What to Pack for Ecuador: Your Perfect Packing List

Last updated on June 9th, 2024 at 04:21 pm

I landed in Ecuador, the first destination of my year of travel, with just a carry-on bag and no clue how the next year of travel would unfold. I definitely had no idea if my Ecuador packing list was correct, having never been there or to South America in general before and definitely never having packed in ONLY a carry-on bag. 

Before this trip, I read all of the “What to pack for Ecuador” blogs I could in hopes that I could pack efficiently and effectively. Which I’m guessing is exactly where you’re at right now since you’ve landed on this post.

I’m excited to tell you that this packing list for Ecuador is based on my experience living in this gorgeous country for two months. During that time, I traveled to the Galapagos Islands and the Mindo Cloud Forest, completed multiple hikes, and spent quite a bit of time finding the best things to do in Quito. The only activities I did not do in Ecuador were go to the Amazon (a major regret) or spend time on the Pacific Coast. 

After all of these experiences in Ecuador and throughout the rest of my travel in South America, I learned exactly what was absolutely necessary to pack for traveling in this gorgeous country, what was just nice to have, and what should be left at home. I’ve included all of that experience to create this ultimate Ecuador packing list!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase.

 

Ecuador travel resources

• Book your flight to Ecuador with Omio
• Get reliable travel insurance with World Nomads
• Find awesome accommodation with booking.com or Hostelworld
• Want to add guided tours to your itinerary? Here are the top 10 tours in Ecuador
• The best budget-friendly Galapagos Islands itinerary
• Get the essentials for trip to Ecuador here: my favorite waterproof booties, this power bank to stay connected, and a reusable water bottle

Packing Tips for Ecuador

Before we discuss the essential items to include on your Ecuador packing list, let’s first discuss some practical tips for packing in a carry-on only for Ecuador.

Pack for Your Planned Activities

As I mentioned above, Ecuador has many things to do. For such a small country, you could spend months there and not cross everything off your list (ahem – talking about me there). So before you start packing, know what activities you plan to pursue while you’re there. For instance, if you’re city-hopping, you don’t need hiking boots; if you’re going to the jungle, you’ll definitely need some mosquito repellent!

Pack for One Week

As a general rule of thumb when it comes to packing in a carry-on, I always recommend packing as if you were traveling for a week. This helps decrease the tendency to overpack. It’s pretty easy to find a laundromat in Ecuador, and it’s really cheap. For about $2.50, I was able to launder all of my clothes every week, and they were returned to me nicely folded. 

Check the Weather

The weather in Ecuador is fairly predictable thanks to its equatorial coordinates, however, the climate does vary by location. For example, due to Quito’s high altitude, you can expect warm days that cool off in the evening, requiring a jacket. However, if you head to the coast or the Amazon, you’ll find the weather hotter and more humid. 

There is a rainy season in Ecuador that generally runs from October to May. 

The sun in Ecuador is also deceptively strong. Make sure you pack enough sun protection for your trip!

Make sure to consider the type of weather you’ll be experiencing for most of your trip when making your Ecuador packing list.

Packing for Galapagos

If you’re planning to skip most of mainland Ecuador and head straight to the Galapagos Islands, please see my Galapagos packing list. While I sprinkle in some travel essentials for the Galapagos here, I go into much further detail in that blog post.

What Type of Luggage to Use for Ecuador

Hands down, a backpack is your best option for traveling throughout Ecuador. Here’s why:

• Many remote areas in Ecuador have dirt or very uneven roads. Dragging a wheeled suitcase is just that – a DRAG!
• When traveling by public transportation, it is not recommended to put your luggage in the overhead compartment or at your feet. Items placed in those areas are quickly stolen. A backpack can easily be held on your lap. You can store your luggage safely underneath the bus for longer bus rides, locked shut with your TSA luggage lock.
• A backpack keeps your hands free to use as needed.

Backpack recommendation: I traveled throughout South America and Europe with the Osprey 50L Farpoint. It comes with a smaller detachable backpack that can be used for shorter day trips and hikes. 

