What to pack for the Amazon? This is a question that I didn’t contemplate very long before I spent a week in the jungle.

I knew it would be hot and humid, so I thought a few token shorts, t-shirts, and a pair of flip flops would be fine, but what I didn’t take into account were things like heavy rain, jungle critters, and the high humidity which made it almost impossible for my clothes to dry.

I may not have packed right for my trip to the Amazon, but hopefully, this packing list will help you bring the right items.

What to pack for the Amazon

Here’s a list of what to pack for the Amazon Jungle:

(1) Long pants: I didn’t think I’d wear long pants in the jungle because of the heat, but I was so glad I found one long lost pair in my luggage once I got there. The mosquitoes are insane, so I ended up wearing long pants for all the jungle walks and excursions.

(2) Shorts: I also brought shorts along which I wore indoors within the safety of my treehouse or aboard the river cruise. If you want to save some space, you can consider something like the convertible pants to shorts ensemble.

(3) Fast-dry t-shirts: I would suggest packing 2 t-shirts per day. The humidity is quite high and you are going to get very sweaty when you go out for morning and afternoon excursions. I made the mistake of packing cotton t-shirts (ha! even after 2 days of airing out they still would not dry), but next time I would go with quick-dry shirts and then alternate them.

(4) Long sleeve t-shirts: Yes, you’ll want to bring at least one long sleeve shirt to the jungle. These aren’t to stay warm, rather to protect yourself from mosquito bites and the sun during excursions.

(5) Rain jacket: Because let’s face it, you’re likely going to encounter sporadic rain showers a few times a day. If you’re doing more of a high-end Amazon River cruise they usually provide rain ponchos, but it’s best to go prepared.

(6) Swimsuit: Don’t let movies of piranhas and anacondas scare you! Did you know that in the Amazon you can go swimming with pink dolphins?

(7) Closed shoes: A sturdy pair of hiking shoes would be ideal for the jungle walks. I tried going out with sneakers, but the terrain can get quite muddy and soggy, so my shoes got soaked. For some of the outings, our tour operator did provide rubber boots, but then you have the problem of these not fitting quite right.

(8) Flip flops: These were my lounge shoes after all the hikes.

(9) Long socks: I only packed ankle socks because that’s usually all I wear…as you can probably imagine, I ended up with a ring of mosquito bites to prove it. Long socks all the way and if you own waterproof socks even better!

(10) Underwear: Just like with the t-shirts, bring more than what you think you’ll need. Or better yet, go the ExOfficio route and grab a few pairs that are quick-drying, odour resistant, and breathable.

(11) Hat: I just brought a baseball cap, but if you want the neck protection, most people on our Amazon tour seemed to be going for this look, which isn’t my favourite, but you can decide what works for you.

(12) Sunscreen: It’s a must! Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day unless you want to turn into a lobster.

(13) Bug spray: You are going to need this and you are going to want to spray it all over you (as an FYI the natural eucalyptus and lemon scent smells quite nice)! I also saw a family on our Amazon River cruise who were wearing mosquito repellent patches on their clothes, and they told me they were working great when I asked about them.

(14) After-Bite: Because even with all the preparation, you’ll likely still end up with a few sneaky mosquito bites on your body. This stuff really helps relieve the itch.

(15) Flashlight or headlamp: Many of the Amazon lodges are off-grid and run on solar energy so you may not have electricity 24 hours a day. Bring a flashlight or a headlamp that you can keep next to your bed in case nature calls at night.

(16) Sunglasses: To keep them rays out of your eyes.

(17) Refillable water bottle: To take out on the excursions. You’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated while you’re out there.

(18) Camera: Because you are going to want to document this adventure. Don’t forget to bring extra batteries and chargers. I don’t consider myself a wildlife photographer, so I don’t carry a body with an array of lenses. For the type of photography I do on this blog and a lot of the video footage you see on my YouTube channel, I use my Canon G7X.

(19) Dry bag: These bags are great for keeping your electronics safe and dry when you’re out on the water. They’re also a good idea for a trip to the Amazon because of the frequent rain showers, so it’s best to be prepared if you get caught in one of those with all your camera gear.

(20) Binoculars: So the biggest difference between going on safari and going to the Amazon is the way you spot wildlife. On safari, you have large animals that are quite easy to spot, but on the Amazon, we were looking for sloths, birds, and lizards that were not only perched up in the trees but that could camouflage in the foliage. I did a high-end river cruise that thankfully provided one pair of binoculars per room, but if you are doing a more budget-friendly cruise this may be something you want to consider.

(21) Travel insurance: Not necessarily something you pack, but it does keep your back covered! This really goes without saying, but you should always have travel insurance when you travel, more so when you’re venturing somewhere as remote as the Amazon Jungle. You can get a quote for your Amazon trip here.

(22) Quick-Dry Towel:
A compact, microfiber towel is a lifesaver in the rainforest. Many jungle lodges provide towels, but they might not always be dry by the next morning, thanks to relentless humidity. A travel towel dries much faster and is easy to pack for river swims or unexpected downpours.

(23) Lightweight Sarong or Buff:
This is one of those multipurpose gems. Use it as a makeshift towel, a privacy curtain, a scarf for sun protection, or even as a lightweight sheet for unexpected situations. I ended up using mine every day—especially as an extra barrier against bugs in hammocks or boats.

