First outline your requirements. What are your interests: fishing, birdwatching, exploring or photo-safari. Once you have chosen an activity, it is important for us to understand what you expect from it. When can you go? Are you flexible or do you have a specific time frame? How many people are in our party? How many days do you have for travel? Are "best possible" accommodations necessary? Do you have a budget?

Once these general questions are addressed, your inquiry (whether by letter, fax, e-mail or phone) could be started as follows

"Our party of (number of people, sex and age) is interested in a week's (fishing, birdwatching, exploring, photo-safari). We would like to (specify what kind of species or destinations you'd like). We are flexible thus we would appreciate your suggestions as to the best time to go. We consider ourselves (be specific with the level of expertise of each individual). We have no dietary problems. We've traveled to Brazil before during two trips to the Amazon. We like comfortable but posh accommodations..."

From this one paragraph Natour has an accurate thumbnail sketch of your party and is in an excellent position to offer suggestions.

A letter that states: "Send me your brochure and all details. We're interested in (fishing, birdwatching, exploring, photo-safari)." will get a response, but a number of letters will have to be exchanged before one can zero in.



Totally misunderstood by some people, a deposit is the camp's guarantee that a reservation is being held for you. It is also your guarantee that you will "show up" for that specific period. Many things can happen of course; so most camps have a grace period. Depending on the camp, your deposit may be refundable if you provide a cancellation notice well advanced of your booking. In some cases this can be 60, 90 days or more in advance of your booking. In other words if you cancel within a specified time, your deposit will be refunded. Some camps charge a small cancellation fee; others do not return deposits no matter how much advanced notice is given. Know this before you submit your deposit.

What happens if the cancellation is less than prescribed time? Usually you lose the deposit, and don't blame the camp owner. If there were no policy concerning deposit and imposed penalties, there would be utter chaos. Some camps however will credit you for another period usually during that same calendar year.

Many of the camps will refund the balance in case of cancellation. With some camps, you would lose the deposit. Be sure to check the camp's policy carefully prior to submitting your deposit. If it not stated in the camp literature or in letter, ask for it writing. It could save you hundreds of dollars! ...............(

Trip insurance: Your travel agency can provide you with optional trip insurance for lost luggage, accident and or trip cancellation. We highly recommend it. There is a high incidence of lost baggage, (particularly expensive tackle boxes and rod cases), but also emergencies or health problems pop up that may require a cancellation and lost deposits and balances. Be sure to read the trip cancellation insurance coverage carefully before signing up. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.



Weeks before you depart, we suggest that you make a list of all items you plan to take along. As you acquire them, check them off your list. As you pack them, check them off again. Your list should include fishing gear, binoculars, clothing, cameras, sun block, medicines, shaving kit, etc… Let's discuss some other items that could make your trip more comfortable.

• Clothing
When it comes to clothing, a common mistake some people make when going to a tropical climate is that they assume that because it is warm, one should take shorts and short sleeves. Many trips have been totally ruined because of this. The tropical sun can be very intense. Take lightweight, long trousers and lightweight shirts! There are several companies that make lightweight tropical clothes specifically for outdoor activities.

Short sleeve shirts and shorts can be worn around camp in the evening. Most camps offer some laundry service, but of course, you should check in advance. Several changes of underwear, socks, should be taken even if there is good laundry service. ·

• Wide brimmed hat
We prefer these to baseball-type caps. If it is raining, the brim will prevent water from running down your neck. If the sun is intense, your ears won't burn.

Some people like to blacken the inside of the front brim to cut down reflection. Some hats have this, but if yours doesn't you can darken it with a black Magic Maker pen or by placing a few strips of matte-finish black tape.

• Eye Glasses
By all means use polarized sunglasses. Even if you wear prescription glasses, you can obtain prescription Polaroid's. If you don't want to invest in good glasses, you can get by with clip-on that fit over your regular eyeglasses. We definitely recommend wearing glasses during your activities to protect your eyes at all times. For example: when fishing, a fish can throw a lure back or the wind can alter a false cast.

We recommend that you attach a loop of monofilament or other line around your glasses to avoid loosing them.

Another product recommended is an anti-fogging liquid, which is applied to your lenses to reduce condensation (especially useful in the hot steamy tropics). A number of quality optical stores carry it; one of the best is Lens Crafted Anti-Fog ProFormance.

• Sun Screens
You're inviting trouble if you head for the tropics without a good sunscreen lotion. A couple of things to remember: apply a coat in the morning before beginning your daily activities and then additional thin coats periodically. If you go in the water, be sure to apply another coat. Even if the weather is cloudy, be sure to apply it. Use a factor 25 or higher.

