How to Pack for Ecuador
Ecuador is a fascinating country canvased with stunning picturesque landscapes, neighborly natives, and exotic cuisines. There is a phrase in Ecuador: All You Need is Ecuador. It’s true. Ecuador is surrounded by the Andes, the Amazon, and the Galapagos Islands. As desired as Ecuador is, I learned early on my research that I was going to have a problem packing. I searched and searched but found little information about what I needed to know before I go. I decided to reach out to locals for assistance and here are some tips that I’ve compiled.
- Ecuador takes USD but avoid bringing large bills. I only brought $10, $5, and $1. Bring extra $1 for parking, snacks, and entrance to various activities. ATMs can only be found in populated areas. Plan accordingly.
- Remember to call your Bank to place a travel notice on your card.
- Bring several pocket size HAND SANITIZERS.
- Bring DIARRHEA MEDICINE just in case.
- Bring ZIPLOCKS or PLASTIC BAGS to put your used/wet clothes in. It’s also wise to put all your liquids in bags too. Quito is the highest altitude capitol in the world.
- women, DO NOT bring liquid eye liner. It will burst. Stick with pencil eyeliner or eye line paint pots.
- Bring a COMPACT BAG for your day trips.
- MOTION SICKNESS, the roads are quite bumpy.
- SUNSCREEN for all outdoor activities.
- Bring a FLOPPY/JUNGLE HAT to prevent your ears from sunburn. It can be windy at times so a retaining head strap can be useful.
- Bring thin clothes that you can layer on top of each other. This works for the Andes, Amazon, and the beaches.
- I packed 1 set of work out clothes for each day I hiked. For those of your staying longer, pack only 3 or 4 pair and just wash them. For the evenings or just sight seeing days, I packed jeans, t-shirt, blazer, and flats.
Andes [Quito, Otavalo, Banos, Mindo, Guayaquil, Cuenca]
It is generally colder in the Andes than any other region in Ecuador. Here are a few things to pack:
- Umbrella or Poncho. It does rain sporadically
- Hiking/Walking Shoes
The Amazon [Puyo, Tena]
It is substantially hotter in the Amazon, even in the evenings.
- Mosquito Repellent and use it. I brought bug spray and I didn’t use it and I was slapping bugs left and right.
Galapagos Islands
I didn’t have time to visit the Galapagos, however I have a list of things you should bring:
- Summer Clothes
- Sandals or flip flops, water shoes if you have them
- Aloe Vera
I hope this helps you a little. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email.