Images of pristine rainforests with an abundance of exotic birds, colourful butterflies, awkward-looking reptiles and imposing mammals yearly attract tourists to hike the Amazon jungle trails. Hiking the rainforest also means coming across scorpions, mosquitoes or other vicious biting insects – they can ruin a hike. Take advantage of these practical tips to prepare for a jungle trek in order to be able to enjoy the Amazon rainforest's magic.
How to Prepare for a Jungle Trek – Information on Hiking Trails
Internet and guidebooks are good sources of information on hiking the Amazon rainforest. Select the season – dry and wet seasons both have their pros and cons – and check whether vaccinations or prophylaxes are needed because of malaria, yellow fever or other diseases. Note that in some cases yellow fever vaccinations are mandatory.
Hiking Equipment for a Day Hike in the Jungle – Clothing
Pay attention to shoes. They should be comfortable as well as closed [no flip flops, no sandals]. Whether to wear hiking boots, tennis shoes or rubber boots is a matter of personal preference, although in some areas boots are preferred because of snakes. Closed shoes protect the feet against nasty bites of ants, scorpions, snakes or even something as simple as thorns.
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts protect the body from ticks, leeches, mosquito bites and other insects that thrive on human blood. Depending on the season it is wise to bring a raincoat or poncho. Tucking the pants into the socks prevents insects from climbing up the legs.
Hiking Equipment for a Day Trek in the Rainforest – Skin Protection
Bring a hat, preferably a wide-brimmed one. A hat may not be necessary while hiking the shady rainforest trails but when taking a boat ride to reach a jungle trail or when reaching a clearing, the sun may be fierce and cause sunstroke. For the same reason don't forget to bring sunglasses.
Two bottles are indispensable: sun lotion and insect repellent. A practical tip is to rub insect repellent on ankles and waist before getting dressed. It may be handy to bring an “after bite” stick to avoid scratching in case an insect has found its way to the skin. Wounds, as small as they may be, don't heal easily in the tropical jungle.
Hiking Equipment for a Day Hike in the Jungle – Water and Food
Don't forget to bring a daypack to carry the skin protection items, as well as a bottle of water, some snacks and a camera. For most travellers an ordinary camera or camcorder will probably do, more professionally equipped photographers may want to bring waterproof camera bags for their equipment.
Hiking Equipment for a Day Trek in the Rainforest – Miscellaneous Items
Depending on the location, your preference or needs, the following hiking equipment may be useful:
- a walking stick
- binoculars
- a torch [early morning or late afternoon hikes]
- blister band-aids, especially when wearing new shoes.
- an extra set of batteries
A Perfect Day Hike in the Tropical Jungle of the Amazon Rainforest
Travellers can't dictate weather conditions, nor can they demand wildlife to show itself. But you can make the best of a jungle trek by being prepared and having the proper hiking equipment in terms of clothing and skin protection. Perfect locations for day hikes in Brazilian forests are the Pantanal, the Amazon and Brazil's Atlantic Forest.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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