Will my stuff get ruined in peru

Question

i am going to iquitos peru for a mission trip and we are going to be digging wells and taking a two day boat trip up the amazon river and all this fun stuff but i am worried that my stuff may get ruined. i just bought a $100 rain jacket and i want to bring it but i am afraid that it will get dirty or wrecked.

am i being over protective about a silly jacket or do you think it could actually get ruined?

thanks and God bless.

Answer 1

I just came back after a trip to Iquitos and amazon Jungle. The jungle is messy, even hiking boots are not enough and you have to buy yourself a pair of rubber boots in the local market (S/. 20 soles = US $ 7.00).  There are 2 kinds of jungle down there: The upper jungle more inland and away from the river and the floodable jungle wich is next to the river.

Keep in mind the the amazon river rises about 12 ft higher from September thru March and during that period, the floodable jungle is under water.

The city of Iquitos has everything you might need, so if you don't want to tangle your rain jacket on a spiny branch in the jungle you can buy some cheap "rain Ponchos" and discard them when done. Iquitos doesn't have mosquitoes like the jungle so you can go around on shorts, T-shirt and slaps, there's also good restaurants like Antica, Chez Maggy and a cool hangout place were most english speaking persons go to, The Yellow Rose of Texas. On these places you can eat well for US $ 12 - $ 15. There are cheaper places for US $ 5 like La Sala and many other local restaurants.

In the jungle you have to wear long sleeves and pants otherwise the bugs will feast on you. Repellent helps but also buy yourself a woven wicker hand fan, not only will it cool you off, but also helps keep away the bugs from your face and neck ( they cost less than a dollar)

Answer 2

Whenever you are dealing with the wilderness, you risk ruining your apparel.  Your best bet would be to bring an old ratty jacket for the days that you're doing rugged work and adventuring.

Answer 3

If you don't want it to get ruined then you probably shouldn't take it.

If you bought to wear while you are there you should wear it and use it.

It sounds like you need to make a decision. When traveling your stuff gets ruined, lost, and stolen. So if this jacket means a lot to you, leave it at home.

hope this helps.