When it comes to packing for a trip, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with what to bring. This is especially true when packing for Ecuador, a country that offers an incredible range of landscapes and activities! Whether you are trekking in the Andes Mountains, exploring the Amazon rainforest, or enjoying the coastal beaches, packing the right items can help enhance your experience and ensure a comfortable stay.
We spent 12 days in Ecuador this spring, and we learned quite a bit from research and experience! Some of our acquired knowledge came a little late, which is why I’ve put together this post to walk you through the packing process. Keep reading to learn all about what to pack and what to leave behind!
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General Packing List for Ecuador
While your exact packing list for Ecuador is going to vary based on the region(s) you’re visiting, here are a few things that you’ll want to have in your bag no matter where you go:
- Reusable water bottle
- Packable rain jacket
- Good walking shoes (ones you don’t mind getting dirty)
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- After-sun lotion
- Face moisturizer with SPF
- Passport and a copy
- Copy of your travel insurance
- Anti-theft bag or belt
- Sunglasses
- Camera (with a strap to secure it around your neck) + extra SD cards and batteries
- Power adaptor with surge protection
- Quick-drying, packable beach towel
- Black charcoal tablets
- All prescription medications
- Electrolyte packets
- Toilet paper
- Solid laundry soap
- Hand sanitizer
As a side note, there are a few things that you really won’t need while you’re in Ecuador and should probably leave behind:
- An umbrella-opt for a rain jacket and keep your hands free
- Makeup-you’re just going to sweat it off
- Fancy clothes
- White or light-colored shoes
- Expensive jewelry or other accessories
Packing for Ecuador: the Andes Mountains
Unlike the other three regions of Ecuador, the Andes Mountains can get pretty chilly! They’re also very high, which poses a unique set of issues that you’ll need to prepare for.
Clothes for the Andes:
First up, let’s talk clothes. Ideally, you’ll want to dress in layers that you can remove if you get warm during the day. Especially if you plan to do some hiking in this area, there’s a chance you’ll get a bit toasty. But you’ll also be combating sharp winds, cooler temperatures, and intense sun rays. That’s why you’ll want to pack:
- Jeans, leggings, and/or hiking pants
- Hiking boots
- Comfy walking shoes for any city areas
- Wind-resistant jacket and/or coat
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Warm socks
- A hat (preferably with a brim for sun protection)
Depending on where you stay, you may be able to find laundry services (Quito had plenty), so you can afford to pack a bit lighter.
Accessories for the Andes:
You really don’t need much for your trip to the Andes. For the rest of your bag, here are a few more essentials to keep on hand:
- Altitude sickness medication
- Dramamine (if you get sick on winding roads)
- Gloves and/or scarf, depending on the season
Packing for Ecuador: the Amazon
The Amazon in Ecuador is quite different from any other part of Ecuador. It’s a large, wild area that lacks most of the modern conveniences you’ll find in the more developed areas. It more than makes up for that with diverse wildlife and gorgeous scenery, but you will need to bring a few extra supplies for this adventure.
Clothes for the Amazon:
Let’s start with clothes. The keys to surviving the Amazon are to stay cool but keep away the bugs. That’s why I recommend breathable, moisture-wicking everything. The best combination is going to be long sleeves and pants with lots of insect repellant. Also, keep in mind that it’s a rainforest, so you’re likely to get caught in at least one storm and will want clothes that dry fast.
- Breathable long-sleeve shirts for sun protection
- Moisture-wicking shirts (avoid tank tops)
- Breathable, moisture-wicking pants or shorts–hiking pants also work great
- Moisture-wicking underwear and socks
- Extra of all the above because you will sweat through everything (or plan to use your laundry soap)
- Waterproof hiking shoes or sandals
- Rubber boots (optional but highly recommended)
- Swimsuit
Accessories for the Amazon:
Accessories and extra gadgets are where you’ll really want to step things up to make your stay as comfortable as possible and ensure that you don’t miss out on any cool activities and creatures!
- Heavy-duty insect repellant
- Battery-powered neck fan
- Dry bag or water-resistant hiking bag
- External battery pack
- Binoculars
- Flashlight for nighttime activities
- Ultrasonic pest repellent (for your room)
- First-aid kit
Packing for Ecuador: the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are one of the coolest places on Earth! And while they may seem distant and elusive, you’ll actually find that islands like San Cristobal are well-stocked with most modern amenities.
