The Amazon rainforest takes its name from the Amazon River, which spans the borders of eight South American countries -- Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. Amazon rainforest camping entices seasoned campers with the promise of an exhilarating adventure, but the experience requires meticulous preparation in order to ensure your own safety. Rainforest camping techniques bear close resemblance to camping methods elsewhere, but the possibility of exposure to malaria, typhoid and other illnesses is greater in the Amazon. Take extra precautions against potential health issues.
Items you will need
- Water purifier
- Water bottle
- Walking stick of long branch
- Zippered tent with small mesh openings for ventilation
- Mosquito net
- Net Poles
- Sleeping bag
- Cooking equipment and camp stove
- Camping food
- Insect repellent
- Map and compass
- Citronella candles
Accumulate and purify your water from the deeper end of a fast-flowing stream.
Hike to a high place away from the swamps and river banks. Use your walking stick or branch for balance and to check the terrain beneath your feet.
Clear away leaves and branches. Use your stick, not your hand, since snakes might loom under the branches.
Dig a 6-inch deep and seven-inch wide hole near your campsite to serve as a drain, in case of heavy rainfall.
Place the tarp on the ground and set up your tent on top of it. Place your zipped-up sleeping bag inside the tent
Zip up your tent and stake the netting poles into the ground around the perimeter of your tent. Drape the mosquito net around the tent and attach the net to the poles.
Build a fire and cook your food. Eat dinner and wash your plates with purified water.
Light your citronella candles and place them near the outside of your tent.
Tuck your hiking pants into your boot and open your tent. Unzip your sleeping bag, shake it out and check for bugs. Apply insect repellent, get into your sleeping bag, zip it up and sleep peacefully.
- Boil cooking water for three minutes for added safety.
- A local naturalist guide helps you navigate the rainforest and find the best camping spaces.
- July to November are the drier months in the Amazon rainforest.
- Never wash your body or clothes in the river.
- Bring along anti-malaria pills, and get an anti-malaria vaccination before departing on your trip.
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