Packing for Ecuador can be a little tricky because of the diverse spectrum of environments you will encounter, ranging from high altitudes to dense jungle. Here is my personal packing list for a 12 day trip to help give you an idea of what you will need (everything fit in my Eagle Creek carry-on luggage):

For the Andes and Quito…

• 3 pair long black pants- all active wear and of different

• weight/warmth (for traveling, hiking, the city)

• 1 lightweight fleece sweater that zips up in the front

• 2 long-sleeved basic shirts (1 white, 1 black)- very comfy

(polyester/lycra blend; ContourWear)

• 2 zip-neck t-neck shirts (polyester) that work as a 1st or 2nd layer

and can be worn as a general shirt

• 1 cashmere long-sleeved t-shirt sweater

• 1 short-sleeved t-shirt (Exoffico; cotton/rayon)

• 1 zip-neck t-neck pullover (2nd layer; polyester)

• silk long underwear (pants and top)

• vest (windproof material)

For the Jungle…

• 2 pair very lightweight pants- for bug/sun protection (Gramicci; 100%

nylon; quick drying);

• 1 pair very lightweight shorts (Gramicci; 100% nylon; quick drying);

good for relaxing around the lodge at mid-day

• 1 sleeveless very lightweight shirts (a bit like sheer sucker

material); good for relaxing around the lodge at mid-day

• 2 lightweight t-shirts (Exofficio; 65% polyester; 35% rayon; great

wicking; quick drying)

• 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt (for protection from the sun; Royal

Robins Coolmax Expedition)

• 1 long-sleeved shirt with great wicking material (Exofficio, BuzzOff;

cotton/polyester)

• 1 pair “performance sandals”- for kayaking, etc. (i.e. Chaco, Teva)

General…

• wind/rain pants and jacket

• 1 pair low hiking boots

• 1 pair slip-on shoes (Born; great for travel; good for the city); black

• 1 hat with flap that covers my neck (“Sahara style”)

• zip-lock plastic bags

• 1 extra pair reading glasses

• small pair binoculars

• 1 small lock

• copy of passport

• extra passport photo

Toiletries…

(all liquids/gels in small bottles/containers)

foldable travel brush

toothbrush

toothpaste

small bottle of shampoo/conditioner (most hotels will supply shampoo)

sunscreen (important for the high altitude and being on the equator)

insect repellent (for the Amazon basin)

antibacterial gel

prescription pills

deodorant

face lotion

chap stick

emory board

a few small pairs of earrings

Good luck with your preparations and happy travels!

People often have a lot of questions regarding packing. It can be a challenge, especially when you’ve got weight restrictions and you’re trying to travel light. I’ve got packing lists that I send out but I thought that it might be helpful to share specifically what I pack for safari trip. I think a key to successful packing for safaris is to be like the guides and have a “uniform” that you wear out on the drives and walks.

In: Packing, Tips | tags: ecuador packing, list. | #