last edited Dec 11, 2019
Health and Safety in the Amazon
Official Recommendations
In France, both for individuals and professionals, the "travel advice" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding precautions for each country has legal value. A similar online travel advice system exists in several countries:
Health
Several sources recommend vaccination against yellow fever for stays in the Amazon, even though no vaccine is officially required to enter the countries concerned. It’s also best to be up to date with your "basic vaccinations."
Diseases
When it comes to diseases, it’s generally the Amazonian part of each country that poses the most "problems," though a minimum of precautions and common sense is usually enough to avoid issues. Dengue and other parasitic diseases like chikungunya, leishmaniasis, or Chagas disease are locally or episodically present. As for malaria, it’s endemic in the forest. However, depending on the places you visit, it requires more of a medical consultation before traveling than systematic medication.
In short, it’s best to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other critters. The best way is to use a good repellent, cover your arms and legs at dusk when they bite the most, and bring an impregnated mosquito net if you’re sleeping in a place without air conditioning or airflow.
In a slightly different area, there’s a hallucinogenic plant in the Amazon, ayahuasca, used by shamans, whose effects can be deadly if misused.
Hygiene
As often, good personal and especially food hygiene is necessary if you’re not used to "eating local." So, avoid tap water that isn’t potable and dishes or foods that don’t seem fresh—if only to avoid traveler’s diarrhea.
Healthcare Facilities On-Site
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
There’s little risk if you travel "organized" and slightly more if you go solo. Remember that the Amazon is a tough and challenging region where many people work hard, far from any "civilization," often for very little. So, in many places, it’s a bit of the Wild West with smuggling and all sorts of stories. As a result, it’s best to use common sense and avoid getting involved in shady or risky plans, especially with people you don’t know well. Also, it’s wise not to frequent certain bars or hotels in populated areas and, generally, not to walk alone at night. For women traveling alone, keep in mind that the Amazon is a place where women are very few; act and behave accordingly.
Scams and "Tourist" Harassment
Climate, Nature, Animals
As for the dangers of the forest, don’t go alone (an obvious point!), especially since you’ll likely have the opportunity. Guides and organized structures are there precisely to help you avoid the discomforts of a world that remains hostile to the uninitiated...