There are number of good preparations available. Some people, who have trouble with the sun, also take along zinc oxide ointment and apply it to their lips and nose. Another good product-especially in windy conditions - is lip balm such as Chapstick (which can be bought with a sun screen additive).

• Rain Gear
Be prepared for rain in the tropics. You need a good lightweight two-piece rain outfit (ponchos are cumbersome and don't do the job). The jacket incidentally makes good windbreaker (it can be cool in the tropics too, especially when boating back to the camp in the evening). Remember: when packing, be sure to put your raingear right on the top of your duffle. If it rains, it's handy.

• Wristwatches
If you normally wear an expensive wristwatch, by all means leave it at home and find an inexpensive watch. Several reasons: insect and sun screen lotions ruins crystal. Twice we have observed expensive watches go overboard during boat trips. Furthermore, valuable watches attract thieves. Leave costly jewelry at home! ·

• Plastic Bags
One of the handiest items you can take along. Take a few in several sizes. They are useful as laundry bags and can be used to protect your camera from the rain and salt-water sprays.

• Flashlight
Be sure to include a small flashlight and extra batteries in your bag. If you are lost or your boat is lost the flashlight is a good signaling device at night. · ...............

• Insect repellents
It is very important for your comfort to bring along insect repellent. Among the strongest is MUSKOL. It's expensive, but effective.

• Salt Tablets
In the tropics, where great water and salt loss through perspiration can be expected, some people like to take along salt tablets. Others simply use a lot of salt with their meals. In recent years, some doctors have been against salt tablets. Gatorade has become the substitute for salt loss on the athletic fields, but obviously you're not going to find these products at most resorts. You can take Gatorade dry and mix it with water at camp. A good alternative, according to several doctors, is to eat banana and drink a soft drink.

• Medicine
If you are under medication, take a copy of your prescription with you as well as the medicine. Don't put your medicine in checked luggage (which could be lost). If the medicine is extremely important, try to obtain two bottles. Put one in the carry-on bag and the other elsewhere. Two products that you may want to include are over-the-counter Imodium (for upset stomachs) and antibiotics such as Cipro (you'll need prescription).

• Equipment
Find out from the camp or travel agent what type of gear is recommended. Most camps print an equipment suggestion list for each activity. Find out if backup equipment is available at the camp, including lures, lines, binoculars, flashlights as well as rods and reels. Many camps stock a supply of effective equipment, but we highly recommend the pre-purchase of at least essential assortments of gear.

We also recommend you bring a small emergency kit, that contains aspirins, a few band aids, a tube of antiseptic, Rolaids, a lighter, etc…

• Shoes & luggage
For tropical adventures we like to suggest our travelers to take along: sneakers, boots or boat shoes depending on the activities you'll be engaging in. Make sure that the sole has good gripping qualities. Above all, if you purchase new shoes, wear them and break them in prior to your extensive trip.

Most tackle boxes have accommodations for small locks (don't lose the keys!). Additionally we like to run some strong color tape around them to discourage "Sticky Fingers". If you plan to check in your rods as baggage you need a sturdy rod case. There are a number of good aluminum and plastic cases. Some are collapsible. Or, you can easily make a sturdy (but heavy) rod case from PVC tubing for a few dollars. And, of course, carry-on pack or travel rods are ideal.

Run strips of bright color tape around your duffle, tackle box, camera case and rod case. You (or others conducting the luggage transfers) will be able to pick it out easily at baggage claim. The rod cases (as well as others) can roll around the plane's luggage compartment and be over-looked at the destination city. The brightly colored taped rod case is easier for baggage handlers to spot.

Make sure that you clearly print your name and address on all checked items.

• Liquor
It's best to obtain it at duty-free shops located at international airports. It's less expensive and the shop will package it in small cartons. The liquor purchase is presented to you as you board your international outbound flight. No hassle.

• Film and Photographic Items
If you are taking a lot of film and plan on putting it in your duffle, purchase Film Shield, available at most photo supply stores. The Film Shield pouch provides protection against X-ray inspections at airports. Some photographers claim that X-ray can fog film on a cumulative basis. The package also serves a purpose in keeping film in good shape in extreme climates. Some photographers like to keep their film refrigerated in tropical climes.

The surest, safest way to transport cameras is via a carry-on camera case. Remember to take along extra camera batteries!

