Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In
Ecuador Packing Lists
Search:

Home » Travel Guides » South America » Ecuador » Packing Lists

Ecuador Packing Lists


view of Cotopaxi from Quito - Ecuador
view of Cotopaxi from Quito
by maryellen50
Tips on what to pack for a trip to Ecuador, posted by real travelers and Ecuador locals.
Map
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
In your bagpack!
  • Tip Rating:
  • By CaptainAmerica on May 4, 2004
  • Ecuador Page by CaptainAmerica
  • First of all, you need a bagback to travel in Ecuador. This is the best way to deal with transportation...
    A protection for your bagpack is a good idea since it will be placed on the roof of the buses or in other places not particularly clean. So if you care, think about it.

    You need warm clothes (for the Andes) and light clothes (for the coast). Think about something to protect you from the rain as it may be rainy.
    Take tennis shoes or even trekking shoes. Don't need to take you richelieu with you...
    As far as warm clothes are concerned, however, please note that clothes in alpaca (very warm and sympathic souvenir) are sold everywhere for nothing. A good way to travel light and come back with souvenirs.

    Toiletries are available even in the small towns but bring with you the needed medical supplies. Don't forget mosquitos' repellent!

    Take your own photo equipment with you, as it is quite expensive and not always reliable in the country.
    There are internet cafes everywhere where you can burn CDs or downloud pictures.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Ecuador?

    Read reviews about Ecuador Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    backpacking
  • Tip Rating:
  • richiecdisc
  • Updated By richiecdisc on November 21, 2007
  • Ecuador Page by richiecdisc
  • on the road less traveled, backpacking in Ecuador - Ecuador
    on the road less traveled,
    backpacking in Ecuador
    by richiecdisc
    A backpack is not only essential for doing multi-day hiking trips but makes traveling by bus a lot easier.

    Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are necessary for backpacking and sandals that stay on your feet are handy for river crossings. They also double for around town casual wear.

    Tampons are difficult to find in all but the biggest cities so bring your own if that is what you use.

    A wide angle lens comes in handy for not only architecture photography but also landscapes. A good zoom is great for wildlife photography and a macro (which I do not unfortunately own!) would be handy for the jungle.

    A tent is pain to carry around for a long trip but made our Cotopaxi trip the special one it was.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    don't carry much
  • Tip Rating:
  • elsadran
  • Updated By elsadran on June 1, 2008
  • Ecuador Page by elsadran
  • Ecuador Packing Lists
    by elsadran
    Almost everything is needed in this small but so diverse country. If you want to be as smart and elegant as you are in your country, which, in my opinion, is absolutely unnecessary, carry your favourite clothes. Even if you come in summer you will need a jacket. How warm it should be depends on your sensitivity to cold. If your jacket is light at least take a good woollen sweater. A raincoat is useful, too, as the weather on the Andes is not so predictable. Those that fold into a very small packet are perfect.
    Good walking shoes are necessary as you are going to walk a lot.
    The good thing is shopping is a pleasure here as you can find almost everything at low prices.
    Clothes are very cheap. Bathing suits, too.
    Generally don't carry a lot of things as you are always a target for robbers. And don't carry your valuables in the big bag. Always in the day pack.

    Get your medicine if it is something special; the usual ones, as painkillers etc are easy to find.
    Toiletries and cosmetics are good and a little cheaper than at home.
    Sunscreen and hats you will need but you can buy them here.

    Batteries are not good at all here ; they get empty very easily even if you buy good quality ones, which cost about 2$ dollars a pair. Don't buy those sold in the street for 0.50$ because the next day you will need more....
    Photographic equipment is supposed to be ok. But if you want to be sure get some supplies from home.

    Don't please don't come wearing your gold jewels! You will never see them again!

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    For Ecuador you have to pack a bit of everything!!
  • Tip Rating:
  • SanguiniA
  • By SanguiniA on November 28, 2005
  • Ecuador Page by SanguiniA
  • Balancing the weight .... - Ecuador
    Balancing the weight ....
    by SanguiniA
    Backpacks are by far the most comfortable - especially if planning to go to the Amazon and to the Galapagos. Also the best option if you shall be travelling by bus.

    So Ecuador has hot, humid lowlands as well as ice capped volcanos - so you have to pack both your swimsuit as well as your thick jackets ... Don't forget that the capital, Quito is at altitude 2800m so it can get quite chilly especially if it is windy or at night. It is best to take clothes you can layer on top of each other. A rain poncho is a must if visiting areas in the rainy season. Also be sure that you have some good hiking boots, preferably waterproof and good for all kinds of weather, be it snow & cold, or hot and rainy!

