How do I prepare?
Build up your muscles, these
suckers are strong! Seriously,there are several important things necessary
in order to prepare for a trip to the Amazon. The first item is paperwork.
You must have a currently valid passport and a visa (obtained no earlier
than 90 days before first use) in order to enter Brazil. You can
obtain the passport through the U.S. Passport agency and the visa through
your nearest local Brazilian consulate. Or, if you prefer, you can make it simple and let us
help you obtain both documents through our affiliated travel documentation
services.
No inoculations or vaccinations are currently required by the U.S. Public Health Service or the Brazilian government for entry to Brazil. That being said, however, we strongly suggest that you consult with your personal physician
regarding inoculations (such as Hepatitis) recommended by the I.A.M.A.T.
(International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers) (716)
754-4883 / 417 Center Street, Lewiston, NY (see "What about Tropical
Diseases?" below). Based on the advice you receive from these
qualified sources, arrange for any shots, pills or doctor visits that are recommended specifically for you and your individual health status. Give yourself enough time before your trip so that any immunizations
you get can take effect. It's also worthwhile knowing that the Brazilian immigration department is authorized to deny you entry if they feel that you are a yellow fever risk. Brazil has successfully prevented yellow fever outbreaks by requiring yellow fever vaccinations from travellers entering from yellow fever risk countries, such as Bolivia and Venezuela. If your passport shows that you have visited one of these countries, you may be asked to show a yellow fever card (proof of inoculation) before being permitted to enter.
Next, far in advance of your trip, start collecting
the gear and clothing necessary to assure your comfort on the trip (see
our
pre-trip information section outlining our recommended check-list).
Pack as light as possible. Most anglers bring too much clothing.
Almost all camps offer a daily laundry service, so plan accordingly.
A soft tackle box packed with your essentials and a duffel bag (that you
can handle in the airport) should hold everything you need. Keep
in mind that charter planes involved in in-country transfers (if used)
have stringent weight limitations.
Finally, make sure you pack a good, weatherproof
camera and plenty of film. No one is going to believe your tall tales
unless you can back them up with pictures!
For more information see: Pre-trip
Information - a comprehensive guide to trip preparation
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