UHP

What to Pack

Space in your cabin is limited. Pack in soft-sided luggage (if possible) that may be stowed under the bunk bed.

  • Passport and International Vaccination Certification card (the yellow card from the yellow fever shot)
  • Brazilian currency – 200-400 reais (if you’re a big souvenir buyer, you may want more)
    • We may be able to exchange money in the airports but don’t count on it. You likely will get a better exchange rate from your bank at home.  
    • Bring US dollars with you as well.
    • You’ll need money to pay your tab on the boat (buying soda, wifi, Amazonia Expeditions shirts). They accept US dollars, reais, credit cards, and Zelle (as of summer 2023).
  • Credit Card – call your credit card company to tell them where you’re traveling, otherwise your card may be cut off when you use it.
    • You will not be able to use a credit card in locations along the river (hence the need for cash), but there will be some places that it can be used (airports, stores in Manaus).
  • Rehydration packets/mix – bring enough to last the entire trip (ie, powdered Gatorade, etc.) – important!!
  • Water bottle – You’ll fill your water bottle from the water cooler on the boat. Unlimited clean water will be available but you must have your own water bottle to access it.
  • Sunglasses (and prescription glasses and/or contacts, if used) - polarized recommended, but not required.
  • Hat with brim large enough to shade your face and back of neck
    • This is important. A baseball cap usually isn’t sufficient, as the sun is intense and you need as much protection as you can get. Students who have not brought this in the past have regretted it.
  • Poncho
    • It will rain. You can hide a bag/backpack under it to keep cameras, etc from getting wet.
    • This is important. You will regret it if you don’t bring one.
    • Poncho is the best coverage for our location and activities. Raincoats don’t work well – too hot.
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent – everyone needs their own personal supply
    • Please do not bring aerosol sunscreen or bug spray. They cause problems, including getting all over everything and everyone around you (including making floors dangerously slippery).
    • When you are on the canoes, you should always have sunscreen and bug spray (in addition to a poncho).
  • Backpack for canoes and hikes into forest
    • You’ll use this to carry your personal items on the canoes (water, sunscreen, snacks, camera, binoculars, etc.); your regular backpack is fine.
  • Binoculars (provided on loan to you by UC) – bring them!
  • Camera – optional
  • Laptop or tablet – optional
    • There is now wifi on the boat for a fee.
  • Electric Note
    • Outlets in cabins are 110 V but have 2-pronged plugs, you may require 2-prong to 3-prong adapter
    • Power available only when boat generator is on (usually only at night)
  • Journal
  • Field notebook – Rite in the Rain notebook provided to you by UC, for you to keep
  • Pens/pencils
  • Zip-Loc plastic bags of various sizes
    • Handy to put your camera in if it rains when you’re out in the canoe.
  • Reading and other materials for free time – cards, books, field guides, etc.
  • Small flashlight
  • Shoes -
  • Rubber soled shoes like flip flops for onboard the boat
  • Water shoes (tight fitting sandals made of rubber like tevas, keens, etc.) are excellent for the canoes, especially for stability as you step in and out of the canoes. People often wear water shoes in the canoes and flip flops around the boat. Flip flops are not recommended for canoes, as it’s easy to slip in those as you are getting in and out. Water shoes will also be helpful when walking in streams.
  • Lightweight hiking boots (without heavy treads) or rubber rain boots for hikes into the forest
    • It’s recommended that you have something that covers your ankles, in case you come across any snakes or other critters on hikes. Snakes are always a risk. Snakes have amazing camouflage.  There isn’t a need to purchase expensive boots (most anything will do as you will not be out on extremely long hikes).
  • Soccer – close-toed shoes to play in (playing is optional). Many wear their hiking boots to play (one less pair of shoes to bring).
  • Toiletries
    • Towels, sheets, blanket, and pillows provided
    • Hand soap provided.
    • Bring all other shower/grooming/toiletry items.
    • Hair dryer not needed, but can bring if you’d like. Can only be used when the generator is on.
    • Wipes come in handy to clean things
    • You will not be able to purchase toiletries for most of the trip; bring anything that you might need.
  • Ear plugs
    • The air conditioning in the rooms is loud. So is the engine. You may need these to sleep.  
  • Basic personal first aid supplies for bug bites or sunburn, minor cuts and scrapes, headaches and allergies (there will be a first aid kit on board, but you should bring your preferred supplies)
    • Please bring your own basics, as it’s likely that everyone will need them – Benadryl, topical antibiotic ointment, anti-itch cream/ointment (for bug bites, something like Calamine lotion or Benadryl cream), Imodium, pain reliever, allergy medicine, bandaids, etc.
    • Allergies – if you have allergies, bring your own medicine.
    • If you are allergic to stings of any kind, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should participate.  
  • Prescription medicines, malaria meds (pack in your carry-on luggage)
    • Check your prescriptions to see if any recommend staying out of the sun; talk with your doctor about what to do if you are taking a prescription that says you should not be in the sun
  • Biodegradable laundry soap (phosphate free, just about any liquid detergent is okay)
    • You may do some laundry yourself in your sink. Small bottle or packets of Woolite work well.
  • Lightweight, fast drying shorts (2-3 pair) – workout clothes are great for shorts and shirts, no need to buy something expensive
  • Lightweight, fast drying long pants  (1 or 2 pair)
    • Don’t bring jeans. You will not wear them.
    • Zip off, quick dry pants are great if you have them (but no need to buy zip off pants)
  • Lightweight, fast-drying long-sleeved shirt(s) (1-2)
    • These are often called “fishing shirts” – button down, long sleeve – there will be times when you’ll be out in the intense sun and it will actually be cooler if you can cover your arms with a shirt like this.
  • Short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts – workout clothes are great – comfortable, breathable, and quick drying
  • Comfortable, lightweight sundress
  • Swimsuit
  • Underwear and socks (some socks long enough that you’ll be able to tuck your pants into them)
    • Having a couple pairs that you can tuck your pants into is important. Never walk into the forest without your pants tucked into your socks.
  • Sleepwear
  • Bandana
  • Sweatpants/leggings and sweatshirt (it surprisingly can get cool at night!)
    • It really does get cool, especially when the boat is moving at night. A zip up sweatshirt is ideal.  
  • Snacks
    • The food prepared by the crew is excellent! And there are always crackers and jellies in the dining room.
    • Bring snacks that are easy to carry (granola bars, jerky, trail mix, etc.). Some mornings, we will go out on the canoes before breakfast. Having snacks in your backpack will help. And, some excursions last much longer than expected (sometimes hours) and we may be a couple hours late for a meal. Snacks will help. Remember, you’ll be on Brazilian time, not American time.
    • Vegan and vegetarian diets are challenging to accommodate although they are getting better at this. If you are vegan or vegetarian, bring snacks.

Do not bring anything you’d be heartbroken to lose, jewelry, etc.