Belize Gear List March 2014:
Passports
All participants must have a current passport.
Inoculations The World Health Organization recommends all travelers be covered for
diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, as well as hepatitis B, regardless of
their destination. The consequences of these diseases can be severe, and outbreaks do
occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (www.cdc.gov), the
following vaccinations are recommended for Belize: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and
typhoid, and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and measles. Yellow fever is not a risk in the
region, however: Malaria is a risk. I do not require proof of any inoculations. This is your
responsibility. Check out the web pages below to learn more.
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World Health Organization - http://www.who.int/countries/zaf/en/
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/south-africa.htm
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The Travel Doctor http://www.traveldoctor.info/vaccinations/south%2Bafrica.92.html
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MD Travel Health http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/africa/south_africa.php
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Travel Guard trip Insurance - http://www.travelguard.com/
Gear List – Recommended
The items on this list represent everything that you will need on your trip. Since space for
baggage is often limited in the field, it is important that you do not bring extra items. Your own
experience should help you choose individual items, but don't overestimate the predictability of
the weather. You should be prepared for showers and hot sun.
Clothing: one light synthetic blend long-sleeved shirt, short sleeved shirt: light synthetic blend
such as those sold by Ex Officio, light hiking pants, swimsuit, shorts. NOTE: Many travelers
enjoy purchasing T-shirts throughout their trip so pack accordingly.
Travel clothes (jeans, cotton tee shirt, sweatshirt), Zip-lock baggies (quart size, and plastic trash
bags for wet clothes) or thin light plastic pouches to keep personal items dry. (Belize is typically
hot and humid day and night year-round. March falls within the dry season, humidity is always
very high with avg. temps of 71 to 88 degrees F.; the odd cold front may blow over bringing
cool, windy and overcast conditions with rain)
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Underwear: Cotton is comfortable, synthetic blends dry better overnight.
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Foul Weather Gear: Poncho - lightweight but sturdy (with any rain garment make sure the
seams are sealed). Light- weight jacket or wind breaker for nights in the mountains.
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Socks: Synthetic or wool/cotton blend, athletic.
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Shoes: Trails are often wet and therefore slippery, so your footwear is important.
Comfortable walking/hiking shoes that grip and a pair of sport sandals Chaco’s, Tevas etc.
NOTE: We recommend always wearing shoes in the field
Hat or cap with brim for sun protection
ACCESSORIES
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Toiletries: all non-scented (include Sunscreen lotion and chapstick) and a small personal
container of bio-degradable soap
o Special medicines and prescriptions including Malaria prophylactic in the original
container. I highly recommend malaria prevention, which usually begins several
weeks before departure. Please consult your physician.
Quick Dry Towel
Personal first aid kit, include pain meds that work for you, Imodium, or prescribed antidiarrheal, favorite remedies for headache, colds, upset stomach, including Lomotil or Pepto
Bismol (for lower intestinal distress), nerves, insect bites, skin irritations, motion sickness,
etc.
Journal and pen/pencil
Binoculars (optional)
Camera and/or video camera with charging adapters (there are limited charging facilities)
Synthetic sleeping bag liner or travel sheet (optional)
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Daypack / Rucksack
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Field guides and reference materials
Insurance certificates Address and telephone number of whom to contact in
case of emergency
Water bottle
Deet Insect Repellent
Your favorite snacks/energy bars
LUGGAGE
Travel light! One medium-sized suitcase or duffle bag and one carry-on bag per person is
adequate. Make a habit of traveling "light" for relatively trouble-free journeys uncomplicated by
several pieces of luggage. Be conservative in your packing, what one needs is really very little.
We recommend a duffle bag approximately 14" x 30", made of strong, waterproof material with
full zipper and wrap-around nylon type handles. These bags pack more easily and will protect
your gear from water and dust.
PACKING
We recommend that you hand carry on the plane in your daypack: camera, personal spending
money, (U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere), important documents, medicines, other
irreplaceable items and YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS with a valid passport and a copy of
your passport kept in a separate location (checked baggage).