Protection
from the Elements
Sun: The tropical sun is strong. You will need
to use several means to protect yourself from its intense rays.
A visored hat is a necessity especially when you are traveling
by boat; waterproof sun block [at least SPF 15] should be applied
to all areas of your skin not covered by clothing; light colored
cotton clothing allows the air to circulate while protecting you
from sun and insects; and sunglasses will protect your eyes from
the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Insects: Protection from insects is also necessary
especially at sunrise and for an hour before and after sunset.
There are basically two methods of protection: physical barriers
and chemical barriers. Loose long-sleeve shirts and long pants
will provide the necessary physical barriers. Research indicates
that mosquitoes land less frequently on lighter colors - they especially
like the color blue! The most effective chemical barrier is mosquito
repellent with an ingredient called deet (diethyl-meta-toluamide
or some related isomer). Deet confuses mosquitoes’ heat sensitive
direction finders and will actually kill them if they get in prolonged
contact with the chemical. A repellent with a 30% deet solution
is more effective than a solution of 100% and more tolerant for
the user. A light coating of repellent on clothing (especially
your hat and collar) will improve protection and somewhat reduce
the need to put a heavy coating on your skin. Spray application
is easiest, but stick applicators work just as well.
Nearly 600 species of mosquitoes inhabit the earth. Only a small
percentage of female Anopheles mosquito carry malaria. The best
protection from malaria is to avoid mosquito bites. Read the instructions
of your mosquito repellent carefully and apply it thoroughly. Remember
to reapply your repellent after swimming, taking a shower or heavy
exercise. Also, make sure that in the early mornings and in the
late evenings you wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
and you apply repellent to your hands, neck and face. When you
go to sleep, make sure the mosquito netting surrounding your bed
is tucked in completely.
Rain: The rainforest subsists on copious drenchings
of precipitation. We can count on a daily rain shower or two. A
light raincoat or poncho is a necessity. Without protection from
the rain, your clothes will get wet, and because of the high humidity
in the jungle, remain damp long after the rain shower. Rain ponchos can be purchased at both lodges, for $1.00 (dollar)
Not only will you need protection from the rain, so will your
belongings. Pack your clothing in garbage bags in case your luggage
gets wet from a sudden rainstorm or from water splashing over the
gunnels of a boat. Also bring large-zip lock bags for your binoculars,
camera and journal.
Mud: We will
have the opportunity to take several hikes. Due to the rain and
heavy shade on the forest floor, the trails will be muddy. Rubber
boots are a must! Wearing sneakers on the trails will guarantee
wet, muddy feet and shoes. Cleaning muddy shoes is difficult and
drying them out is nearly impossible. Rubber gardening boots can
be purchased in Lima at an agricultural supply store and are relatively
inexpensive. They can be purchased at Agro Costa, Javier Prado
Este 2959 and Av. La Molina 1158.
Wear two pairs of socks when trying them on in the store. Wearing
two pairs of socks when hiking will reduce the chance you will
get blisters on your feet.
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Personal Comforts
Clothing : When choosing the clothing you will
bring, consider the advice given regarding insect and sun protection — short
sleeve shirts and shorts will be appropriate to wear sometimes,
but you will need long sleeves and long pants for the forest and
for early mornings and evenings. Light cotton is best. Baggy rather
than tight is also better (insects have more difficulty biting
through baggy), but not so baggy as to make a good home for critters.
Some clothing will need to be worn more than just one time such
as long pants so try to keep them dry and out of the mud! A complete
list of clothing is included at the end of this pamphlet.
You should have at least two pairs of footwear along on this trip.
One pair will be for wearing to and from Explorama and for around
camp where pathways are clean and dry. Tennis shoes work well.
As explained earlier, you will need tall rubber boots for the jungle
trails.
Pack your clothes into plastic bags so that you will have dry
items when you need them. We also suggest taking several extra
bags for dirty clothes and dirty shoes.
Be sure to set aside one clean set of clothes for the return trip
to Lima.
Include a pair of pants, a shirt/blouse, underwear and socks. Keep those
clothes in a separate plastic bag.
Personal Hygiene: Bring soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other hygiene items you regularly use. When packing, tubes or bottles carrying liquid should be secured, then wrapped individually in their own zip-lock plastic bags. Changes in air pressure on the airplane and transportation by boat and bus will test the strength of containers. The extra protection provided by plastic bags may help save you a mess to clean up!
Leaving hygiene products in their original containers is often a waste of precious luggage space. You will not use a full, large bottle of shampoo during the week we are gone. If possible, take just what you will need in a small, sturdy container. Sometimes trial sizes of products are just right. Pharmacies have sachet sizes of shampoos
Bring a washcloth, or better yet, bring bandannas for washing your face. Light cotton bandannas dry rapidly in the sun. Damp washcloths make a good home for bacteria. Also be sure to bring a towel, for swimming.
If you wear contacts, be sure to bring a sufficient amount of cleaning solution. Also bring a screw-top container to store and protect your contacts (any container that can be securely closed will work). You should also bring a back-up pair of glasses.
Spending Money:There are several places where money may come in handy for sodas or souvenirs: the airports, Explorama Lodge and Iquitos. You will not need more than S./150. Bring small bills and change. What can’t be bought? knives, blow guns, other weapons, and animal or insect products – such as insect collections, butterflies, etc.
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Other Stuff
Binoculars are extremely useful when observing wildlife in the jungle canopy — pygmy marmosets, iguanas, toucans and many other wonderful, but shy animals. Binoculars with wide fields of vision are best for spotting wildlife. A middle-sized pair of 7 x 35 or 8 x 42 work well. Bring a zip- lock bag for you binoculars in case you get caught in the rain. A small magnifying glass will come in handy and is easy to carry.
Camera: Pack a camera if you have the desire and the space. A basic point and shoot or disposable cameras that can take minor bumps and the humidity of a tropical rain forest environment are best. Film speeds of 200 ASA or higher are best for the forest. A zip-lock bag in which to store your camera is imperative. Bring lots of film and extra batteries.
Flashlight : Though all rooms and walkways are
equipped with lanterns, a flashlight will come in handy to find
things in your duffel bag at night. But, most importantly, a flashlight
will help you spot wildlife on night excursions. Plan on using
your flashlight quite a bit. An extra set of batteries may be needed.
Water resistant flashlights are a good idea, but they are not necessary
if you are careful. Small disposable lights are not recommended.
They do not cast enough light for observing wildlife.
Paper and Pencil: Bring your journal and writing
utensils including colored pencils.
Reading Book: Bring a book to read if you like.
There will be opportunities to lie back in a hammock, relax, and
enjoy a book.
Make certain your valuables and fragile items such as cameras and
binoculars are taken as carry-ons and never pack money in a suitcase.
Since the purpose of this trip is already firmly established, do
not bring I-pods, I-pods shuffles, Walkmans or any electronic toys. Bus rides, boat
rides, etcetera are times for paying attention to surroundings
and
for conversing with others about this experience. No cell phones
are allowed since there is no signal at either lodge.
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Safety
Animals: Do not touch any animal unless a guide
gives you specific permission. This means wild or domestic, large
or small... even the cute ones! Playing with an animal can easily
result in a bite that could ruin your trip.
Injuries/Illnesses: Report all injuries to one
of your teachers — no matter how small. Show us your nicks
and scrapes... every sliver! Nicks and scratches can quickly become
infections in a rain forest.
Knives: Students may not bring knives on this
trip. If a student brings a knife, it will be confiscated and not
returned.
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