Different types of bugs spray
Probably best to bring a few different types. We tour participants were trading them amongst ourselves to find a good concoction after coming back to the lodge in the evenings to see our bums covered in bites. There are wristbands, stickers, wipes, sprays, etc. Just grab a couple from the stores and wear them all each day!
Torch (flashlight)
When you’re on a night hikes to find insects or canoeing a lake looking for cayman, your phone's flashlight just won’t cut it. Find yourself a good one as you'll want to see the creepy crawlers.
Wellies (rubber boots)
These will likely be provided by your tour company, however if you can bring your favorite pair. Given there is a least a light rain on most days, there is mud everywhere so these are a must, especially when dismounting a boat.
Quick-dry clothes with long sleeves
The second best defense against mosquitos is to just not give them skin. The problem is, you stink at the end of the day. You're hiking through the rainforest so you're gonna sweat!
Zip-off pants
When you get back from the trail, you’ll want the relief of switching to shorts. There is no A/C to be found in the jungle.
Poncho or umbrella
The rain comes with little warning in the Amazon. Often it’s light, so you could make due with an umbrella, especially if you've been traveling for months. However, the poncho for do well for covering your daypack full of gear as well.
Battery Pack for charging
The generators at the lodge only run at select hours in the evenings and your group may not get back from an adventure to maximize the charging time. Having your battery pack plugging in back in your cabin is the way to capture the power needed for the next day.
Spray-on sunblock
Spray on the bug spray, then spray on the sun block. Having both as sprays is just easier.
Daypack
You'll probably leave your main luggage at your hotel, but a simple daypack is how you can carry your sunscreen, bugs spray, camera, and water throughout the day. A good one of these will fold into itself for easy storage while you travel.
A waterproof camera
There's high chance of getting wet when your main transport is a boat, and these boats aren't big (meaning we worried ours might capsize at some points). However, you're in the Amazon for the experiences and memories, and you'll want to capture them. Bring a waterproof GoPro, water-resistant phone, and a DSLR camera with travel insurance to protect it.
Extra socks
You’ll often sweat through a pair by lunch time, so be prepared to swap.
Small bills and coins for purchases and tips
Cash is king in this jungle (meaning you won't find an ATM anyway). You’ll be interacting with several folks who work hard for a living (boat drivers, cooks, even tribe leaders!). Saying “gracias” with a few extra soles is just good karma.
A good attitude
It's hot. You get rained on. You might not sleep well without an AC. You will get bite my mosquitos no matter what. The food may not be the best.
If you catch yourself thinking about work problems or getting tired from a hike, remind yourself that you're in the rainforest.
Just prepare to be unplugged.
