A day at Río Partido is equal parts hike and swim, so packing right matters. Here is the checklist we give friends.
Essentials
- Water shoes with grip — the single most important item. The rocks are slippery and the trail is uneven; flip-flops will not cut it.
- Swimwear — you will be in and out of the water all day.
- Waterproof phone pouch — you will want photos, and everything gets wet.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent — the jungle is shady but the clearings are fierce, and the bugs are real.
Smart extras
- A change of clothes and a small quick-dry towel for the ride back.
- Cash — for tips, snacks, and anything extra. There are no ATMs on the mountain.
- A dry bag for anything you cannot afford to soak.
- Light layers: mountain mornings can be cool before the sun climbs.
Leave behind
Anything valuable you do not need, white clothing (the river is kind, the trail dust is not), and single-use plastics — this is a pristine watershed, pack it in, pack it out.
Tours provide life jackets, so non-swimmers do not need to bring their own gear.