Jun 14 min read

The Ultimate Packing List for Your Amazon Rainforest Glamping Adventure in Peru

Let me be clear; I'm not a camping girl. I like running water, indoor plumbing, and fresh fruit for breakfast. So when we booked a guided tour to Peru that included a three-night, four-day excursion to the Amazon Rainforest in a "rustic jungle lodge," I was equally excited and anxious to step out of my travel comfort zone.

Four days with limited access to electricity, no air conditioning, and only window screens as a barrier between myself and nature meant some extra packing considerations were necessary. Here's a comprehensive packing guide for our jungle glamping adventure in Peru's Amazon Rainforest, along with a few tips to optimize your stay!

Three photos of a woman on vacation in the Amazon Rainforest — Prepare for your trip to the Amazon Rainforest with this packing guide!

What to Pack for Peru's Amazon Rainforest

Jungle-Worthy Outfits to Pack for the Amazon Rainforest

Jungle Pants - I affectionately refer to my Abercrombie YPB Motion Tek Joggers as "my jungle pants" because these were the perfect pants for this adventure. The pants are loose fit, quick-dry, and offer protection from plants and mosquitos when hiking in the rainforest. I wore these two days in a row, and my only regret was not having a second pair.

Lounge Shorts - While you won't want to wear these on hikes because of bugs and brush, having two pairs of shorts to lounge around the property or wear on less woodsy excursions was key. With high humidity and temperatures in the 80s, shorts felt like freedom from the sweaty confines of long pants.

Light Colored Tops - Outside the jungle foliage, the sun is HOT. I enjoyed having tank tops indoors or while we were zipping down the river in our riverboat. If I return to the rainforest, I'd pick up some long-sleeved "safari" style shirts that wick moisture and protect your arms from bugs.

Raincoat - We got insanely lucky during our dry season trip and only saw one rain cloud for about 30 minutes. That said, we always kept rain jackets on hand, and I even used mine to deter mosquitos and hide from the sun. Consider this a must-pack!

Wide Brim Hat - I'm sure a safari-style hat would work in the jungle, but I made do with a straw beach hat. It worked just fine to keep the sun off my face and even helped hide my greasy jungle hair a few times.

Pajamas - I'll be honest, it was almost too hot for pajamas. I wore a cute satin set from Target that worked just fine. I wouldn't pack anything more substantial than this.

Sports Bras - These wick sweat a bit better than a regular bra, so I'd recommend tucking a couple in your bag before heading to the rainforest.

Crew-Length Hiking Socks - We did quite a bit of walking in the jungle. I recommend crew-length socks to keep mosquitos off your ankles.

Waterproof Hiking Shoes - Waterproof hiking shoes are ideal in this scenario, especially if you're visiting during the rainy season. My Alta Timp 2's finally bit the dust after this trip, but I've found them to be a reliable hiking shoe.

Slip-On Sandals - Let the dogs breathe after a long day in the jungle. I like these sandals which are easy to dress up or dress down, and pack super well.

Breezy Dress - I enjoyed having a dress to switch into at dinner, but there's no expectation to dress up at night. I'd recommend something like this.

Reconsider These Items on Your Amazon Rainforest Packing List

Leggings - Peeling my sweaty Lululemon leggings off on the first day in the Amazon was disgusting. After a full day of skin-tight sweaty clothes, I regretted not bringing more lightweight, breathable garments.

Jeans - My partner made the mistake of not purchasing long adventure-style pants and wore jeans out on the trails. The humid conditions made jeans nearly unbearable after collecting a day's worth of sweat (not to mention they never dried while in the rainforest).

Long Sleeve Jackets - I thought my Lulu define jacket was the answer to protecting my arms from bugs and foliage. I was so wrong. This jacket was way too heavy. Safari-style clothing isn't my style and puts a dent in the pocketbook, but in hindsight, I wish I had splurged on something similar to this.

Gear to Pack for the Amazon Rainforest

Sawyer Permethrin - This pre-travel clothing treatment is designed to deter 55 varieties of bugs and genuinely worked wonders for us. I watched as mosquitos hovered over our clothes, then buzzed away after encountering the sawyer permethrin. While this stuff isn't cheap, I'd consider picking up a bottle from Amazon before going to the actual Amazon. Just remember to treat the clothes before you depart for your travels and make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle to stay safe.

Bug Repellant with Deet - I brought spray and wipe variations of repellant. We were advised to purchase varieties with at least 30% Deet. I noticed that the spray left a bit of a greasy film. That said, I did feel the protection was stronger than that of the wipes. The wipes came in handy when applying on windy riverboats or around groups of people. All that to say, you will need repellant and you will come in contact with mosquitos in the Amazon.

Headlamp - Limited electricity made for some dark evenings. Although flashlights were provided in the room, I found these headlamps provided stronger light. Consider carrying some backup batteries just in case, too (I ended up needing mine!).

Sunscreen - If you've read my blog before, you know I'm a ride-or-die fan of Sun Bum. It came in clutch once again here, especially during our excursion into the rainforest canopy and while laying on hammocks along the riverbank.

First Aid Kit - As always with adventure, it's important to prepare for anything. I love this weekend first aid kit, and I also throw in a few blister protectors as well.

Medications - The Madre Del Dios River Area is home to several bacteria and diseases. Consult the CDC webpage and consider visiting a doctor before traveling to determine what you need for your trip. You can learn more about my experience at the travel clinic in my blog post.