Travelers to the Guianas are generally able to tolerate local food and water with no difficulty, and most travellers can approach the following CDC Food and Water Safety guidelines with a fair degree of flexibility. All lodges on Wilderness Explorers itineraries have an excellent track record of hygiene and food safety.
GENERALLY AVOID
- Tap water and ice (freezing does not disinfect water)
- Milk (unless it has been boiled or comes out of a can) and ice cream
- Salads (even soaked in potassium permanganate) and other uncooked vegetables
- Fruit (unless you peel it yourself)
- Street food (unless thoroughly cooked in your presence)
GENERALLY SAFE FOODS AND BEVERAGES
- Bottled water
- Carbonated soft drinks
- Hot tea or coffee
- Cheese (if the outside has been peeled away or if it comes in a sealed piece of foil)
- Fruit (peeled by you)
- Vegetables (thoroughly cooked)
- Beer
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
- Wash your hands and use antiseptic wipes or hand sanitizer regularly
- Don’t open your mouth in the shower
- Don’t brush your teeth with tap water
- Don’t lick stamps
Water at the Lodges
Note that rainforest lodges often rely on local wells for drinking water. Please inquire with your hosts if you have any questions about the source of liquids used in your meals. Bottled water is almost always available (for free or purchase) however please bear in mind that there are no responsible disposal options for plastic waste. Bring a refillable water container (Sigg, Kleen Kanteen, Nalgene, etc) and ask your hosts to fill it for you.