What should I wear in the jungle? How much should I pack? How much money do I need? Do I REALLY need bug spray? Read on to find the answers to the questions that I had before this trip through the Mayan landscapes of Southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Here’s what I DO suggest bringing:
Backpack
Travel Documents
Pants - (I preferred these North Face convertible pants)
Sun Hat
Long Sleeve Shirts - I brought 3 long sleeve shirts and a fresh tank top for layering each day.
Tank Tops / T-Shirts - (To relax at the hotels)
Bathing Suit - Most hotels had pools, but there’s also swimming at the Water Falls.
Rain Coat/ Poncho
Sunglasses
Hiking Boots
Socks
Flip Flops and/or Sneakers
Toilet Paper - Carry this at ALL times. There is a general lack of toilet paper (and toilet seats) along the journey.
Soap and Hand Sanitizer - Many (most) restrooms along the way either had NO running water, or cold water and no soap.
Flashlight - IF you want to check out the Xibalba underworld… it’s easier seen with a flashlight. It also makes it easy to see at night in the more rural towns.
Camera with extra battery
Notebook- I brought an iPad, but used it often to take notes at lectures and write down things that I wanted to reference after the trip was complete.
Travel clothing soap - If you bring backpacking/moisture - wicking clothing, they will dry in enough time to allow you to wash and rotate clothing.
Bandana / Hair ties
Dry Bag - Great place to put your electronics and important items to keep them out of the rain and dry in the humidity.
Money - There are amazing artisans and fun things along the way that you might want to grab. Also, you’ll need money for meals and tipping.
Medicine - Any prescriptions and extras that you might need are a good idea, especially when traveling to such rural areas. I brought fever reducer, pain reliever, allergy medicine, allergy lotion, and dramamine for the boat rides.
Sunscreen - I’m pretty sure that I burn from moonlight, so I bring it anywhere I go.
Nice to Have:
Conditioner - If you have long hair, you’ll appreciate having it!
Pajamas - I brought clothes to lounge in that were also OK to wear in public, but that were comfortable enough to sleep in.
I do NOT suggest that you bring these things:
Suit Case (large) - Unless you want to carry this up a large muddy hill, or carry it up multiple flights of stairs, pack lightly.
Drivers License - Do not bring unless you are driving to/from the airport. Why have an extra thing to worry about?
Locks - Everywhere that we stayed and traveled was quite safe and low in crime.
Makeup - Not only will it melt off, but hardly anyone will see you. They’ll be looking at the ruins.
Phone - No need (unless you have a plan in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras). Travel is mostly rural.
Answers to a few questions I wish that I knew before I had left:
Do I REALLY need Bug spray?
Yes! Mosquitos are no joke.
Don’t forget your travel shots and malaria medicine.
Do I need more bug spray in the jungle?
Yes! But, actually the place that I was affected the worst was in Villahermosa & La Venta Park.
How many sets of clothes should I bring?
I suggest 3 long sleeve shirts (to rotate)
2-3 pair of pants
6 pair of socks (dry socks make ALL the difference)
Comfy clothes that you can wear after exploration and then use as Pajamas
One pair of hiking boots and one pair of comfy sandals.
Wash the clothes you bring when you can and expect a long drying time. Don’t bring two outfits for every day like I did. It’s heavy to carry up steps and honestly your clothes are kinda gross almost immediately after putting them on. I guess - do what you're comfortable with.
Is there really WIFI? Even in the jungle?
Well, at the hotels, yes. Most hotels had wifi. Some slower than others, but enough to get connected if you feel the need.
What questions do you have?