Clothes for the Galapagos Islands:
The weather here does lean toward toasty, but with fewer bugs to contend with, you’ll be fine wearing short sleeves or tank tops as long as you keep up with your sunscreen. It’s also a very casual place, so there’s no need to dress up unless you really want to. Plus, you’ll easily be able to find laundry services if you want to pack light. Here are a few particular things to add to your bag:
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Water shoes or waterproof hiking shoes
- Moisture-wicking shirts
- Moisture-wicking pants
- Hat with brim
Accessories for the Galapagos Islands:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkel gear (or you can rent on the islands)
- Waterproof/resistant day bag
- Dry bag
- Binoculars
- Waterproof camera
- Dramamine for seasickness
The key to the Galapagos is actually “less is more.” Because this area is so strongly protected, there are heavy restrictions on weight and items, so you’ll want to pay much closer attention to what not to bring.
- Non-biodegradable items like plastic bags, bottles, or straws
- Invasive plants or animals, including fresh fruits, veggies, or animal products
Finally, follow the “take only memories route” and do not try to leave with any sort of natural souvenir, including shells, lava rocks, water, and sand. Yes, airport security will check, and yes, you will get a big fine.
Packing for Ecuador: the Pacific Coast
Like the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon, the Pacific Coast is primarily hot and humid. Cities like Guayaquil will have everything you need as far as toiletries, shopping, and more, but you’ll still want to be prepared for the specific activities and cultural issues you may come across. In the city, you’ll be limited to walking and traditional sightseeing. But on the coast, you may have options to take a hike, book a dolphin-watching tour, or swim!
Clothes for the Pacific Coast:
Since the area is so hot, breathable clothes are key! You can get very toasty here, so I would recommend packing as much moisture-wicking stuff as possible. And since the bugs aren’t too bad inland, you can safely wear shorts instead of pants.
Additionally, the area does get plenty of rain during the rainy season (shocker), so you may end up damp for multiple reasons. Don’t forget to build your list around the actual cities or areas you’ll be visiting here because you’ll need some different items if you’re directly on the coast vs in the city.
- Lightweight, breathable t-shirts
- Lightweight, breathable shorts
- Modest clothing (if you want to explore any of the local cathedrals)
- Swimsuit
- Hat with brim
- Water shoes
- Good walking shoes
Accessories for the Pacific Coast:
As I mentioned before, you won’t need too many extra accessories for this area, but I definitely recommend keeping your packable towel and dry bag handy if you’re hitting the coast. For the city, be sure to have an anti-theft bag because pickpocketing is a big problem here. Other than that, you can more or less treat this area like you would a trip to any major city or beach area.
- Dry bag or waterproof day bag
- Waterproof action camera
- Phone tether or other anti-theft device protection
- Reef-safe sunscreen
Final Thoughts on Packing for Ecuador
You won’t find a shortage of amazing adventures to take in this gorgeous country, but you’ll always enjoy them more with the right equipment! As you can tell, each area offers different activities and climates to prepare for. If you’re planning to hit all four major regions like we did, go heavy on moisture-wicking clothes and try to find a balance of what you can wear in each region.
Most major cities will also offer laundry mat services if you find yourself in a pinch and need to freshen up your wardrobe. The ones we came across were extremely cost-effective as well, so it’s worth it to bring a small suitcase and rotate through your clothes a couple of times. That’s something I definitely wish we’d known before we left.
If you want to learn more about how we packed for our trip through all 4 regions, be sure to check out my YouTube video. I’ll walk you through what we packed, as well as a post-trip live-and-learn session with what we should have left. I also have some product recommendations for items that we were impressed with or particularly glad that we brought.
Thanks for being here, and I hope you’ll be back soon for more adventures. In the meantime, be sure to like this post and subscribe to the blog! You can also save the pin above to your travel board for future inspiration!
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Until next time, happy travels!
The Ecuador Euphoria Series:
Dive Into the Galapagos with a 360 Snorkeling Tour!
Quilotoa Crater–Ecuador’s Famous and Beautiful Volcanic Lake!
