What to bring to Ecuador and Why?
Most of the stuff in this list you will be able to find in one trip to REI or equivalent recreational equipment store in your local area. The basis never change. For instance, when you are done packing (the first time around) look at your stuff and take out half of the clothes you’ve packed and you will have enough for your trip.
The list below covers the basics that you need to comfortably enjoy your Ecuador and Galapagos adventure trip for about one to two weeks. If you are traveling longer or shorter the list might have to be tailored to your needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions. Alternatively you can leave a comment below with questions for our community of readers and editors to answer. (Image by Robert Scales under CC)
- Swimsuit – Something practical geared for active use.
- Sunblock – Two bottles per person is recommended. Remember, the sun hits the hardest in the Equator and there is a reason why Ecuador is called Ecuador.
- Bug repellent – For the Galapagos Islands a spray mosquito repellent might be enough. However, for the Amazon jungle you might need something stronger that you can treat your clothing with
- Good walking/trekking shoes. No need to take your heavy duty hiking boots unless you are going to trek the Andes mountains. A light shoe that is sturdy enough to handle rocky terrain is good enough. Please keep in mind that lighter is better.
- River Sandals. Chacos Sandals are fantastic. Tevas are OK as well. Just make sure they stay in your feet if you have an active walk to tackle.
- Quick-dry shorts (Two or three)
- T-shirts and short sleeve shirts (Quick-dry)
- One sweatshirt, fleece or warm top (i.e. Patagonia fleece)
- One waterproof shell
- One pair of hiking pants
- Camera and lots of (digital memory)film: The average person takes about 100 images per day on the Galapagos Islands
- Disposable underwater camera (or underwater protection for your standard camera) to take photos of the wild life while snorkeling
- Basic toiletries and prescription medicine
- One small flashligh
- Soft and light scarf
- First aid kit for traveling. This is necessary if you are traveling alone. If you go with Barefoot Expeditions we always have a first aid kit with us.
- Zip lock bags
- Extra batteries, extra tapes, extra film, extra digital memory
- Passport and a copy of it
- Travel insurance
- Credit card, Travelers Checks, US Cash. This depends on the length of your trip. For example if you are traveling for a week and have no time to deal with local Ecuadorian banks then we suggest to carry about $1,000 (cash + travelers’ checks) in small bills so that you can do the shopping that you need. Remember, small bills is important. If you pay with a $50 dollar bill you will be waiting quite a bit for your change. $10 and $20 dollar bills are OK
- Binoculars
UPDATE: One of our clients left a comment in our help section asking us if she should bring some gifts for the kids at the children’s hospital in Quito. That prompted us to post this update to the “what to bring” list.
If you are interested in helping the children with some gifts, please bring them with you and we will either make sure the kids receive them or we can arrange for you to visit the hospital and deliver them in person.
Please read this entry for more information on What to Bring to Help the Kids at the Children’s Hospital in Quito.
* Image by Robert Scales under CC
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