Planning a jungle escape to the Peruvian Amazon is thrilling until you face an empty suitcase. This Amazon Rainforest Packing List is your no-stress blueprint for a comfortable, low-impact stay at Treehouse Lodge near Iquitos. You’ll find what to wear in humidity, how to protect electronics, lodge-specific power info, a day-by-day packing plan, and a printable checklist—plus responsible travel tips and smart internal links to keep readers exploring.
If you’re combining the Amazon with the Andes or Caribbean coasts, also read our Peru packing list and Colombia packing list.
Before you pack: What’s specific to Treehouse Lodge
- Electricity & plugs: Peru runs on 220V / 60 Hz. Sockets are Type A & Type C (flat US-style and round Euro-style). Bring a compact universal adapter and verify your chargers are 100–240V (most phone/camera chargers are).
- Solar grid = leave the energy hogs at home: Hair dryers, curling/flat irons are discouraged because they drain the solar system—charging for essentials takes priority.
- Connectivity detox: There’s no guest Wi-Fi or cell service at the lodge—plan offline maps, books, and playlists before you go.
- Cash at the lodge: Bring Peruvian soles (PEN) for drinks, tips, and souvenirs; ATMs in Lima/Iquitos usually give better rates than exchange kiosks. Note: since Dec 2015 the currency is “sol” (plural soles), not “nuevo sol.”
- Health window: See a travel clinician 4–6 weeks ahead to review vaccines (e.g., yellow fever for Loreto region) and whether malaria prophylaxis is right for your exact itinerary.
- Mosquito protection on site: Treehouses and common areas are enclosed with mosquito mesh; beds have netting. (Still bring repellent and long layers.)
Warm-up read: 9 Amazon rainforest facts that will blow your mind.
The Ultimate Amazon Rainforest Packing List (Treehouse Lodge)
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Luggage & waterproofing
- Soft duffel or backpack (40–60L) – easier for boats/vehicles.
- Daypack (20–25L) – plus a 10–20L dry bag for skiff rides and rain bursts.
- Pack cover, a few zip pouches, and silica gel for humidity control.
- Reusable bottle (750 ml–1 L) – refill to reduce plastic.
Clothing (light, long, quick-dry)
- 3–4 quick-dry T-shirts
- 2 long-sleeve sun/bug shirts (roll-up sleeves)
- 2 lightweight long pants (convertibles welcome)
- 1 airy short (for the lodge)
- 4–5 moisture-wicking underwear
- 4 long socks (tuck over cuffs against insects)
- 1 light fleece/sweatshirt (breezy boat rides)
- 1 rain shell or poncho (mandatory)
- Swimwear and breathable sleepwear
Footwear
- Closed-toe hiking/walking shoes (already broken-in).
- Slides/sandals for the lodge.
- Optional: ankle-high gaiters for mud.
Tip: Some Amazon lodges offer rubber boots; Treehouse doesn’t list this on its “Prepare” page. A few guest reviews mention boots on site—confirm availability/size in advance if you rely on them.
Sun, insect & skin protection
- Repellent (20–30% DEET or ~20% picaridin).
- Permethrin-treated clothing (pre-trip; optional but effective).
- Mineral/reef-safer sunscreen, sun hat, UV lip balm.
- After-bite & aloe gel.
Medical note: For eastern Peru (Loreto/Iquitos), clinicians often recommend yellow fever vaccination and may advise malaria prophylaxis; timing varies by medication.
Personal pharmacy & first aid
- Prescriptions (in original packaging) + copies
- Antimalarial (if prescribed), anti-diarrheal, ORS/electrolytes
- Pain/fever reducer, antihistamine, motion-sickness tabs
- Blister kit, bandages, antiseptic wipes
- Hand sanitizer & biodegradable wipes
Toiletries (eco-friendly where possible)
- Biodegradable soap/shampoo; solids to cut plastic
- Toothbrush/paste, unscented deodorant, menstrual products
- Microfiber towel, nail kit, tissues
Electronics & power
- Universal adapter (Type A/C) + small multi-outlet extender
- Headlamp (hands-free) + spare batteries
- Power bank (10–20K mAh)
- Camera/phone + dry bag or rain sleeve
- Skip: hair dryer/straightener—solar system priority goes to essentials.
Documents & admin
- Passport + paper/digital copies; travel insurance confirmation
- Flight details to/from Iquitos (IQT)—city is accessible by air/river only; the airport code is IQT.
- Cash in PEN for tips, drinks, crafts; card for ATMs
- Offline maps, ebooks, playlists; emergency contacts
NEW: Season-by-season packing tweaks (Iquitos area)
The Peruvian Amazon near Iquitos has two practical “seasons” driven by river levels:
- High-water (≈ Dec–May): Forests flood, more canoe/skiff access; hiking options fewer. Pack extra dry bags, light layers, quick-drain shoes/sandals, and a second rain layer for comfort on boats.
- Low-water (≈ Jun–Nov): Trails emerge; beaches appear; birding & fishing improve. Bring ankle-support shoes, gaiters, and additional socks (mud). Mosquito pressure can be lower, but still protect.
Even in the “drier” months (≈ Jun–Sep), expect humidity and periodic rain—aim for quick-dry everything.