Important: If you are taking expensive, new cameras and accessories with you out of the country, make a list of all major items including serial numbers of camera bodies, lenses, motor drive units, etc…At international airports (before you depart for a trip) a customs official will stamp your list. Reason: You have definite proof that you purchased the equipment in the country of origin, and therefore not subject to any duties for foreign purchase. Another method would be to notarize the list of serial numbers before you leave for your trip. Most of the time customs officials don't check incoming passengers thoroughly but occasionally they do. Keep this list for future trips (attach it to your passport).



There is one tremendous advantage with prepayment of camp fees: you don't have to carry a lot of cash with you. But you will need some money for meals en route, personal purchases, tips, emergency, etc. Most hotels and many restaurants accept credit cards (some however only accept bank credit cards like MasterCard and Visa). If you are taking a fair amount of money, it is best that you obtain traveler's checks. Be sure to keep a list of the serial numbers separate from the checks, in case they are lost. Additionally, you will need some cash. In Brazil we suggest you have some local currency as well as some American dollars. The more "exotic" the area, the more need for that country's currency (obtainable at major banks and at international airports).

Suggestion: Take a number of one-dollar bills with you (20 to 30). You'll need them for tips at the airport, hotel porters, etc.



The night before you depart, check your list again. Make sure that you have your tickets and valid passport.

You should arrive at the airport well ahead of the scheduled flight time. Different carries have different baggage allowances. It is very difficult to travel anywhere carrying a lot of equipment and be under the free baggage allowance.

Upon arrival at the destination airport, you'll go through customs. It's our experience that 99% of the customs officials are courteous and understanding. Most camps employ representatives at destinations cities who meet guests at the airport and transfer them. At some places they may collect the airline tickets for reconfirmation.



The most important person who determinates the success of the trip is your guide. You definitely want him on your side. Establishing a team effort. Here are some tips: listen to his suggestions and follow them. If his methods fail, you might try out some of your own. Remember: He lives in the area, and his advice should not be ignored. Set up a rapport: ask him about his family, praise the beauty of the area. If you catch an outstanding fish or observe a beautiful bird, thank him for his assistance. Show some compassion; don't expect him to paddle all day against the wind.

On the other hand, some travelers spoil the guides. Treat them well, but at the same time be firm. Guiding is a full-time job. If your guide is inattentive or lazy, mention it to the camp manager. Perhaps he can make a change or talk to the guide.

Check with the camp manager concerning alcoholic beverage policies for his guides. Some camp manager feel it is okay for an angler to give his guide one beer on the way back to the lodge after fishing. Others frown on the practice. Above all, you never want to leave a supply of liquor with a guide at the completion of the trip. The manager will not appreciate it, and more importantly the incoming party may not have any guides at all.

The camp manager is also very important to a successful trip. His job is certainly not without numerous problems.



There is no standard on tipping procedures in Brazil and it varies form camp to camp. Best suggestion: Ask the camp manager (who is usually never tipped) for advice. He'll give you guidelines for the guide, dock man, kitchen staff and others. If your guide has done an outstanding job, you may decide to tip on the high side. But don't overdo it either. You may also wish to give him a few lures, hats, and pair of plies or some other item. Conversely, if the guide does a poor job, he should be rewarded accordingly.



Each morning, prior to departing from the lodge, we like to check over items (in addition to our own) make sure everything is ready.



If you are at a tropical camp where there is a lot of fresh fruit available, don't overindulge. We can get sick and blame the drinking water, but often it is because our systems are not used to great quantities of fruit. In those areas, where there is problem with drinking water, stick to beer or soft drinks. Avoid the ice. On Brazilian fishing trips, where the shore lunch is a ritual, always make sure that the guide has doused the campfire thoroughly; land is too valuable to lose to a careless forest fire. Don't throw cans, bottles or paper overboard or on land. With today's concern for ecology, it's important that people and guides protect the wildness.



Assuming that your flights are confirmed, you should have no difficulties flying back to your country. You will have to fill out a purchase declaration form (provide on the flight) for customs. Fill it out accurately, especially overseas purchases.

If you have promised to send a photo to your guide with that outstanding hook of peacock bass or a jaguar, be sure and mail it to him. Guides look forward to receive photos and letters of appreciation.

Write the camp manager if you are satisfied with the trip. If you were displeased, you might offer some constructive criticism that may help improve the camp and its services in the future.

Equipment that has been used in salt water should be thoroughly cleaned in running fresh water.

The guidelines set here, should make your next trip smoother, worry-free and hopefully more successful.