Purchase your backpack here!

No matter what luggage you choose for your trip to Ecuador – make sure it’s carry-on size to avoid overpacking and facilitate easier movement throughout the country. Check with your airline, as their carry-on size allotments vary amongst carriers. 

Packing Cubes: Using packing cubes allows you to keep your items organized and maximize space in your backpack. I’ve used these Eagle Creek packing cubes and they lasted quite a while! I recently replaced them with these compression packing cubes and really like them!

Day Bag: For a day bag, consider a small backpack that can carry what you need for a day out. I love the Nordace right now! I’ve used it for day hikes and city trips, and it has worked well in both environments. Buy the Nordace here!

Laundry Bag: Many packing cube sets come with a laundry bag, but if yours does not, use an empty packing cube to separate your dirty and clean clothes. These bags also make bringing dirty clothes to the laundromat easier. If you want a dedicated laundry bag, this one is great!

Your Ultimate Ecuador Packing List

Now that we’ve taken care of those items let’s discuss what you need to pack for Ecuador.

Ecuador Packing List: Clothing

The clothing items below are perfect for a mix of hiking (I highly recommend the Quilotoa loop), city life, and a trip to the Galapagos. When you’re thinking about what to wear in Ecuador, make sure the items are versatile so they can be worn in multiple settings.

• 1 rain jacket: Rain gear is essential, especially if you’re going to the Amazon rainforest or spending a weekend in Mindo. I wore this rain jacket frequently!
• 1 down jacket: I lived in this Mountain Hardware jacket in the evenings. It may be unnecessary if you’re going to the coast—and I didn’t bring it to the Galapagos. 
• 1 lightweight fleece: This is the perfect mid-layer for hikes where a down jacket is just too much. I love this one!
• 1 pair of jeans: A nice pair of jeans is essential for city walks or a night out.
• 1 pair of leggings: Leggings can be used to replace jeans or for a hike up Cotopaxi. My favorites are have pockets and are the CRZ brand on Amazon.
• 1 pair of joggers: Joggers are perfect for sleeping or relaxing in your hostel.
• 1 pair of hiking pants: If you’re not planning to do too much hiking, you can leave these behind in favor of leggings. However, the hiking pants I use from Athleta can also be worn in the city and easily replace jeans. This is something to consider, especially when packing carry-on only. 
• 4 t-shirts: 2 active and UV blocking for hikes or the beach and 2 for city wear. 
• 2 tank tops: 1 that can be dressed up (Quito has a good nightlife scene) and 1 for layering.
• 1 long-sleeved UV-blocking shirt: Long sleeves were absolutely necessary on the Galapagos Islands. I lived in this shirt while there.
• 1 dress or romper: A dress or jumpsuit is easy to pack and a great way to look put together with little effort.
• 1 pair of shorts: A pair of hiking shorts is a must for trips to the coast or for a muggy waterfall hike in Mindo.
• 1 swimsuit: No matter what, always pack a swimsuit. You may want to go for an impromptu hot springs trip, and you’ll definitely need one in the Galapagos.
• Underwear: Always pack more underwear than is truly necessary. Exofficio are my favorite travel undies because they dry quickly if I need to wash them overnight, and a black pair can be used instead of a swimsuit when in a pinch!
• Socks: 3 pairs, plus one pair of Darn Tough hiking socks to ensure you never get a blister. Darn Tough socks are literally a game changer when it comes to hiking. They’re worth the cost. Buy yours here.
• Bra: 1-2 sports bras and 1 regular bra or bralette.
• Warm Hat & Gloves: Higher altitudes bring colder temperatures. If you’re going to hike the Pichincha volcano in Quito, you’ll need these at the top! 
• Wide-brimmed hat: A wide-brimmed hat is perfect for keeping the sun off your face while exploring cities or hiking.
• Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the strong UV rays.
• 1 scarf: A scarf can be used to jazz up an outfit as well as for warmth. You could always wait and pick one up from Otavalo Market on a day trip from Quito.