Daypack loadout for excursions (copy this)
- 10–20L dry bag inside your daypack
- Headlamp, compact poncho, electrolyte sachet
- Repellent, small sunscreen, lip balm
- Binoculars 8×32 or 8×42 (wildlife payoff is huge)
- Phone/camera rain sleeve + microfiber cloth
- Reusable bottle filled + a spare soft flask
- Small cash for crafts in communities
Micro-guides: pack smarter for your style
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For wildlife photographers: telephoto (200–300mm+), rain cover, extra batteries (humidity drains them), lens cloths, silica gel, and an ultralight beanbag for skiffs.
For families with kids: child-size buffs/bug-proof layers, extra ORS, familiar snacks in resealable bags, small field journal.
For cold-sleepers: thin merino base, sleep socks; the canopy can feel breezy at night.
For sensitive skin: fragrance-free toiletries; test repellent on a small patch before travel.
Responsible travel in the Amazon (small choices, big impact)
- Refill, don’t discard—use lodge water to cut plastic waste.
- Biodegradable toiletries and mineral sunscreen protect waterways.
- Respect wildlife—quiet approach, never feed, keep distance.
- Support communities—buy locally made crafts; skip candy or trinkets.
- Deepen your ethos with ecotourism benefits and community-based tourism.
Looking to compare styles? Try Ecotourism in Brazil – 5 days, Colombia’s canopy at Discover Calanoa, our Peru tree-perch Hidden gems – 2 nights in the Amazon, or go all-in with Amazon eco adventures and Andes-to-Amazon combo.
3-day wear plan (example)
Day 1 (boats & trails): long-sleeve sun shirt, quick-dry pants, long socks over cuffs, hat, rain shell in daypack.
Day 2 (dawn wildlife + community visit): repeat long layers; carry dry bag and small PEN cash for handicrafts.
Day 3 (river + lodge time): tee + light shorts/sandals at lodge; long layers for dusk mosquitos.
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Your checklist :
- Passport + copies
- Travel insurance
- Flight details to Iquitos (IQT)
- Cash (PEN) for tips, drinks, souvenirs
- Bank card for ATMs
- Soft duffel/backpack
- Daypack
- Dry bag
- Pack rain cover
- Zip pouches
- Silica gel
- Reusable water bottle
- Electrolytes/ORS
- 3–4 quick-dry tees
- 2 long-sleeve sun/bug shirts
- 2 long pants
- 1 pair of shorts
- 4 pairs of underwear
- 4 pairs of long socks
- Light fleece/sweatshirt
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Swimwear
- Sleepwear
- Hiking/walking shoes
- Lodge sandals/slides
- (Optional) gaiters
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Mineral sunscreen
- UV lip balm
- Repellent (DEET 20–30% or picaridin ~20%)
- (Optional) permethrin-treated layers
- Small first-aid kit
- Prescriptions
- Antimalarial (if prescribed)
- Anti-diarrheal
- Pain/fever reducer
- Antihistamine
- Biodegradable toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes
- Menstrual products
- Microfiber towel
- Universal adapter (Type A/C)
- Power bank
- Headlamp + batteries
- Camera/phone + rain sleeve
- Offline maps/ebooks/playlists
- Emergency contacts
Leave at home:
- Hair dryer/straightener
- Heavy jeans
- Strong perfumes
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Treehouse Lodge quick answers
Can I charge my phone/camera? Yes—220V, Type A/C sockets; bring a universal adapter.
Is there Wi-Fi or cell service? Not for guests—embrace the digital detox.
Do I need cash? Yes—bring soles (PEN) for drinks, tips, souvenirs (other costs are typically included).
Which vaccines/meds do I need? Depends on itinerary/health—CDC recommends
YF vaccination in Loreto and says some areas warrant malaria prevention; consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
FAQ
How rainy is “dry season” around Iquitos?
Even at its driest (≈ June–Sept), Iquitos still sees regular showers—pack a proper rain layer and dry bag year-round.
High-water vs low-water: what changes in the packing list?
High-water (≈ Dec–May): more boat time—double down on dry bags and quick-dry layers. Low-water (≈ Jun–Nov): more hiking—bring sturdier shoes, gaiters, extra socks.
What’s the airport code for Iquitos and how do I get there?
Fly into IQT (Crnl. FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta Intl.). Iquitos is reachable by air or river only.
Does Treehouse Lodge provide mosquito protection?
Yes—enclosed structures + bed nets. Still bring repellent and long layers.
Are rubber boots provided?
Treehouse’s prep page doesn’t specify; some guest reports mention boots. If you depend on them or have uncommon sizes, email to confirm.
What’s the exact currency I should bring?
Peruvian sol (PEN); plural soles. The term “nuevo sol” was retired in 2015.
Can I fly a drone?
Rules change and many protected areas restrict drones; always check Peru’s DGAC rules and local/park regulations. When in doubt, leave it or get written permission. (We avoid listing specifics here as policies shift.)
Is yellow fever vaccine mandatory?
Not required for entry, but recommended in the eastern Amazon regions (including Loreto/Iquitos). Consult a travel clinic.
Can I rely on credit cards at the lodge?
Bring cash in soles for extras (drinks, tips, crafts). ATMs in Lima/Iquitos usually offer better rates than exchange booths.
What plug adapter do I need?
Type A/C adapter; ensure your gear supports 220V (most modern chargers do).
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