What kind of clothes should i bring to iquitos + amazon rainforest/jungle?

Question

light colors or dark colors, short sleeves or long sleeves? shorts or pants? i know its going to be really hot and humid but also millions of bugs! what would be the best things to wear?

Answer 1

Light colors, since you will stay cooler that way.

I would suggest layers, like a tank under a thin long sleeved shirt...and I would flood pants or shorts.

Additional hints:

Get permethrin (spelling might be off), it will kill any bugs.  Also take malaria drugs (it's a pill you get from your doctor, you take it once a day).

Also get a 30-50% DEET based repellent.

Answer 2

I avoid cotton because it stays damp. Nylon dries quickly and is lighter and easy to pack (I like Ex Oficio). In terms of colors, wear the colors of nature. White doesn't really exist in large quantity in nature and tends to scare off birds. Black is sadly the favorite color of mosquitos--bad choice. Long sleeves and long pants means less available skin to bite, but it can get hot. I bring a hat for the canoe, once you are under the canopy you won't need it. Wear good boots that are comfortable and bring plenty of socks (again, lightweight and not pure cotton). Bring a light poncho for the rain. Bring the best binoculars you can buy or borrow and a small camera. If you want to see frogs, take a night hike and wear a headlamp. You are going to a magical place! Have fun and remember the quieter you are, the more you see.

Answer 3

If you are going to be hiking in the middle of the jungle, make sure you take light coloured clothes and things with long sleeves and long pants, but light materials because it is hot. It is best to cover up as much as possible both for protection from bugs and so you dont get scratched by plants.

Yes, loads of bugs! take quite strong spray, and dont buy any "natural" stuff - I was told to and it actually attracted march flies which really hurt when they sting.

Have a fantastic time!

Answer 4

I brought 3 long sleeve athletic tees and two pairs of hiking pants (I called them "jungle pants") the kind that zip off into shorts-for protection from bugs and sun outside the lodge and to wear as shorts inside.  Also brought a light weight rain jacket and two regular tees too.  You will never be dry at the lodge from either rain or sweat.  I brought a hat for sun protection too.  It is a fantastic experience though.  Look up some lodges online-they have recommendations for what to pack and they're really good.

Iquitos is a city and they dress super casual in tees, shorts, dresses, skirts, shorts, etc for the hot weather.  But at the lodges in the jungle be sure to cover up and wear a hat and insect repellent with a minimum of 30% Deet.  the CDC strongly recommends yellow fever vaccine and malaria pills if you haven't gotten that done already.   You can get the yellow fever shot up to 10 days in advance but book as soon as you can since there's a shortage of vaccine this year.  

Have a great trip; you are very lucky to get to do this!  :-)

Answer 5

bring hat, light tanks shorts and light pants, lots of bugspray. people almost go naked is so hot , summer dress.

Answer 6

Of course light colors and long sleeves once you are inside the jungle, but in the city of Iquitos you can take off the sleeves. Insect repellent sometimes does not work with the mosquitos, be sure that they have to be very strong, i would preffer the sleeves.

http://www.southamericamyjourney.com

Answer 7

If you're goint to be outside the city in the jungle, I recommend long pants (light fabric) but short sleeves. Take DEET based repelent and use light colors. Make sure you bring something for the rain.