AKTUALNOŚCI

The tropical forest of Mexico is amazing in terms of the diversity of plants and the multitude of animal species. According to the Mexican government website, there are 625 species of butterflies in the selva lacandona, or Lacandon jungle; 114 mammals, 345 birds and 84 reptiles, in addition to 3400 species of plants, of which 160 may occur on only one hectare. This dense, tall rainforest covers the uninhabited areas of Chiapas here. Living next to the jungle, you hear loud birds mainly in the morning and in the evening. I thought that you might find a list of things worth taking when embarking on a journey into the recesses of these moist Mexican forests ...

The list was compiled from the accounts of a group of American geologists who first entered Selva Lacandona in 1922. You can learn a lot from them, what to take and what not to take on a trip to the jungle. The list was edited after each trip, enriching it with things that were useful and removing those that were unnecessary. At the beginning it was quite extensive, but over time it was shortened to things that are disturbing or are not practical. Geologists have been satisfied with it, traveling for 25 years through Selvas Mexico and Central America.

Clothes list

• Texas hat or sarack and rubber fabric cover.
• Shirts. Preferably a flannel cloth that does not cool down from sweat. Make sure they have large pockets that can be closed. It's easy to imagine how annoying it is to bend down (which is quite common) and leave items scattered everywhere.
• Pants. Three ordinary, soldier or worker, choosing from thick, quick-drying fabric. Equestrian breeches hinder the free movement of the knees.
• Boots. Brogues or boots with nails in the soles. Some people prefer leggings and boots, but you should look for protection from viper bites from the knees down.
• Flannel pajamas.
• 6 pairs of socks.
• Sweaters.There are cold nights. In tropical mountains, and more when the "North" blows, which is common in these regions.
• Tissues.
• Bandanas.
• Poncho.
• Threads, needles, scissors, buttons.
• Shoe straps.
• Compasses, flashlights
• 1 machete with scabbard and file.
• 1 hunting knife.
• Empty clothes bags.
• Canvas backpack.
• Vial to protect matches or a lighter from moisture.
• It is recommended not to bring the weapon as it may be confiscated.

Luggage and food transport

The list includes a lot of food (including 10 kg of flour, 6 kg of sugar, 6 kg of frijol, 2 kg of rice, 2 kg of coffee…). For this reason, if you are going on a longer trip, it is recommended to buy a mule or a few from local residents. In the jungles of Chiapas, Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan, mules that can eat ramón, the leaves of a very common tree, are essential. It is very rare to find grass for pastures under the shade of giant trees. Lots of ropes, belts and covers for spare parts. They are badly needed. Hiring a mule is not very profitable compared to buying it and selling it at the end of the journey. Such a mule can carry a weight of about 70 kg without putting too much weight on itself.

The machete is essential, the Lacandona jungle is about 20,000 km2 and less than 500 inhabitants ("La selva lacandona" 1955). You can walk for several days in any direction without meeting anyone.

House per person

• Hammock. Those with a waterproof roof and a mosquito net are useful. The fabric must be closed so that chahuistles and other microscopic worms cannot penetrate.
• Blankets. You should have some kind of thick blanket that you put under your body. This is almost more important than a blanket for covering.
• Pillowcases. Filling them with clothes makes a wonderful pillow in itself.
• Linen. They are essential for refreshment, especially when the body is full of mosquito bites or ticks.
• Toiletries - soap for you personal, soap for washing clothes, toilet paper.
• Tilt. A large tarpaulin or a tent depending on the number of people. In many places it is possible to make shelters or shelters from palm leaves, but because you can't always find the right material for the roof, it is worth taking a tarpaulin with you.

The machete is essential, the Lacandona jungle is about 20,000 km2 and less than 500 inhabitants ("La selva lacandona" 1955). You can walk for several days in any direction without meeting anyone.

 

House per person

• Hammock. Those with a waterproof roof and a mosquito net are useful. The fabric must be closed so that chahuistles and other microscopic worms cannot penetrate.
• Blankets. You should have some kind of thick blanket that you put under your body. This is almost more important than a blanket for covering.
• Pillowcases. Filling them with clothes makes a wonderful pillow in itself.
• Linen. They are essential for refreshment, especially when the body is full of mosquito bites or ticks.
• Toiletries - soap for you personal, soap for washing clothes, toilet paper.
• Tilt. A large tarpaulin or a tent depending on the number of people. In many places it is possible to make shelters or shelters from palm leaves, but because you can't always find the right material for the roof, it is worth taking a tarpaulin with you.

 

Kitchen:

• Aluminum pots and pans work best because tin is brittle, rusts, and is more difficult to keep clean,
• 1 large aluminum pan,
• 1 small aluminum pan,
• 3 medium aluminum pots,
• 2 large aluminum pots,
• 6 tin cups,
• 6 tin trays.

 

Republic of  Corn, Jukatan 2021