Packing Advice
- This packing list is just a recommended guideline for your reference. Everything is optional for you to choose from.
- It’s best to leave all unnecessary valuables and jewelry at home.
- More Packing Advice >>
Special Notes:
- Domestic airlines in Ecuador (i.e, to the Galapagos or Coca) allow only one checked suitcase no more than 20 kg (44 lbs) and one carry-on bag per passenger. Galapagos inter-island flights are limited to 10 kg (25 lbs), and overweight luggage will have to be transferred by boat (for island hopping trips).
- Single-use plastics are NOT allowed into the Galapagos Islands. You need to bring a reusable water bottle!
- Reducing Plastic on Your Trip >>
Clothing
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton. You will want
active wear for daily activities and
casual dressy clothes for evening. Layers work best!
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments, sports bra
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Rain jacket and/or rain poncho
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit and cover
- Belt
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Pool/Beach
- Swimsuit, coverup
- Beach sandals/flip flops
- Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
- Scuba card (if scuba diving)
- Waterproof camera
- Waterproof bag for phone/camera
Footwear
Your daily activities may get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Light sandals are not good for daily tours and hikes, but they are nice for relaxing at your hotel.
- Hiking shoes/boots — for day hikes
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof
- Tennis shoes, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Baggage
- Suitcase or duffel (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
- Day pack for daily activities and easy access + rain cover
- Waterproof/plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (ziplocs and garbage bags work)
- Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, toiletry bag, foldable shopping bag
- Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
- NOTE: A carry-on bag on most flights is limited to 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags. Remember to set the date and time on your cameras to local time.
- Cell phone, cord, plug, headphones (check on international charges)
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
- GoPro, camera, video camera, SD cards, batteries, charger/power cord
- Tripod (travel size), selfie-stick
- Air Tags
- Lens cleaning cloth
Toiletries
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Shaving supplies
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Sunscreen (reef friendly)
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
- Facial tissue, Toilet paper
- Moist towelettes
- Hand sanitizer
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Insect repellent
- Small travel towel
- Cosmetics, feminine products, travel jewelry
First Aid
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Prescription drugs
- Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
- Band-aids/blister tape
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamins
- Antihistamines
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar), Ginger and Ginkgo can be helpful for stomach problems
- Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
- Anti-seasick pills/patches (talk to your doctor)
Documents
- Passport (make sure it is valid > 6 months after the end of your trip)
- Visas for all countries as necessary
- Airline e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
- Copy of AWR travel itinerary
- Travel insurance information + Medical insurance card
- Document organizer
- Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and email them to yourself (or store in Cloud). Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.
Other
- Cash (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer and in good condition)
- Credit cards (check for international fees)
- Water bottle and Camelbak
- Sunglasses, strap
- Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife (put in checked luggage)
- Notebook, lots of pens
- Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
- Guide books, maps, language books
- Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season or even for sun shade
- Gifts for guides
- Steripen, water filter, or purification tablets
Packing for the flight
- Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
- Books, magazines, e-reader, cards, games
- Cell phone, headphones
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water bottle (empty through security)
- U-shaped neck pillow
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Kleenex, wet wipes
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Compression socks
- Prescription medicines / Daily vitamins
Galapagos
Galapagos means nature, action, comfort and relaxation, so you do not have to worry about dressing up. Light-weight casual clothing and a sweater or windbreaker are recommended while on board the boat.
- Shore excursions — comfortable shorts, bathing suit, hat, walking/tennis shoes, wind-proof jacket, sunscreen, binoculars, and camera
- Galapagos Wildlife Book
- All hotels in the Galapagos have access to purified water (like a dispenser), so bring a refillable water bottle to refill every morning.
- NOTE: Single-use plastics are NOT allowed into the Galapagos Islands. You need to bring a reusable water bottle!
Rain Forest
- Passport
- Lightweight *breathable* long pants (zip off legs preferred) and long sleeved shirts for walks in the jungle
- Shorts and short sleeves for evenings at the lodge
- Bathing suit (and cover up for women)
- Comfortable walking shoes and extra long socks
- Sandals for inside room and walking to swimming
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Flashlight (torch) or headlamp
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection (sunblock / sunglasses / hat)
- Water bottle
- Small day pack
- Rain poncho (also available at the lodge)
- Plastic bags to protect cameras and binoculars from rain
- The lodge will provide rubber boots
- Checked luggage is limited to 20kg (44 pounds)
Cotopaxi Hiking
- Hiking pants
- Polypro tops
- Down jacket
- Long underwear
- Hat
- Gloves
- Hiking shoes
- Rain pants