| The season for fishing this part of Amazonia is during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, however, the Iriri is close enough to the equator to make this a mere technicality. Expect temperatures and humidity levels to be high. You should expect temperatures of between 25C (77F) and 38C (100F) If you chose the Rio de Janeiro option, the season should be taken into account when packing.
Please bear in mind that the last two legs of the trip are aboard smaller aircraft and luggage should be kept to a minimum and should be packed in soft or part-soft bags and not rigid cases.
At any time of year, the Amazon basin is famous two things: heat and sporadic, but spectacular showers. In light of this:
- Due to the heat, suitable long-sleeved tropical shirts are essential,as are trousers or convertibles made from dedicated materials.Avoid any cotton at all cost for either fishing or travelling within Amazonia. Laundry facilities are available at the lodge, but a minimum of two sets of clothes are needed.
- Some sort of footwear is needed for light wading or if fishing from beaches or rocks. The single greatest hazard to the health in this part of Amazonia is the stingray. Should you step on one in unsuitable footwear it could seriously spoil your day. I have found the best solution to be good quality flats boots, such those made by Patagonia. These can prove to be a little slippery on the rocks, however, and a felt sole glued to the bottom may be a solution.
- A wide-brimmed hat or Bimini cap is also a must; the sun is fierce and pure due to total lack of pollution.
- High-factor sun cream. Try to chose a quality type that is sweat resistant.
- Deet insect repellent. See section on Insects on next page.
- Rain poncho. Don’t spend a fortune on this item. Even the most expensive, so-called “Tropical weight Goretex” waterproofs are useless at this level of humidity. A simple £20 army-surplus poncho, the lighter the better is ample in case of a shower. The strength of the downpours is such that you will get wet whatever happens, but it will protect you from the whipping rain. These showers are truly biblical, but usually short-lived.
- Travel plugs.
- Waterproof bag. I strongly recommend a totally waterproof bag to protect your camera etc.. Dedicated sailing bags are excellent.
- Think about not cluttering the boat too much, so avoid great big boat bags or boxes. The guide has to run fore and aft to man the engine and electric motor and despite their agility, too much kit can make for an obstacle course.
- Good quality torch or head lamp with spare batteries.
- Shampoo; the lodge supplies soap, but no shampoo.
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