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Packing Tips

The Perfect Packing Guide for Your Trip to Ecuador

This packing list is just a recommended guide for your reference. Everything is optional, and you can choose based on your preferences.

It is advisable to leave all valuables and unnecessary jewelry at home.

Important Notes

The national airlines in Ecuador (for example, to the Galapagos Islands or Coca) allow only one checked bag of no more than 20 kg (44 lbs) and one carry-on bag per passenger. Inter-island flights in Galapagos have a 10 kg (25 lbs) limit for luggage, and any excess weight will need to be transported by boat.

Single-use plastics are NOT allowed in the Galapagos Islands. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle!

Clothing

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and not cotton. You’ll want sportswear for daily activities and smart casual wear for evenings.

  1. Long pants
  2. Shorts
  3. Short-sleeve shirts
  4. Long-sleeve shirts
  5. Underwear, sports bra
  6. Wide-brim hat for sun protection
  7. Jacket, sweater, windbreaker
  8. Waterproof jacket or poncho
  9. Belt
  10. Pajamas

Pool/Beach

  • Swimsuit
  • Beach umbrella or cover-up
  • Beach sandals/flip-flops
  • Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
  • Diving card
  • Waterproof camera
  • Waterproof phone/camera pouch

Footwear

Your daily activities can get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Lightweight sandals are not ideal for excursions and daily walks, but they are great for relaxing at the hotel.

  • Walking shoes (durable, comfortable, closed-toe)
  • Sneakers, sandals, dress shoes, and/or flip-flops
  • Comfortable, breathable socks
  • Waterproof phone/camera pouch

Luggage

  • Suitcase/backpack (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
  • Daypack for daily activities and easy access (a rain cover is helpful)
  • Packing cubes, storage sacks, compression bag to organize your gear and dirty clothes (Reduce plastic on your journey)
  • Clear bag for toiletries on the plane
  • Money belt/security pouch, document organizer
  • Foldable bag/backpack
  • Ensure all your luggage has your contact information.

Electronic Devices

  • Store electronic devices in waterproof bags. Remember to set the date and time of your cameras according to local time.
  • Headlamp/flashlight, extra batteries.
  • Mobile phone, charging cable, backup battery, headphones (download travel apps).
  • Camera, lenses, memory cards, batteries, charger/power cable.
  • GoPro camera/video camera, memory cards, batteries, charger/power cable.
  • Kindle/iPad, charging cable.
  • Travel-sized tripod.
  • Lens cleaning cloth.
  • Watch/alarm clock.
  • Electric converter/adapter, power strip.
  • Check with your mobile provider about international usage, or purchase an unlocked mobile phone with a local SIM card locally.

Toiletries

  • Soap, shampoo, conditioner, gel – biodegradable
  • Hairbrush, comb, mirror
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
  • Lotion
  • Deodorant
  • Shaving supplies
  • Nail clippers, nail file
  • Tissues, toilet paper
  • Wet wipes (disinfecting wipes)
  • Sunscreen – reef-safe
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Cotton swabs
  • Sewing kit
  • Small towel/washcloth
  • Insect repellent – DEET-free
  • Feminine products, cosmetics, hair ties.
  •  

First Aid

You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

  • Prescription medications.
  • Antibiotics (consult a doctor).
  • Vitamins.
  • Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen/Aspirin.
  • Anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium AD or similar).
  • Antihistamines.
  • Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid.
  • Throat lozenges.
  • Band-Aids/adhesive bandages.
  • Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment.
  • Gauze pads and adhesive tape.
  • Motion sickness pills/patches (consult your doctor).

Documents

  • Passport (ensure it is valid for at least 6 months after your trip).
  • Visas for all countries as needed.
  • Airline tickets, e-tickets (ensure the name on the ticket matches the name on the passport).
  • Copy of the AWR travel itinerary.
  • Medical insurance card.
  • Document organizer.
  • Copies of passport, visas, driver’s license, flight tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information.
  • Leave a copy with someone at home and store it in the cloud. Place copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.

Others

  • Cash (including some small bills, US dollars should be newer and in good condition).
  • Credit cards, ATM card (check international bank fees).
  • Hiking poles (foldable).
  • Sunglasses, straps.
  • Water bottles, Camelbak.
  • Steripen/water filter/purification tablets.
  • Pocketknife.
  • Notebook, pens.
  • Books, cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, kite.
  • Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, comfort food.
  • Duct tape (can be wrapped around a water bottle).
  • Carabiners (for clipping things to your daypack or hanging things to dry).
  • Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.).
  • Travel guides, maps, language books.
  • Binoculars.
  • Small umbrella.
  • Gifts for guides and people you meet.
  • Banner/flag/sentimental item to hold in a special place.
  • Glasses/contact lenses, case, solution.

Travel suitcase

  • Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
  • Mobile phone, headphones, charger
  • Books, magazines, Kindle/iPad, cards, games
  • U-shaped neck pillow
  • Eye mask, earplugs
  • Toiletries (3 ounces per container, 1 quart-sized transparent bag)
  • Snacks
  • Water bottle (empty to pass security)
  • Tissues, wet wipes
  • Melatonin or other sleep aid
  • Prescription medications       

Remember to check the airline and airport security restrictions before packing your flight items.

Galapagos

Galapagos means nature, action, comfort, and relaxation, so you don’t have to worry about dressing up. Light casual clothing and a sweater or windbreaker are recommended while on board the ship.

For land excursions:

  • Comfortable shorts
  • Swimwear
  • Hat
  • Walking shoes/sneakers
  • Windbreaker jacket
  • Sunscreen
  • Binoculars and camera
  • Galapagos wildlife book

All hotels in Galapagos have access to purified water (such as a dispenser), so bring a reusable water bottle to fill up each morning.

NOTE: Single-use plastics are NOT allowed in the Galapagos Islands. You need to bring a reusable water bottle!

Tropical Rainforest

  • Passport
  • Light, breathable long pants (preferably with detachable legs) and long-sleeved shirts for jungle hikes
  • Shorts and short-sleeve shirts for evenings at the lodge
  • Swimsuit (and cover-up for women)
  • Comfortable walking shoes and extra long socks
  • Sandals for use inside the room and for walking to the pool
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun protection (sunscreen/sunglasses/hat)
  • Water bottle
  • Small daypack
  • Rain poncho (also available at the lodge)
  • Plastic bags to protect cameras and binoculars from rain
  • The lodge will provide rubber boots
  • Checked luggage is limited to 20 kg (44 pounds)
  •  

Hike in Cotopaxi

  • Hiking pants
  • Polypropylene shirts
  • Down jacket
  • Long underwear
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Hiking shoes
  • Waterproof pants