Ecuador Packing List: Shoes

• Hiking shoes/boots: I love my Keen hiking boots. I wore them on all my hikes in Ecuador and hiking to Machu Picchu in Peru. A well-broken and waterproof pair is a must for any hiking in Ecuador.
• Sandals: I broke my Birkenstocks in on the Galapagos, which is not something I recommend, but once they were broken in, they became my favorite travel sandals. However, Birkenstocks are a little clunky for packing and can’t go in the water. Water shoes like Keens, Chacos, or Tevas are definitely more practical for the Galapagos, where many beaches are very rocky.
• Sneakers: A stylish pair of sneakers can be worn with jeans in the city or on a country walk. I’m loving these Nikes right now!
• Flip flops: Always pack a pair of flip-flops to protect your feet in hostel showers.

Ecuador Packing List: Toiletries

Pack all of your normal toiletries, and know that if you forget anything, you can always purchase it there. Two items I want to highlight here are sunscreen and bug spray. Below are a few other notable toiletries.

• Sunscreen: The equatorial sun is no joke. Wear sunscreen daily—even if it’s cloudy. I love SunBum for body sunscreen and Supergoop for my face. Purchase your sunscreen here.
• Insect repellent: Insect repellent is necessary if you’re going into the Amazon. They make these awesome wipes now that are perfect for carry-on travel.
• Shampoo/Conditioner/Dry Shampoo/Hairbrush: Pack small versions of whatever you use for your hair.
• Dr. Bronner’s Soap: I love Dr. Bronner’s Soap. I use it as body wash and for laundry when I’m in a pinch. 
• Toothbrush & toothpaste: I used these toothpaste tabs and really liked them! 
• Diva Cup: Bring whatever feminine hygiene products you’re comfortable using. But I can’t recommend using a menstrual cup like the Diva Cup enough. It made long bus rides and hikes much easier when it was that time of the month. Buy your Diva Cup here. 
• Glasses/Contacts/Solution: If you wear contacts, pack a couple of extra pairs. Also, remember your contact lens solution and glasses!
• Earplugs and eye masks: Ear plugs will save you in noisy hostels, and an eye mask will help you stay asleep when your hostel roomies turn on the lights late at night. Get them here!
• First Aid Kit: I use this premade first aid kit and restock it when needed. But make sure you have bandaids, moleskin, antibacterial ointment, and anti-itch cream.

Ecuador Packing List: Medication

Always make sure you have more than enough of any medications you take on a regular basis. Also, be sure to travel with them in their original bottle and with a written prescription just in case you need to get a refill or explain to a doctor what medications you take. Pack over-the-counter medication as well, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol. A few other important items to take with you:

• Hydration tablets: Electrolyte tablets are a great way to maintain electrolyte balance on long hikes or hot days in the Galapagos. My favorite are Nuun tablets. 
• Anti-malaria pills: Talk to a travel nurse before you leave home about whether or not these are necessary for your trip. I did not take any because I didn’t go to the Amazon.

Traveling can wreak havoc on our immune systems. I always travel with vitamins and supplements to keep my immune system strong. Some of my favorites include:

• Immune intel AHCC: I started using AHCC to overcome HPV. Now I take it daily to keep my immune system strong and pesky issues away. Get your AHCC here!
• Ritual daily multivitamins: While a bit expensive, this is a great multivitamin for women. 
• Probiotic: Gut health is clutch when traveling and keeping things going smoothly.
• Wellness Formula: I take these any time I start to feel a sore throat coming on, and they knock it out! They also make a liquid version that you can add to your water if you don’t like the flavor of the pills. They can be a lot! Purchase your Wellness Formula here.

Ecuador Packing List: Electronics

Your electronic needs may differ greatly from mine – but I guarantee you will want to document many aspects of your Ecuadorian adventure. These items will help you do just that.

