What to Pack
The following is a list of what to pack for your trip to Ecuador. If you are unable to obtain or afford any of the items recommended below, please let us know and we will try to acquire them for you. Please keep in mind that this list only covers the basics; you may pack more if you wish!
Documents
- Passport
- Photocopy of first page of passport (store in a different place than you store your passport)
- Flight confirmation
- Printed copy of Volunteer Basic Information Packet
Clothing
Weather in Ecuador is highly variable—it can be hot or cold, rainy or sunny. You should pack to prepare for both. The following list covers the basics:
- 3-5 T-shirts or other light-weight tops
- 3-5 Long sleeved shirts
- 2-3 Sweaters or sweatshirts
- 2-3 pairs of long pants
- Hiking boots or good walking shoes
- Athletic shoes, if you plan to work out
- Comfortable, closed toes sandals or sneakers
- 1 Raincoat or poncho
- 1 Warm coat or jacket
- 2-3 pairs of PJs
- Underwear
- 1 or 2 Dressier outfits (for nights out in Quito and Otavalo)
- Bathing suit, if you plan to swim
Personal Items
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Prescription medications, if you use them
- Pepto Bismol / Tums / Other stomach calming medications
- Toothbrush / toiletries
- 2 towels
- Checkbook
- Debit or credit card
Items for Hiking or Wilderness Trips
If you plan to go on any hiking or wilderness trips with the foundation, you will need to include the following for an emergency survival kit. No volunteer will be allowed to join a hiking or wilderness trip without an emergency survival kit. To read about possible trips, visit the link to Activities and Trips.
Emergency Survival Kit:
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Water bottle
- Matches or lighter
- Whistle (We recommend REI’s 5 in 1 Survival Aid, available online for $2.50)
- Compass (We recommend REI’s 5 in 1 Survival Aid, available online for $2.50)
- Sunscreen
- Additional layer of clothing (can be a sweater or sweatshirt)
- First aid kit included a few bandages, disinfectant, and band-aids
