Ecuador/Galapagos Packing List

Notes

The airline that flies to the Galapagos allows only one checked suitcase no more than 30 kg (65 lbs.) and one carry-on bag per passenger.
Valuables can be left in the safe deposit box located inside the closet of each cabin.
For shore excursions, comfortable clothing is a must, preferably shorts, bathing suit, hat, walking/tennis shoes, wind-proof jacket, sunscreen, binoculars, camera and plenty of film.

Clothing

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.

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.

Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
Short-sleeved shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Undergarments, socks
Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
Rain racket and pants or rain poncho
Sun hat with brim and chin strap
Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Belt

Pajamas
Swim suit

Beach

Swimsuit and cover-up
Beach sandals
Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
SCUBA/snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit)
Underwater camera

Footwear

Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferrably waterproof
Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
Comfortable, breathable socks

Baggage

Suitcase or duffel (20kg/35lb max for internal flights)
Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (ziplocs work)
Packing cube, compression bag, clear toiletry bag for airplane
Money belt, security pouch, document organizer

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).

Headlamp or flashlight
Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks (you will not be able to download)
Video camera, tapes
Tripod
Cell phone
Batteries, chargers
GPS (for Geocaching)

Alarm clock
Calculator (for currency conversion)
Electricity adapter

Toileries

Soap, hand sanitizer
Shampoo, conditioner
Shaving supplies
Nail clippers, file, brush
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
Hand sanitizer
Lotion
Hairbrush, comb, mirror
Small towel and wash cloth
Toilet paper
Facial tissue
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellent
Q-tips
Feminine products
Cosmetics
Sewing kit

First Aid

You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, or Aspirin
Bandaids/plasters
Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
Gauze bandages and tape
Throat losenges
Vitamins
Diahrea medicine
Antihistemines
Ace bandage
Melatonin or other sleep aid
Malaria pills (talk to doctor)
Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)

Anti-seasick pills/patches (talk to your doctor)

Documents

Document organizer
Passport
Visas for all countries as necessary
Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
Copy of AWR travel itinerary
Medical insurance card
Address book
Business cards
Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers cheques numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion's luggage and email them to yourself (or Google Docs).

Other

Sunglasses with straps
Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
Binoculars
Pocket knife
Notebook, pencil and pen
Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
Duct tape
Matches or lighter
Clothes line, sink stopper, detergent
Duct tape

Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
Guide books, maps, language books
Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season
Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)

Water bottles and Camelback (useful on bumpy roads)
- Steripen, water filter, iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets
- Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and markets

Rain Forest

Passport
Binoculars
Flashlight (Torch)
Camera, film (high speed film is good for shady walks), and flash
Insect repellent
Sun protection (sunblock / sunglasses / hat)
Water bottle
Lightweight *breathable* long pants and long sleeved shirts for walks in the jungle
Shorts and short sleeves for the Lodge
Bathing suit
Comfortable shoes and extra long socks
Small day pack
Rain poncho
Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, film, etc. from rain
The lodge will provide rubber boots
Rain ponchos are available for sale
Checked luggage is limited to 20kg (44 pounds)

Kids

Games, toys, books
Swim toys
Gifts for local children

Gifts for Guides, Local People

Shoes
T-shirts
Hats
Nerf football, frisbees
Candy
Pens
School supplies
Any warm clothing

Packing for the flight

U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
Books/magazines
Toiletries (3 ounces/container, 1 quart clear bag)
Snacks
Water bottle (empty through security)
iPod, MP3 player
Cell phone
Eye shades, ear plugs
Melatonin or other sleep aid

DESTINATIONS

Ecuador FAQ

Galapagos FAQ