Belize Jungle: Survival Tips For The Wild Adventure

The Belize jungle is a challenging environment, with humidity, hurricanes, and animals all working against you. To survive, you need to focus on the basics: water, food, fire, and shelter. Here are some tips to help you navigate this unforgiving landscape:

- Finding water is a priority. Look for water vines or coconut water. If you're unsure if the water is drinkable, boil it.

- Building a fire is important for boiling water and warmth. Search for dry wood, as damp wood won't burn easily.

- Choose your shelter wisely. Avoid building near creeks or streams to prevent flash flooding. A simple lean-to structure against a tree can provide adequate protection.

- Be cautious of the local flora and fauna, including mosquitos, scorpions, snakes, and wildcats.

- Stay camouflaged and move quietly to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

- Keep an eye out for dangerous creatures like snakes and ants.

- Be mindful of your food sources. If you're stranded, look for edible plants or set traps to catch small animals.

- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to react quickly to any potential dangers.

- If you get lost, leave piles of rocks or break branches to signal your trail for rescuers.

Find water

Finding Water in the Jungle

Finding water in the jungle is a matter of life and death. You can only survive for around three days without it, so it should be your first priority after making a shelter. While water may be abundant in the jungle, it's crucial to know how to find it—and how to make it safe to drink.

Sources of Water in the Jungle

• Rainwater: The easiest and quickest way to get drinking water in the jungle is to collect rainwater. Tie a tarp between trees and let it drain into a container. If you don't have a container, you can twist a leaf into a funnel to drink from.
• Groundwater: Groundwater is found beneath the earth's surface. While it may be free of bacteria and larger microorganisms, it could contain chemical pollution, so it should still be purified before drinking. Look for signs of saturation, such as mud, and start digging.
• Running water: Your best option for finding water is to locate a stream or river. The movement of the water prevents bacteria from festering, but it could still contain parasites, so it's important to purify it.
• Plants: All manner of plants can be good sources of water. Vines, in particular, can be drunk from while on the move. Make cuts at the top and bottom of the vine to release the fluid in the capillaries, then check that the fluid is pure and clear before drinking. Other water-rich plants include bananas, plantains, figs, bamboo, and coconuts.
• Animals: In the jungle, you won't be the only one in need of water. Watch the movements of birds, insects, and other animals to find sources of water.

Purifying Water

Even if water looks clean, it could be contaminated with parasites, bacteria, or human waste. To avoid getting sick, it's important to purify any water you find before drinking it. Here are some ways to do that:

• Boiling: Bring the water to a boil over a fire and let it boil for at least a minute to kill any harmful microorganisms.
• Purification tablets: Carry water-purifying tablets with you, which can be used to cleanse water for consumption.
• Filtration: Use a water-purifying straw or strain the water through a sock that has charcoal from a previous fire in it.

Find food

Finding Food in the Belize Jungle

The Belize jungle is a lush rainforest, full of life and adventure, but it can be challenging to find food if you are lost or stranded. Here are some tips to help you find food and survive in this beautiful yet unforgiving environment:

• Foraging for Food: The Belizean rainforest offers some edible options for those brave enough to try. The fruit of the Cohune Palm Tree, which resembles miniature coconuts, can be found on the ground or climbed for if you are adventurous. Crack the shell with a stone to access the meaty inside, but be aware of its earthy flavour. Another easily accessible fruit is the pacaya, which is similar to a small coconut.
• Insect Delicacies: Termites, specifically the minty-tasting variety, are considered a delicacy in the rainforest. They can be found in large nests on trees, and while a large number is needed for a full meal, they make for a good snack. Be cautious, as insects may not be for everyone, and it is hard to determine if they are safe to eat.
• Hunting and Trapping: Setting traps is an effective way to catch small mammals or birds while you rest. You can also try making a spear to catch fish or crabs in the streams. Remember, crabs are only active at night.
• Water Sources: While not directly food, water sources like rivers and streams are essential for survival and can also lead you to potential food sources. Follow these water sources to increase your chances of finding civilisation or at least a place to start a fire and cook.
• Safe Practices: It is crucial to only eat what you know. Stick to recognised food sources like pacaya, the heart of the palm tree, snails, and similar items. Avoid unknown fruits or plants, as they could be poisonous.

Make fire

Fire is essential for survival in the wild, providing warmth, protection, and a place to cook and sterilise tools. Here are some ways to make fire in the Belize jungle:

Using a Friction-Based Method

The most challenging way to start a fire is by creating friction using a hand drill or bow drill method. For this, you'll need a fireboard (a flat piece of wood) and a spindle (a stick to create friction). The best types of wood to use for your fireboard and spindle are cottonwood, juniper, aspen, willow, cedar, cypress, and walnut. Ensure that the wood is completely dry. Here's how to do it:

• Build a tinder nest with dry, easily ignitable materials like grass, leaves, and bark.
• Cut a V-shaped notch into your fireboard and make a small depression next to it.
• Place bark under the notch to catch the ember formed by friction.
• Place the spindle into the depression and roll it between your palms, applying pressure and spinning until an ember forms.
• Transfer the ember to the tinder nest and blow gently to start the flame.

