20 ways to die in the Amazon jungle (and how to stay alive)

The Amazon Jungle is one of the most vibrant, lively places on planet Earth. But bursting with so much diverse life, death also lurks at every corner if you're in the unfortunate position of having to survive.

Follow Showbizz Daily to stay informed and enjoy more content!

Sure, not everyone heads to the Amazon, and of those who do, few get lost. But if they'd read this article, they'd know what to do to stay alive. Getting lost in the jungle means risking your life if you don't know how to react. So here is the ultimate guide to not dying... just in case!

Photo: Nate Johnston / Unsplash

We're talking about a wild zone, where nature is raw and dangers lurk in the least expected places.

Photo: Ulrike Langner / Unsplash

Those who get lost in the jungle first think that an animal attack will end their life, be it a crocodile, an anaconda or worse... But, in reality, animal attacks are the fourth leading cause of death in the Amazon.

Photo: Meg Jerrard / Unsplash

Turns out, the leading cause of death in the Amazon is getting crushed by falling trees. If the supposedly stationary trees are the most dangerous, imagine what the moving elements of the jungle can do.

But be careful because the second leading cause of death in the jungle is machete accidents. Like that time you tried to open a coconut, miscalculated, and got a nasty cut. Without a first aid kit or medicine, and if it gets infected, you're in serious trouble.

And to round off the top three causes of death in the jungle, we have drownings. There are numerous rivers, reservoirs, and swampy areas that people try to cross overconfidently, only to be dragged or sucked under, never to see the sunlight again.

Once it's clear that human negligence is a key factor in surviving the jungle, being a sensible and logical person will greatly increase your chances of coming out of the Amazon alive.

One of the first pieces of advice from military personnel and local guides is to follow marked trails. It seems logical, but not everyone does it, leading back to human negligence.

Photo: Andrea Rico / Unsplash

The advice is as simple as thinking that once we leave the path and venture deep into the jungle, orienting ourselves and finding our way back becomes immensely difficult.

And without straying from the path, it's important to watch where you're stepping. The ground is full of animal burrows that will feel attacked and counterattack. Snakes are very territorial and often bite when someone steps on the entrance to their homes.

Photo: Timothy Dykes / Unsplash

Another indispensable piece of advice is to wear long pants, long sleeves, and footwear that covers the entire foot. Yes, it may be hot, but your health depends on it.

Photo: Kal Visuals / Unsplash

It's not just about avoiding bites from spiders, fleas, snakes, or mosquitoes, but also about dodging cuts from tree branches or thorns from the countless plants throughout the jungle.

Photo: Syed Ali / Unsplash

Obviously, in addition to the clothing mentioned, you should wear a cap or hat to protect your head from animals in the trees (or trees themselves). If a sting hurts on the arm, imagine it on your head.

Photo: Vinicius Pontes / Pexels

Don't smoke. The smell of tobacco and smoke attracts many bugs, especially at night. One of the most complicated diseases these tobacco-loving bugs can transmit is leishmaniasis, which can leave your face disfigured.

When it's time to sleep, don't hesitate: to use a hammock. Sleeping on the ground is like serving your body on a platter to all sorts of animals and bugs.

Photo: Chris Thompson / Unsplash

It's advisable to carry a blanket or an insulating element that completely covers you at night, protecting you from bugs and also from the cold. Dying from cold in the jungle is more common than you might think.

Photo: Bernard Hermant / Unsplash

When you stretch out, don't forget to place your shoes upside down on a stick. And even if you do that, always check that there's no bug inside before putting them on. You'd be surprised what can fit in a shoe.

Photo: Adrian Swancar / Unsplash

Hungry? The simplest thing is to eat fruits and ants, as they will provide protein and carbs. But be careful not to get bitten by your lunch.

Photo: Petr Ganaj / Pexels

Eating plants carries risks, as many are poisonous. If you break a branch and white or yellow liquid oozes out, better not eat it.

Photo: Maik Kleinert / Unsplash

And if you manage to hunt an animal that you can eat, remember that you should cook it as best you can before eating it. So, weigh the effort of fishing or hunting well, especially if you don't know how to cook it or don't have the means to do so.

Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels

For drinking water, it's advisable to boil it for 10 minutes before drinking. If not, use your shirt as a filter. It's better to drink from a river than a lake, as the water flows more and there are fewer bacteria. And if it rains, try to collect some water. You can go days without eating, but water is essential.

And speaking of rivers, if you have to cross one, don't rush. Observe it for 30 minutes, throw stones, and verify that there are no crocodiles. If there are and you enter, you won't come out.

Having said all this, let's hope you never have to put these tips into practice and that the closest you get to getting lost in the Amazon is having to look for a lost Amazon delivery.

Follow Showbizz Daily to stay informed and enjoy more content!