According to the "Handbook For Survival in the Rainforest," the most important factor for surviving in the rainforest is shelter. The best places for shelter are in high, elevated areas that are far enough away from swamps and riverbeds to minimize exposure to mosquitoes. Lighting fires around the shelter is key to warding off other rainforest predators, such as jaguars. Tree branches and forest plants can be used to create makeshift beds and roofs.
Although rainforests have plentiful water sources, much of it is contaminated and could make you sick. The "Handbook For Survival in the Rainforest" recommends finding clean water in nuts and shells of certain rainforest trees and boiling water from swamps and puddles if possible. Drinkable water can also be obtained from fast-flowing rivers.
If you're a lost traveler or tourist, your goal is going to be finding civilization to help you out of the rainforest. According to the Trails.com Amazon Rainforest Survival Guide, a rule of thumb in the rainforest is that all rivers and streams will eventually lead to civilization. Sticking with the river and following it up or downstream can help you get out alive.
Finding food is essential to survival in the rainforest. According to the "Handbook For Survival in the Rainforest," many plant species native to the rainforest can be eaten. These include chonta heart of palm, fruits of the yarina palm tree, the uvilla, or wild grape tree, and cocona fruit, which grows on low bushes. To determine if plants are safe for eating, check to see if monkeys, birds or other animals are consuming it first. While searching for food in trees and bushes, the traveler should be on the lookout for venomous snakes, which are one of the greatest threats to surviving the rainforest. To do so, travelers should carry bush rods to poke into tree branches and bushes to ward off any dangerous creatures before gathering food items.
