Pico da Neblina Expedition

Grading: Severe

They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more, subject to weather conditions and altitude).Suitable for people with a very adventurous mindset. Prior mountaineering and trekking experience is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. During the expedition our participants need to help set-up camp, with the supervision and help of our staff.

The itinerary can be modified and should be considered as a rough guide. Weather conditions or external situations could change daily plans. The head guide will always make the final decision when plans need to be changed.

Suggested preparation: For Severe expeditions you will need to be fit and healthy. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi-day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition.

Some of the animals and plants, which can be observed in the region:

Birds
Several kinds of toucans, aracaris, scarlet macaws, green winged macaws, blue and yellow macaws, blue fronted amazons, a great number of colorful tanagers, kingfishers, guans, curassows among others.

Spiders
Such as the non-poisonous Theraposa leblondi, the biggest spider of the world, with a lifespan of up to 20 years, the very poisonous Loxoceles, Phoneutria and Lycosas, Latraodectus mactans (black widow).

Mammals
Tapir, capybara, giant otter, paca, brown and black howler monkey, black uacari, spider monkey, dusky titi monkey, brown capuchin monkey, spider monkey and sloth.

Fish, Amphibians, Snakes
River dolphins, piracuru, piranha, caiman, several kind of poisonous frogs and snakes, iguanas and turtles.

Butterflies
Papillion, heliconius and morphs.

Orchids, bromeliads, trees
Aechmea aquilega, Scuticarias, Coriantes, Cataseto, carnivorous such as hellianphora tatei, brachinnia, drosera and utricularias, caoutchouc trees (Hevea brasiliensis), Brazil-nut trees (Bertholletia excelsia), Assaí and Buriti palms and many more.

Packing list materials

• Backpack with a capacity of 70 liters. Make sure that the backpack has only one compartment.  This reduces the zippers and strings and it makes the backpack so much stronger. Make sure to bring a rain cover for your backpack as well so that the inside of your bag stays dry. You should also bring a plastic bag to put your clothes + equipment in. Dry clothes + equipment are very important in a place where it is always damp.
•  Sleeping bag + sheet sleeping bag (nights can be cool; around -5 degrees Celsius)
• Decent rain poncho (at night it is also usable against mosquito bites)
• Sturdy shoes + old sport shoes. Try to keep them dry, they are usable in the morning and evening when we are at camp.
• Two long-sleeved shirts to protect against sunburn and insect bites (lightweight, dry fast, no cotton!) Button down types work well
• Two t-shirts, three lightweight pants, quick-drying and loose-fitting (preferably that zipper off into shorts) (Be sure to tuck your pants in your socks to protect against insect bites.)                       
• Tropical hat, cap or bandana
• Swiss army type of knife
• Swimming trunks
• Sun glasses
• Quick drying towel
• Headlight (with extra batteries)
• Batteries for your electronics
• Water bottle, preferable 2 liters
• Disinfectant hand gel
• Toilet paper
• Plastic bag for your dirty laundry
• Power bars and powder mix which you can mix with water
• Cup
• World electrical plug
• Whistle