• Portable Charger: A portable charger is necessary to keep your phone charged on the go. I bought one in Peru that lasted maybe 10 minutes, but I recently purchased this Mophie power bank, which will charge all of my gadgets at least three times. Get your Mophie portable charger here.
• Travel Adapter: I use this multi-country travel adapter! Get yours here!
• Phone: Decide if you’ll use an international phone plan (I use T-Mobile’s) or get a SIM card upon arrival. You can also use an e-sim if that works better for you.
• Laptop & case: A laptop may not be necessary if you’re not doing any remote work.
• GoPro & accessories: I used my GoPro so much on the Galapagos Islands. You gotta get that underwater footage of the silly seals or snorkeling with sharks! 
• Camera: I traveled with a much too bulky DSLR. If you have your GoPro and your phone and are not too concerned with DSLR photos, leave it behind.
• Tripod: A tripod is a necessity for solo travelers who want epic photos of themselves. I use this tripod, it works for my phone and camera. 
• Kindle: You can load up as many books as you want for bus rides and beach reads. Get your Kindle here!
• Chargers: Bring whatever chargers are required for your electronics of choice.

Ecuador Packing List: Paperwork

Do not forget these items at home!

• Visa: If required from your home country.
• Passport: Definitely required to enter Ecuador!
• Immunization Card: I was never asked to show this, but they could turn you away without it. Get yours from a travel nurse at home.
• Proof of departure: Some destinations require proof of departure. They may or may not ask this, but have easy access to it at immigration.
• Cash: Ecuador’s currency is the US dollar, and having cash on hand is, well, handy. Keep small bills on you when you’re out exploring and the rest safely in your accommodation.
• Travel Credit Cards & Travel ATM Cards: Avoid foreign transaction fees and ATM fees by using travel credit cards (I love Chase Sapphire) and a travel debit card (I love Charles Schwab). 
• Travel Insurance: Always purchase travel insurance for your trips. This can save you thousands in medical care when abroad. I’ve used both World Nomads and Safety Wing in the past. I choose based on the cost for the length of the trip I’m going on.

Ecuador Packing List: Miscellaneous

These are items that don’t fit neatly in any other category, but I found helpful additions to have in Ecuador.

• Reusable water bottle: Tap water is not potable in Ecuador. Most accommodations provide filtered water that you can use to refill your water bottle. I used my Hydroflask religiously. 
• Small dry bag: Waterproof bags are definitely needed on the Galapagos to keep your valuables dry on boats. Get your dry bag here.
• Water reservoir: I prefer using a water bladder for hikes over my water bottle because it’s easier access to water. I don’t have to stop hiking to access water!
• Cross Body Bag: Thankfully, these are now stylish! They’re perfect for exploring the cities. I love the Uniqlo one – it fits so much!
• Travel Towel: A microfiber towel can be used in hostels or at the beach. I also used mine as a makeshift sun cover when walking to Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos.
• Luggage Lock: A TSA lock keeps your items safe in the hostel locker. Get yours here!

Ecuador Packing List: What NOT to Pack for Ecuador

• Headlamp: I never used mine. My cell phone flashlight worked just fine.
• Hairdryer: If this is needed, you can borrow it from your accommodation.  
• Iodine Tablets/Steripen: I didn’t use mine because filtered water was readily available – perhaps a LifeStraw would be a better option. That being said, they’re small enough to pack – just in case.
• Expensive jewelry: Leave your fancy jewelry or anything you’d be sad to lose at home.

One final tip before you leave for Ecuador is to do a trial packing. Make sure you can get everything you need to fit in your carry-on while leaving space for some souvenirs. One of my biggest travel regrets is not buying one quality souvenir from each of my destinations to decorate my house with – and Ecuador is a great place to find high-quality, handmade items that will last long after your trip. 

What am I missing from this packing list? Are there any Ecuador packing list essentials I forgot? Let me know in the comments!

What am I missing from this packing list? Are there any Ecuador packing list essentials I forgot? Let me know in the comments! To get all of these items in one place, check out my Ecuador packing list over an Amazon.

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