    Malaria tablets are a must for certain areas in the lowlands, particularly the amazon. Consult your doctor about which ones are best for your use. Always carry a first aid kit as certain stuff is difficult to find in certain areas. If you are planning on visiting the Galapagos also consider seasickness tablets - they really work and are worth it!!

    Lots and lots of film or memory cards!! It is quite common to find internet cafes that will burn your pics to a cd but it is best to get your own card reader as more often than not, they don't have any. It is also best to get full supply of good batteries as they seem to be lacking everywhere except for in Quito. Long lenses are a must if visiting the Amazon, but are also useful to get great close-up portraits in the Galapagos.

    Daypack for hiking

    A leg pouch or money belt for the cash and any other items of value. Ecuador is know for its pickpockets so it's better to be safe than sorry.

    Binoculars for the amazon - the animals don't get that close!!

    Large plastic bags for non-waterproof bags & for buses - just not to get your packs wet or filthy

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Layers!
  • Tip Rating:
  • lenoreva
  • By lenoreva on February 25, 2003
  • Ecuador Page by lenoreva
  • my dad following my layering tip - Ecuador
    my dad following my
    layering tip
    by lenoreva
    It is a good idea to bring clothing that you can layer, especially if you'll be travelling in more than one area of Ecuador. The mountainous Andean region can get very cold at night, sometimes reaching freezing in Quito for example. But since Ecuador lies on the equator, it can also get very warm during the day, esp. when the sun shines. Breathable but modest clothing is recommended for the jungle and the coastal areas.

    Insect repellent is advisable for the jungle and for sub-tropical regions. Bring sunscreen, even if you are only in Quito. The sun is much stronger here since you're at the equater.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Ecuador?

    Read reviews about Ecuador Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Birdwatching Essentials
  • Tip Rating:
  • HasTowelWillTravel
  • Updated By HasTowelWillTravel on May 26, 2008
  • Ecuador Page by HasTowelWillTravel
  • - Waterproof gear. You'll be in the forest, it's wet, get used to it.

    - Long lens, at least 300mm, to ensure the birds are up close and sharp.
    - At least a monopod, if not a tripod. It can get dark, and you're shooting far away... don't want blurry pics.
    - Fast film (or digital sensor) to combat the darkness of the forest.

    - An umbrella. Without a doubt, the best thing I brought with me to Ecuador. Saved me a lot of pain and hassle. Kept my camera dry all the time.
    - Binoculars. Helps to see the birds, usually look for around an 8x power (8x40 or 10x50 were very common).

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    For surviving jungle exploration
  • Tip Rating:
  • HasTowelWillTravel
  • Updated By HasTowelWillTravel on May 26, 2008
  • Ecuador Page by HasTowelWillTravel
  • waterproof hat and boots... very necessary - Ecuador
    waterproof hat and
    boots... very necessary
    by HasTowelWillTravel
    - Waterproof sack for your backpack... something to slip over and keep it dry.

    - Waterproof jacket. Very waterproof.
    - Waterproof boots. Even rubber boots to combat the mud.

    - Mosquito repellent... even up to 100% DEET if you feel like it... these suckers bite.

    - An umbrella. Without a doubt, the best thing I brought with me to Ecuador. Saved me a lot of pain and hassle.

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Layer clothing in the Ecuadorian climate
  • Tip Rating:
  • By maryellen50 on August 9, 2003
  • Ecuador Page by maryellen50
  • view of Cotopaxi from Quito - Ecuador
    view of Cotopaxi from Quito
    by maryellen50
    Pack light if you plan to move around as porters are not plentiful even at the airport.

    Layered clothing such as Polar Tec jacket with a quick dry t-shirt with stretch pants for the Quito area which can be warm in the day and cold at night. Most hotels do not have heaters. Shoes I wore "Aqua Socks" as they were light weight for Quito, Galapagos and general walking. Hiking boots recommended if treking around the volcanoes.

    I used both 35mm and digital cameras so brought plenty of 400/800ASA film and 2nd set of rechargeable batteries with recharger. Regular film is expensive here ($6 for a 36 roll of 400ASA film) and so are batteries.

    I mostly wore quick dry t-shirts, Polar Tec jacket and Aqua Socks.

    Plenty of cash in small denominations ($1/$5/$10) as most people did not have change for $20 or larger bills.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Packing List
  • Tip Rating:
  • pedrini
  • By pedrini on August 26, 2002
  • Ecuador Page by pedrini
  • WHAT TO BRING TO GALAPAGOS
    Luggage domestic airline regulations permit 20 kilos (44 pounds) per suitcase, maximum two per person. Additional luggage may be stored at your hotel. These restrictions do not include small carry-on, flight bags or camera cases.
    Cloting

    Two pairs of sneakers.

    Shorts.

    Long and short-sleeve lightweight shirts.

