What to pack for holidays in the 3 Guianas!

What do you need to pack for your 3 Guiana tour?

Going on a trip to the tropics means that you need to pack differently than when you go on a trip to Spain! Think about the diverse weather conditions in a tropical climate, and the type of activities you will be doing in the 3 Guianas. Therefore, we advise you to bring the stuff we mention in this article to make life easier while you are on a trip!

Clothes to wear in the Guianas

For local people, the normality is to wear clothes that cover your entire body, this is perceived to be a form of decency. The men usually wear long trousers and short-sleeved shirts in daily life and at work. The women wear skirts or trousers down to the knees and usually wear T-Shirts or short-sleeved shirts like the men do. Make sure to bring T-shirts, shorts, and skirts that come down to the knees. Cotton clothes are most comfortable to wear in the tropics and the hotel can wash them for you if you stay two nights. My mom used to say, always bring some smart clothes for special occasions, you never know!

Protect your self against Mosquitos!

It is also important to consider bringing a long sleeve shirt against mosquitoes. While in Suriname we advise you to buy the Surinamese Insect repellent, named Maskita gel every Chinese shop is selling it because just a long-sleeved top will not save you! For French Guiana and Guyana, 30% Deet for mosquitos will do.

The climate in the Guianas

A raincoat or umbrella is advisable because real tropical rainfall during the day while sitting in a boat or hiking in the Amazon jungle is not strange! A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a minimum of factor 50 is a must because we are not joking when we say the sun is hot!

 Cash or card in the 3 Guianas?

When checking out of your hotel do not forget to take your passport and other important stuff out of the hotel safe! Also, take into account that you will not always have the possibility to pay by credit or debit card, so we advise you to bring cash (preferably US dollars) just in case. Bring a waterproof money belt to store your important belongings and a small extra wallet to keep hold of your change.

Trips to the interior

Swimming in the river will be an adventure so make sure not to forget the essential swimming gear including water shoes, flip-flops, and sandals. It is also useful to take one or two small towels with you (from the outdoor shop) because most jungle resorts do not have towels!

You will explore the Amazon jungle or go on hiking trips; therefore, it is essential to bring good walking boots, traditional long socks, and a decent water bottle. It is always a good idea to bring a small first aid kit just in case those poor feet can take it anymore!

Make sure you are never in the dark! Especially if you are going on night adventures where a flashlight is a must! Preferably with rechargeable batteries, and a charger. A camera and its charger with an extra memory card because you will want to take some good footage of the wonderful sights in the Guiana’s, or not?

If you wear contact lenses do not forget to bring an extra pair and your glasses. For a bit of comfort during those long car trips make sure to bring a neck pillow.

 Waterproof suitcase or backpack?

If you are going on a round trip it is useful to take 2 pieces of luggage, 1 small one and 1 large one. You will be able to leave your large piece of luggage at the hotel but make sure the lock is working! The small suitcase must be waterproof if you are traveling by boat.

I saw clients traveling with a backpack that seems very handy because you do not leave anything behind, where you go your backpack is going! A backpack that is waterproof will be very handy after all, it can always start raining all of a sudden. Special rain covers are available in the outdoor stores however a garbage bag is also an option in case of emergency! Out of experience, I can advise is to pack all items in your bag in separate plastic bags just to keep them dry!

Fly to the interior

If your trip includes flying to a resort in the interior a maximum of 8 kilograms luggage is permitted. Furthermore, the same rules apply for liquids on domestic flights as international flights.

 Pack your suitcase smartly!

From my own experiences, we have seen that travelers really appreciate our packing lists because there are some essentials that not everyone thinks about at first hand. One of our guests went to Suriname well prepared and noticed that some of his fellow travelers forgot to bring some long socks with them. This was a big mistake because their ankles became a perfect target for mosquitos, he decided to hand out socks so everyone could enjoy their vacation without being haunted by annoying mosquitos!

Make sure to pack the right stuff and get ready for an adventure! We would love to show you all the highlights in the wonderful Guiana Shield!