(24) Travel Laundry Kit (Soap & Line):
Because drying clothes in the Amazon is a struggle, pack a small bag of laundry soap and a travel clothesline. Wash essentials at night and hang them where there’s the most airflow. Even if things don’t get bone dry, at least you can keep rotating your cleanest, least-damp items!

(25) Moisture Absorbing Bags or Silica Gel Packs:
Tuck these into your electronics bag, camera case, and even your shoes. They help keep gear from getting musty and foggy—super important when every breath feels like you’re inhaling a rainforest.

(26) Waterproof Phone Case:
Whether you’re canoeing, hiking, or braving a surprise rainstorm, a reliable waterproof pouch will protect your phone from splashes, mud, and humidity. Plus, it makes it easy to snap photos on the go without worrying about the elements.

(27) Lightweight Packable Poncho:
Even if you’ve got a rain jacket, a cheap, ultralight poncho packs down to nothing and is perfect for those “soaked in seconds” Amazon deluges. Throw it over yourself and your daypack for total coverage on boat rides or open trails.

(28) Spare Ziplock Bags:
I can’t overstate how handy a handful of ziplocks are. Use them for snacks, keeping electronics or books dry, separating wet or muddy clothes, or stashing damp socks on the go. Bonus: they help contain jungle smells from infiltrating your entire bag!

(29) Electrolyte Packets:
Hydration is crucial, and all that sweating means you’ll lose more than just water. Add electrolyte powder or tablets to your refillable bottle for a quick pick-me-up—especially on steamy hikes or after stomach upsets.

(30) Energy Snacks:
Pack protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit. Jungle excursions can run longer than expected, and there aren’t always shops around. I kept a couple of bars in my daypack for the moment when hunger hit between meals (or for sharing with new friends!).

(31) Personal First-Aid Kit:
Lodges may have basic supplies, but you’ll want your own essentials: band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for splinters or thorns), painkillers, anti-diarrheal meds, antihistamines, and any personal prescriptions. Better safe than sorry.

(32) Compact Travel Pillow or Inflatable Neck Pillow:
Transport to and from the Amazon can be lengthy—think hours by bus, boat, or even plane. Having a comfy pillow makes all the difference, and it’s great for naps in hammocks or on the boat, too.

(33) Eye Mask & Ear Plugs:
If you’re a light sleeper, the jungle’s symphony of howler monkeys, insects, and birds can be overwhelming. Bring an eye mask and ear plugs for a better night’s sleep in your lodge, tent, or hammock.

(34) Travel Journal & Pen:
The Amazon is pure inspiration. You’ll want to jot down wildlife sightings, weather quirks, funny stories, or that one local guide’s recipe for plantain chips. Plus, evenings are perfect for reflecting on the day’s adventures.

(35) Spanish Phrasebook or App:
While many guides speak English, your boat captain or local host may not. Basic Spanish phrases (or even Portuguese, if you’re in Brazil) go a long way for daily interactions, directions, and learning local tips.

(36) Spare Batteries and/or Power Bank:
Electricity can be unreliable in the jungle—most lodges only provide it for a few hours a day, if at all. Carry extra batteries for your camera and a charged power bank to keep your phone or headlamp alive until you reach civilization again.

(37) Spare Set of Clothes in a Dry Bag:
Always keep a clean, dry outfit sealed up and ready—especially for your journey home. There’s nothing like peeling off your muddy, sweat-soaked hiking gear and slipping into something dry before a long ride back to the city!

(38) Travel-Sized Toiletries (Eco-Friendly):
Opt for biodegradable soap and shampoo to help keep the rivers clean. A small bottle of hand sanitizer is essential for before meals, and wet wipes come in handy when water is scarce or you need a midday refresh.

(39) Travel-Sized Sewing Kit:
Jungle adventures are rough on clothes! A tiny kit with a needle, thread, and safety pins fixes ripped seams, broken straps, or sudden tears until you’re back in reach of a tailor.

(40) Small Gift for Local Guides or Hosts:
This is a special touch, especially if you’re staying with a family or in a small community. Think postcards from your home country, travel-sized games, or even a sweet treat. It’s a simple way to show gratitude for the local hospitality that makes the Amazon experience so unforgettable.

Extra Tips & Amazon Travel Wisdom

– Keep Electronics Simple:
Humidity is tough on cameras and phones. Avoid changing lenses outside, keep everything zipped in waterproof bags, and try to limit unnecessary gear.

– Rethink White or Light-Colored Clothes:
They’ll show dirt and stains in no time. Go for earth tones, quick-dry fabrics, and dark colors that don’t scream “newbie tourist” (and attract fewer bugs!).

– Less Is More:
You’ll find yourself re-wearing your favorite comfy, dry pieces. Save space for small gifts, snacks, and souvenirs.

– Check Lodge Amenities:
Some jungle lodges offer boots, ponchos, or even binoculars. Double-check before your trip to avoid packing extras.

Final Reflection: Packing for the Adventure of a Lifetime

What about you? Is there a quirky item you’d never travel to the jungle without? Any packing mishaps or Amazon hacks you’d love to share? Drop your best tips and questions in the comments below!

Is there anything else you would pack for the Amazon?