travel right. pack light : ECUADOR

The atmosphere is pretty casual and there is no need to bring any formal dress. Ecuador has many diverse climates. We will be in Quito, the cloud forest and the highlands. Weather varies from place to place from warm to very cold, wet to dry. We will literally be experiencing it all. The key to maintaining your comfort is to bring ample layers and protection from sun, wind and insects. Check out Ecuador weather here. Less is more and leave valuables at home!

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  • Your passport (be sure it’s up to date!)

  • 1-2 paper copies of your passport

  • Copy of your COVID vaccination record

  • Proof of travel health insurance (needed to enter the Galapagos)

  • Any prescriptions or medications you need- I like to bring a small personal med kit filled with the essentials I use.

    • Motion sickness pills or sea bands if you get motion sick!!

    • Ibuprofen, Advil, Excedrin, Ginger, Charcoal, Electrolyte tablets, anti-diarrheal, antibiotics, anti-itch cream, aloe

    • Bandaids, alcohol wipes, ace bandage, tape, Bacitracin, Neosporin

  • Wallet/money 

  • Facemasks

  • Sunscreen

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Small backpack or day bag

  • Phone

  • APPROVED at-home Covid tests for re-entry to the USA. Abbot’s BinaxNOW Antigen tests.

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  • Jacket- fleece or winter

  • Scarf and light gloves

  • Hat for sun and hat for cold

  • Assortment of t-shirts and pants

  • Windbreaker 

  • Rain gear

  • Sweatshirts

  • Sweaters

  • Warm socks

  • Bathing suit

  • Beach cover up

  • Flipflops/Teva/ or similar water sandals

  • Long pants and socks for working/hiking/exploring

  • Sneakers

  • Comfortable walking shoes

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  • Personal toiletries

  • Sleep mask/ear plugs

  • Headlight

  • Camera

  • Travel alarm clock

  • Extra batteries

  • Personal first aid kit

  • Tampons/pads

  • Book/journal/pen

  • Sunglasses

  • Small Spanish dictionary

  • Cloth or reusable bag for market shopping

  • Energy bars like Luna. Cliff, Kind bars

  • Games like cards, bananagrams, Dominos etc

Currency

The US dollar is the currency of Ecuador.  We recommend bringing your money in SMALL BILLS as it is difficult to change large bills especially in the more rural areas.

ATM's are throughout the country in case you need to withdraw money. Credit cards aren't always accepted so please don't depend on them as your only means of buying something. 

A fantastic app to download to your phone to make conversions easier is XE CURRENCY.

Tipping

There will not be many situations where you will need to tip but as always if you feel a service given to you deserves it, then it is up to your discretion i.e. driver, hotel staff, instructor....If you do an optional tour or surf lesson generally a 10% tip is appreciated.

For room cleaning generally $5 per day per person, for driver generally $5-$8 per day. Please keep in mind these are all just suggested amounts!

Wondering what’s in my suitcase? Here are some of my fav packing essentials. From skin care to gear and everything in between. Plus-all selections are from some of my favorite women owned, sustainable stores. Happy packing! ~Caitlin

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