The bow drill method is similar but uses a bow and string to spin the spindle, making it easier to maintain the speed and pressure needed.

Using Flint and Steel

Another classic method is to use a flint and steel set. If you don't have one, you can use quartzite and the blade of your pocket knife, along with char cloth (cloth turned into charcoal) or a piece of fungus or birch. Here's how:

• Hold the flint with char cloth between your thumb and forefinger.
• Use the back of a steel striker or knife blade to strike the flint, causing sparks to land on the char cloth.
• Fold the glowing char cloth into a tinder nest and blow gently to start a flame.

Using a Lens

On a sunny day, you can use a lens to focus sunlight and create a fire. This can be a magnifying glass, eyeglasses, or binocular lenses. You can also use a clear balloon or condom filled with water, shaped into a sphere, and held 1-2 inches from the tinder. Alternatively, you can shape clear ice into a lens using your hands to melt and smooth it. Angle the lens toward the sun to focus the light on your tinder nest.

Using a Battery and Steel Wool

This method is fun and easy, especially with kids. Stretch out a piece of steel wool to about 6 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Hold a 9-volt battery in one hand and the steel wool in the other. Rub the battery's contacts against the steel wool until it glows and burns. Gently blow on it, then quickly transfer it to your tinder nest.

Build shelter

Building a shelter is essential for surviving in the Belize jungle. Here are some tips and techniques for constructing a shelter using natural resources and available tools.

Choosing a Location:

• Select a dry, flat area to avoid moisture seeping through your clothes and making you cold at night.
• Stay on higher ground, avoiding bodies of water like rivers or lakes, as well as ravines or low ground, to prevent flooding during rain or river overflow.
• Look for an area surrounded by trees to block cold winds and provide protection from the elements. Thick foliage can also help you stay hidden.
• Ensure there are no signs of danger above, such as dead tree limbs, loose rocks, or mud that could fall on your shelter.

Constructing a Lean-To:

• Find a sturdy support, such as a large rock or a fallen tree, that is taller than you and can serve as a wind and rain barrier.
• Lean long branches against the support at a 45-degree angle, close together to form a roof. Fill any gaps with smaller branches to prevent wind and rain from entering.
• Cover the structure with dead leaves, bark, and sturdy branches to insulate and protect against the elements.
• Line the inside of the shelter with dry leaves for added comfort.

Building an A-Frame Shelter:

• Create an "A" shape with two sturdy branches of similar length. Tie them together at the top.
• Tie a longer branch, about 2 feet taller than your height, to the top of the "A" to form the centre support. Ensure it is secure and provides enough space underneath.
• Cover the ground inside with dry leaves and grass for insulation.
• Lean solid branches on each side of the long branch to create a "ribcage" structure. Fill in any gaps with smaller branches to prevent debris from falling through.
• Cover the outside of the structure with dead branches and leaves for insulation and camouflage.

Additional Tips:

• If you have tools like a knife or machete, they can be useful for cutting branches and vines.
• Use natural materials like vines, ropes, or even shoelaces to tie branches together.
• If you have a poncho or plastic sheet, use it as a covering to provide extra protection from the rain.
• Always be cautious of insects, arachnids, and poisonous plants when gathering natural materials and choosing a location.

Navigate

Navigating through the dense foliage of the Belizean jungle can be challenging, but there are some strategies that can help you find your way. Here are some tips to help you navigate effectively:

• Use natural landmarks: Keep an eye out for natural landmarks such as rivers, streams, and tree lines. These can help you maintain a steady path and prevent getting lost. Follow rivers or streams as they generally lead to some form of civilisation.
• Listen to your surroundings: In a dense jungle, your sense of hearing can be just as important as your sense of sight. Pay attention to the sounds around you, such as the ocean or the sounds of animals, and use them as a guide.
• Utilise a map and compass: In the absence of modern technology, a map and compass can be invaluable tools. Learn how to use them effectively to determine your location and direction of travel.
• Break branches: If you are travelling in a specific direction, break branches at eye level as you go. This will help any potential rescuers identify which direction you are heading in.
• Leave piles of rocks: Another way to signal for help is to leave piles of rocks along your trail. This may alert rescuers to your presence and the direction you are travelling in.
• Stay off the ground: When camping, consider staying off the ground by using a cot or hammock. This will help you avoid insects and maintain better ventilation.
• Be cautious: The jungle is full of potential hazards, from venomous snakes to biting insects and thorny groundcover. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Wear appropriate clothing: To protect yourself from bites and cuts, wear long pants and sleeves. This will also help prevent infections, which are common in tropical environments.
• Be prepared for rain: Heavy rain is common in the jungle, so ensure you have raingear and waterproof shelter. Avoid camping next to a creek or stream to prevent flash flooding.

Frequently asked questions