Ecuador Packing List

Packing List

V!VA User‘s Description

The difficult thing about packing for Ecuador is that you have to be prepared for every type of climate if you are going to travel extensively throughout the country. The easy thing is that everything you need can easily be purchased in Quito, Guayaquil and other tourist cities. Climbing and camping gear is a little more expensive, but sunglasses, hats, hand-knit items like hats, gloves, sweaters and other basic supplies are plentiful and cheap. We have divided the packing list into regional lists and included extra sections for backpackers and adventure travel.

Some basic things to consider: the voltage in Ecuador is the same as in the United States, 110 volts 60 cycles. However, many older buildings require a converter for plugs with three prongs. A small medical kit and extra personal supplies, like tampons are a good idea, since they can be hard to find outside of Quito and Guayaquil.

The seasons on the coast and in the Amazon Basin are divided between wet and dry. December to July is sunny and dry on the coast, while the rest of the year is foggy and cooler. November to March in the Amazon is the driest part of the year and some lodges are unreachable by boat during this time. The weather in the Andes is unpredictable, so be prepared for hot, cool, wet and dry on any given day. 

Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must throughout the country, as is bug repellant. Malaria is only found on the coast, not in Galápagos, and in the Amazon Rainforest Basin.

Take extra safety precautions. Petty theft is commonplace, especially in Quito and Guayaquil, but it can be easily avoided. Leave copies of important documents like your passport, credit cards and the numbers from your travelers checks, if you are using them, in a separate part of your luggage. It's also a good idea to store important information, including the international phone number for your credit cards online somewhere easy to access, like in an e-mail account. Traveler's insurance is an excellent idea, especially if you are bringing expensive camera equipment or electronics that you want to feel comfortable using frequently. Keep all important documents, credit cards and most of your cash inside your clothing and a separate wallet or coin purse within easy reach for small purchases and meals.