirty way faster than normal. That’s why I recommend taking a clothes line with you so you can wash and dry your things.
Soap for your laundry
And of course you can’t wash your things without a little bit of soap. If possible bring nature friendly soap because the water is most likely flushed in the river or into the forest.
Lightweight raincoat
It absolutely depends on what time of the year you are going for you to get light or heavy showers of rain. The wet season is from December to May. The time I went to the Amazon it wasn’t worth taking my raincoat but I did bring an umbrella.
Water shoes, hiking boots or sturdy sneakers
Lots of Brazilians bring water shoes to the Amazones. They are very comfortable and it’s not a problem if they get wet. For longer walks in the jungle it’s better to bring sturdy sneakers or hiking boots. The ground is covered with lots of debri and it’s very uneven.
Swimwear
Yes, there are loads of places where you can swim. The locals will definitely let you know where it is safe or unsafe. Also if you want to swim with the pink river dolphins you will need your swimwear.
Microfiber towel
Usually in your accommodation there are towels but if you are doing a tour and it’s too hot not to jump in the river it’s great to have your small microfiber towel with you. Or bring it after your swim with the river dolphins.
Water bottle
You need to drink more water because all the sweating you are going to do. Not all of the places I stayed at had water dispensers but I do bring it with me in case I can refill it. Tap water is not good for you to drink.
Camera
Almost everybody has a phone and lots of people take pictures with them but I highly recommend taking a camera with you. Some animals might be further away and most of the time the quality of a camera is better than a phone.
Binoculars
Yes, they are so great for exploring the jungle. The guide almost always has one and uses it to search for awesome animals. We saw a rare bird on one of my trips and it was so cool to see it in so much detail.
Mosquito repellent
This is absolutely a must have when you are going to the rainforest. Some days it’s not too bad but other days you will get crazy with all the mosquitoes flying around. Bring your mosquito repellent from home because you can buy ones with DEET and the percentage will be stronger than in Brazil.
Mosquito clicker
You might not know this product but I have used it so much in Brazil. You place the bite relief device on your bite, click a couple of times and it releases a small electrical discharge which inhibits histamine release – less histamine means less itching and swelling. It’s so great that now my whole family uses it.
Malaria pills
You will need malaria pills in the Amazon area. You can take them from home or buy them here. They will be cheaper here but it can be a bit more complicated when you don’t know the language and what to ask for.
First aid kit
Always bring a little first aid kit with you. Some painkillers, antihistamine, something against diarrhea and any other medications you think you will need. Better safe than sorry.
I highly recommend bringing these items with all your standard holiday gear. The Amazons are such a special destination and there is so much to see. Do you know what tours you are available? Read this post about lots of tours you could do on your trip to the Amazon.
Is the Amazon rainforest accessible for wheelchair users? The short answer is no.
Attractions*
Bad, it will not be possible for wheelchair users to do most tours in the jungle
Café’s and restaurants
You need check with your accommodation what the possibilities are.
Public transport
In the Amazon rainforest there is only public transport in the bigger cities and they don’t have any ramps.
Toilets
If you go inside malls or other public places you will have a designated toilet for wheelchair users.
*And museums
Items I love while traveling
Baseball cap for ponytail or bun
One of my biggest wins in terms of sun protection are hats and baseball caps. But I have a lot of hair and with this baseball cap I can finally wear my hair in a bun or high ponytail. Win-win!
Sun hat for ponytail or bun
On days where I want to look a bit more put together I use this great sun hat, also with a whole for my bun or pony tail. Love it!!!
Portable clothes line
Rather than to take to many clothes with me, I like to bring some detergent and a clothes line in order for me to wash and dry my items. It’s easy to connect it wherever you are, whether you are in a hotel room or hostel. I use it all the time.
Soap packages laundry
Because I like to do laundry on the go, I take soap with me. These individual packaged detergents are great for that purpose. Small and I place them somewhere in between where I find a little spot.
Collapsible handheld fan
I don’t know about how you deal with heat but I need a bit of cooling down when I’m traveling. This easy (and cute) fan is my go to for when I am too hot. It can be charged with usb which is super practical.
Water shoes
Of course these shoes don’t go with me to all travels but I do love them. Great for swimming in the ocean especially when you have a rocky bottom. No more cuts.
Microfiber towels
Even when I go to a hotel I love to bring my microfiber towels. I use them for my hair, for when I go to a beach or swimming pool and I use them to get even more water out of my clothes after laundry.
Collapsible water bottle lightweight
If the country I’m traveling to has water fountains I like to take my water bottle. But. I like my water bottle to be lightweight and small. This collapsible one is great for my needs.
Mosquito bite relief
Instead of bringing another liquid I started to bring my amazing, small mosquito bite relief clicker. You place it on your bite, click a couple of times and it releases a small electrical discharge which inhibits histamine release – less histamine means less itching and swelling. Love it!