What to wear on a trip to the Peruvian Amazon

Whether you choose to take anti-malarial medication or not, everyone wants to avoid mosquito bites when they go on a trip deep into the Amazon jungle.

A few tips:

Wear long sleeved shirts and pants. It may be hot but you’re asking to get bitten if you wear shorts and a t-shirt.

Local guides advise that you avoid dark blue and black colored clothing, as they tend to attract mosquitoes. Synthetic travel pants and shirts will dry more quickly and won’t weigh you down if you get wet. More recent models include air vents to make up for being less breathable than cotton.

Don’t wear sandals, even “high performance” brands like Tevas. Your ankles are among the most vulnerable points for bites. If you can, rent rubber boots for walking in the jungle. They’re the only thing that will keep your feet and the bottom of your pants dry, and they provide much better grip than sneakers. However, be sure to wear breathable, heavy cotton socks to protect your skin from irritation from the rubber.

Of course, don’t forget insect repellent. Local brands like OFF! are easy to find in supermarkets and pharmacies, but you’ll be applying it several times a day, so it may be worth bringing a brand you’re familiar with from home.

Browse options for vacations in Peru’s northern and southern Amazon jungle on Fertur Peru Travel’s Web site.

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