Stay Comfortable on Your Jungle Tour: What to Wear and Pack by Season

The Sayulita jungle is incredibly beautiful, but it's also a dynamic environment that changes dramatically between the dry and rainy seasons. To make sure your Natikari experience is as fun and educational as possible, comfort is key!

I've put together a simple list of essentials and seasonal adjustments to help you prepare for your biologist-led adventure on the trail.

1. The Year-Round Essentials: Our Strong Recommendations

For your safety and comfort, we strongly recommend packing these items, regardless of the tour you choose or the time of year.

Item	Why It’s Essential
Closed Hiking Shoes	The trails include narrow and steep sections, riverbeds, and uneven terrain. Non-slip soles are highly recommended for stability and protection against insects and undergrowth.
Long Trousers	Protects your legs from scratches, thorns, and insects like mosquitoes. Lightweight, loose-fitting, and quick-drying hiking trousers are ideal. We strongly recommend long trousers over shorts.
Water Bottle	Staying well-hydrated is crucial for comfort and health, not just for the tour, but for your entire stay in the Sayulita climate. Please bring water in a reusable bottle for the duration of your tour (we suggest at least 1 liter per person).
Snacks	Pack high-energy snacks like nuts or protein bars. The hike and the jungle heat require calorie replacement to maintain energy and prevent dehydration.
Hat or Cap	Protects your face and head from the sun in exposed areas. While most hiking trails are shaded, a hat is highly recommended for activities like birding on the ranch where sun exposure is higher.
Insect Repellent	The jungle, and all of Sayulita, has many insects! We strongly recommend applying repellent to exposed skin to protect against diseases, especially during the Green/Rainy Season and at dusk or dawn.
Sunscreen	Sun protection is essential throughout your stay in Sayulita. Apply a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen before and during your tour to protect your skin and the ocean.

2. Dry Season Packing Tips (November – May)

The Dry Season offers excellent hiking conditions. This is generally the coolest part of the year, and there is no mud on the trails.

• Focus: Managing sun exposure and enjoying the cooler weather.

• Clothing: Choose light-colored, moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) that dry quickly and help regulate your temperature.

3. Rainy Season Packing Tips (June – October)

The Rainy Season transforms the jungle into a lush, vibrant paradise with abundant foliage and possibly slippery trails.

• Focus: Managing high humidity and increased insect activity. Please note: In this climate, you will likely get wetter from your own sweat and humidity than from the rain!

• Clothing: A long-sleeved, loose, and light shirt is strongly recommended to provide extra protection against the increased number of bugs.

• Footwear: Choose shoes that can handle being wet. The trails may be slippery due to wet foliage and rocks.

• Sweat & Humidity Management: Since the jungle is extremely humid, the focus should be on quick-drying clothing (like a spare dry t-shirt in your bag). We do not run tours in intense rain, which is uncommon during tour times.

• Hydration & Repellent: Due to the higher humidity and increased sweating, consider packing extra water (more than the 1L minimum). Also, remember that insect repellent comes off the skin quicker as you sweat, so bring it to reapply.

• Bag Protection: If you bring a phone or camera, pack a small dry bag or plastic zip-lock to protect electronics from humidity and rain.

4. Tour-Specific Items

Remember to check your tour description for any special additions!

• Birding Tours (Beginners/Birdsong Breakfast): If you are booking for more than 5 participants, please bring your own binoculars. Otherwise, we provide high-quality equipment for small groups.

• Creatures of the Night Adventure: We provide headlamps, but you may want to bring a personal flashlight.

My main goal is for you to be comfortable, present, and ready to learn. If you have any questions about specific gear, feel feel to reach out before your booking!