Packing List & Clothing

The Layering Strategy

Ecuador requires a layered packing list as you may cross four climate zones in a single day. In Quito, a fleece jacket in the morning, a T-shirt at noon, a down jacket at the volcano, and shorts in the rainforest. Here are the essentials:

Highlands (Quito, Cotopaxi, Cuenca)

• Warm layers: Fleece jacket or light down jacket for evenings and high altitudes (above 3,500 m it gets noticeably cold).
• Rain jacket: It can rain in the afternoons even during the dry season.
• Sun protection: The UV radiation at the equator and at altitude is extreme — sunscreen SPF 50, sunglasses, hat.
• Comfortable hiking shoes: For cobblestone streets in the old town and volcano trails.

Coast & Galápagos

• Light, airy clothing: Shorts, T-shirts, sandals.
• Snorkeling gear: Your own mask and snorkel are more comfortable (Galápagos tours provide them, but the fit is often poor).
• Rash Guard / UV Shirt: Against the extreme sun while snorkeling.
• Water shoes: For volcanic beaches on Galápagos.

Rainforest

• Long-sleeved clothing: Against insects, lightweight and quick-drying.
• Rubber boots: Usually provided by lodges.
• DEET insect spray: 30% or higher.
• Dry Bag: For electronics.

Universal

• Travel adapter: Ecuador uses Type A/B (US plug, 110V). European devices need an adapter — and possibly a voltage converter for sensitive devices.
• Sunscreen SPF 50: Essential at the equator and at altitude.
• Copy of passport: Always carry it, keep the original in the safe.
• Medications: Ibuprofen (altitude headache), diarrhea medication, sunburn gel, mosquito bite ointment.