General Information

PACKING LIST AND GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
No matter where you are go in Ecuador you shoud carry your passport or a copy of it with you. If you are travelling by bus, always bring the real thing, as there are often military and police roadblocks where they check everyone's ID or passport. If you're just strolling around the town or city where you're staying, it's safer to pay 5 cents and make a copy to carry it with you. You usually need to show the copy to use a credit card and incase the police are doing random spot checks. As far as the safety of your personal posessions and more importantly, your passport, you generally have to be more careful in the coast.

Clothing
The climate of the Galápagos Islands is, mostly pleasant. On this note you don't have to warm-up as much as you do in the Andes, but a windbreaker and a light sweater are a good idea. If you are going to the islands don't forget to bring a swimsuit, you will find quite enjoyable swimming in these islands. You'll also want to have as much (maybe more) sun protector as you need, sunrays may get pretty strong, like anywhere along the equator. If you're going on a cruise ship, most of them have sufficient electricity to run an electric appliances, like a shaver or a hairdryer. The terrain isn't very rough so tennis shoes will work just fine, but they should still be comfortable.
Temperature Range: 18º-27ºC (68º-86ºF)

If you are going to the islands to snorkel or dive, tour operators usually have all of the equipnent, but you should always make sure before you go. As many people like to wear their own masks and wetsuits, some operators might assume you're bringing them.

* Notes: Domestic airline regulations permit 20 kilos (44 pounds) per suitcase, maximum two suitcases per person. There is a National Park fee of $100 (USD) to enter the Galápagos Archipelego which usually isn't included in the cruise or tour packages.

What to Bring to the Jungle

Clothing
The weather in the Amazon Basin is very humid and warm. You will likely be fine bringing no more than one or two sweaters, as sometimes it can get a little chilly at night. Try to stick to relatively fast-drying material as far as pants and shirts go, it can get really humid there, and you're pretty much guaranteed to see rain, especially from March until September. Lots of cotton socks is a good rule of thumb to go by. Maybe even bring all the cotton socks you own, they get wet fast. A good quality rainjacket will really come in handy, or if you don't have one, at least buy a waterproof poncho or a big thick plastic bag (you can usually buy one for really cheap once you get to Coca, Puyo or Tena).
Temperature Range: 23º to 26º C (72º to 80º F)   

Equipment
Sun protector will be extremely helpful. Even though the sun won't be as scortching as in the coast, it's still definatelly not a bad idea to bring along sun glasses, sunblock and a hat with a brim. To fight the enemy of dehydration, always drink lots of boiled or pre-bottled water, and if you are always carrying a water bottle, you're surley going to drink more, even if you're not thirsty. Insects are everywhere is the jungle, so what ever method you prefer to deal with that (wether it be good oil insect repellant or taking vitamin B6 or B12 starting a week before the trip), it's reccommended to do that. Regarding this, if you have some worries about malaria or other tropical diseases please see our Health section. Seeing as though it rains a lot, it's likely a good idea to keep all you things in well-sealing plastic bags. You'll thank yourself later. It also gets very dark in the jungle, so if you're going outside of town on a trek, bring a flashlight so you can make it to the bathroom at night. Besides the footwear you might normally use, you might want to add rubber boots to the list, that is, if you are going on a trek outside of town.

What to Bring to the Andes

Clothing
Light wool is ideal and a warm jacket is usually necessary in the highlands after the sunset. Try not to forget your bathing suit and comfortable shoes for walking, or good hiking boots if your planing on doing any heavy trekking. If you're planning on visiting the Cotopaxi National Park or other places of a rather high altitude, it is advisable to bring a thick sweater and a jacket. Remember that the higher you are, the colder the weather will be.
Temperature Range: 5º-25ºC (41º-77ºF)

What to Bring to the Coast

Clothing
This place, as you can imagine, is hot! Probably, for that reason, bring all the sun protection you can get your hands on. The clothes worn in the coast are mostly shorts, a t-shirt and sandals. At night you might want to have a long sleeved shirt and light pants, but it won't get very cool there, even at night. As mentioned before, don't carry valuables with you (escpecially not your passport) when walking on the beach or going to a bar. There is a risk of malaria on the coast as well as in the jungle, so please read our Health section if you're planning on visiting this area.
Temerature Range: 24º-32ºC (80º-96ºF)