Ecuador: Amazon and Cloud Forest
This page is intended as an overview of necessities for your trip. A more detailed list will be provided upon enrollment. Check with the CDC or WHO for current recommendations on innoculations/medications for the countries and areas you'll be visiting.
A passport is mandatory! A visa may be required for citizens of some countries.
CURRENCY: US Dollars. Smaller denomination bills are useful. Most major cards are accepted at the larger stores, restaurants and hotels.
CLIMATE: In the highlands (Quito and the Cloud Forest), it is spring-like most of the year, although cooler in the winter months from December to April. Dry months are from May through October when the temperatures are around 70 F (10-15 C) during the evening.
In the Ecuadorian Amazon the climate is humid, warm and potentially rainy.
Clothing/Personal items
Towels, soap, shampoo are provided by the lodges in the Amazon and the Cloud Forest.
WHAT TO BRING: Highlands: For Quito and the other highland cities and the Cloud Forest, wear comfortable springtime clothing during the day and a sweater or coat during the evening. There are always chances of showers, thus a rain parka and a jacket or sweater will be needed.
Amazon: For Amazon exploration, you may prefer long-sleeved shirts and long pants for protection against mosquitoes. Insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat must be part of your traveling equipment. Binoculars and flashlights (a headlamp is preferred) are a must for sightseeing, as well as a water-proof jacket.
- Long sleeved lightweight, light colored shirts
- Pants: cotton/lightweight
- Socks and underclothes
- Bandanas/small cloths for wiping sweat, camera gear, etc.
- Water repellant jacket and hat
- Comfortable walking shoes. Rubber boots are provided by the lodges or New Balance has an Outdoor Water Shoe you can bring.
- Hat with wide brim or visor for sun protection - A MUST
Personal Items
There is no way to purchase any personal items you might need once the trip is underway, so please check for essentials beforehand.
- Toiletry bag (to carry items to and from the bathrooms)
- Medications
- Binoculars, camera equip. and water bottle
- Lip balm with sun block - 1 or 2 sticks
- Sun block - SPF 30 or higher - A MUST - you'll use this several times a day, every day
- Toothpaste and brush
- Day pack
- Insect repellant/bugproof clothing
- Polarized sunglasses
Galapagos
This page is not intended to be a complete list, but an overview. A more detailed list will be provided in your information packet when enrolled on a trip.
Luggage Allowance: A maximum of 20 kilos (44 pounds; two pieces of luggage) is allowed on flights to the Galapagos Islands. An additional carry-on is allowed: maximum of 10 kilos, 50cm x 60cm (22 pounds, no larger than 19in x 23in). Additional pieces may be left at the hotel desk on mainland.
Climate on Galapagos Islands
- December to June are the warmest months.
- January to March can be hot and humid, but still mostly green at this time.
- July to November are cooler. The average year-round temperature is 24° C (75° F).
What to Bring
Visitors are advised to pack casual, comfortable clothes. Dressing is always casual. The currency in all of Ecuador is the US dollar for souvenirs, gratuities, etc.
- Two pairs of sneakers
- A sweater and a light jacket or windbreaker
- Rain poncho
- Light, long-sleeved shirts
- Shorts and bathing suits
- Wide brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip sunblock
- Binoculars and camera equipment