    Bathing suit.

    A wide-brimmed hat.

    Long pants.

    A wind breaker or light jacket for evenings.

    Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and lots of film.

    Electric shavers and hair dryers can be accommodated.

    Footgear

    Most walking ashore is over rocky lava terrain. Therefore tennis shoes, sneakers or walking shoes with rubber soles should likely be worn.
    Camera

    Camera gear with extra film and batteries.

    High speed films or fine-grain.

    High resolution and relatively slow color transparency (this last one to be used with electronic flash).

    WHAT TO BRING TO THE RAIN-FOREST JUNGLE

    For travel in the rainforest you will probably want to have the following things:
    Luggage One large backpack or one duffel bag and one small daypack. It is also better to travel with backpacks instead of suitcases.
    Clothing

    3 lightweight shirts (cotton or other fast drying materials)

    Long pants (avoid jeans)

    4 or 5 long-sleeved cotton shirts

    1 pair of shorts

    A good number of cotton socks

    1 light wind?breaker

    2 sweaters for the evenings

    Brim hat

    1 waterproof poncho (available in the lodge) or a waterproof parka

    Bathing suit

    Foot gear

    A pair of comfortable walking shoes

    1 pair good quality sandals

    1 pair of rubber boots (available in the lodges, except in sizes larger than 11)

    Equipment

    Sunglasses with a strap

    Extra eye glasses / contact lenses

    Plastic water bottle

    Sun block lotion (at least 15 SPF)

    Insect repellent

    Toiletries

    Personal first aid kit

    Anti-malaria pills

    Tampons or sanitary napkins

    Flashlight (headlamp models are better)

    Alkaline batteries

    Self-sealing plastic bags

    Dry bags (available in the lodge)

    Swiss Army knife

    Reading material (available in the lodge)

    Small notebook and pencil

    Sewing kit.

    Camera & Binoculars

    Camera gear (avoid tripods!) with extra film and batteries

    High speed films or fine-grain

    High resolution and relatively slow color transparency (this last one to be used with electronic flash)

    Binoculars (this is in a essential item, even if you are not a birdwatcher. The best ones are the waterproof models with light transmission. An excellent size: 10x40.

    WHAT TO BRING TO THE ANDES

    Clothing Light wool is ideal and a warm jacket is necessary, in the Sierra, after the sunset. Do not forget your bathing suit and comfortable shoes for walking.
    If your are interested in visiting the Cotopaxi National Park or other places like it, it is advisable to bring a thick sweater and a jacket.

    Eco-Tourism

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Packing List
  • Tip Rating:
  • flyingpig
  • By flyingpig on August 26, 2002
  • Ecuador Page by flyingpig
  • Ecuador Packing Lists
    by flyingpig
    If you are planning to stay at the Baja Montanita hotel in Montanita (province of Guayas), don't forget to bring some heavy shoes or books. The hotel is regularly invaded by squadrons of lovely crickets and you room quickly becomes their preferred auditorium! If you want to sleep the only solution is to go on a cricket hunt :)

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    More Ecuador Tips
    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 136 - Photos: 94
    Things To Do
    Tips: 317 - Photos: 343
    Nightlife
    Tips: 28 - Photos: 14
    Transportation
    Tips: 58 - Photos: 31
    Restaurants
    Tips: 73 - Photos: 49
    Shopping
    Tips: 28 - Photos: 31
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 81 - Photos: 78
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 20 - Photos: 11
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 76 - Photos: 33
    Local Customs
    Tips: 60 - Photos: 46
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 23 - Photos: 14
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 8 - Photos: 8
    General Tips
    Tips: 104 - Photos: 72

    Best Ecuador Travel Deals

    Ecuador Adventure Trips
    Experience Everything Ecuador Has To Offer - Book Your Trip Now!

    Ecuador Tour Experts
    Amazon, Andes, & Galapagos, custom departure specialists.

    Yampu Ecuador Travel Pros
    Waiting to Design Your Custom Trip. Max 24 Hour Replies, No Obligation!

    Hotels Cheap
    Save up to 50% on Hotels and Now Get Our Best Price Guarantee.

    Ecuador
    Servicio Prepagado para Llamadas Internacionales. ¡Regístrese Aquí!

    Sponsored Links

    More Ecuador Travel Deals

    Ecuador Tours
    Discovery Adventures Ecuador An Adventure in Evolution

    Radisson Royal Quito
    Boutique, Ecuador Hotel. Free WiFi Online Rate Guarantee. Near Airport

    Hotel Deals
    Great Hotel Deals & Packages at Marriott's Official Site. Book Now.

    Sponsored Links





    About VirtualTourist |  10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTourist |  Contact Us |  Press Center |  Help |  User Agreement |  Privacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.