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Camera equipment (including spare batteries and chips)
Torch
Travel alarm clock
Penknife
Insect repellent for the Amazon (high DEET concentration),
Personal first aid kit,
High factor sun lotion/sun block,
Spanish-English dictionary/phrase book,
Binoculars,
Padlock,
Sewing/mending kit,
Earplugs,
Small back pack

WHAT TO WEAR

Lightweight cotton clothing is recommended for the hot and humid conditions.
At least one long sleeved shirt to protect you from biting insects before dawn and after sunset.
A Long sleeved cotton pants to protect you from biting insects.
Lightweight cottons, shorts.
T-shirts.
A sun hat and sunglasses are also useful.
A rain jacket and sturdy boots are also recommended.

Lightweight cottons, shorts,
T-shirts and swim wear.
A sun hat is a must
Sunglasses are also useful for protection from the strong equatorial sun.
A sweatshirt or long sleeved shirt is recommended for breezy nights on deck
Waterproof sandals are very practical for wet landings.
Hiking boots or trainers with good grip

CLIMATE DETAILS

Climate is largely determined by the altitude in the four main regions. The weather phenomenon, El Niño, which occurs between every 2 and 7 years, alters weather patterns.

The Highland Trails:The Sierra enjoys a temperate Andean climate with temperatures ranging from the mid 50°F to the low 70°F. Generally speaking, the drier months are from June to September, the wettest from January to May, also October. During the rainy season rain usually comes in the late afternoon while the mornings are dry. June to September is the hottest, driest months with the clearest skies in the northern part of the Sierra, August to January for the south.

The Jungle Trails: Weather in the Jungle is hot and humid. It rains frequently and often unexpectedly but the rain is warm and freshens the air. April to September is normally the rainiest but at other times there are heavy showers in the late afternoon. The average year-round temperature is 80°F.

The Costa: The coast has a similar climate to the Galapagos. Between December and May the temperature varies from the low 70°F to the low 90°F. From June to November the coast cools down and temperatures range from the mid 60°F to the high 70°F. The period from October to May is usually the best for the beach.

The Galapagos Trails: From December to May temperatures range from the low 80°F to the low 90°F and there is the possibility of rain. From June to September the temperature varies from low 60°F to high 70°F (the "garua" season with mist in the mornings). From October to December the temperature ranges from the 70°F to the 80°F.

Travellers should take out comprehensive medical insurance before leaving home. Some travellers choose to have medical and dental check-ups beforehand. Travellers should check with their GP/health centre/travel clinic about required inoculations. Strictly speaking no inoculations are required for entry into the country (a yellow fever certificate is required for the Jungle) but the following are strongly recommended: typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever (for the Jungle), cholera, and tetanus booster. Appropriate malaria prophylactics are recommended for the Jungle and the Coast. Some travellers choose to have a rabies vaccine. Tap water in Ecuador is unsuitable for drinking.

Few travellers escape initial feelings of discomfort on arriving in the high altitude of Quito. The discomfort generally passes after a period of 24 hours. At high altitudes travellers should take it easy to start with, drink lots of water and avoid alcohol and rich foods. The waters around the Galapagos Islands can be very choppy and sea sickness tablets are recommended.

Ecuador has adopted a dollarization system; therefore, the unit of currency is the American Dollar. Travellers should bring credit cards (most major credit cards are accepted in large stores, hotels and restaurants although there may be an additional charge for paying with a credit card). Money should be brought in US dollars cash and US dollars traveller’s cheques (Visa, American Express and Citicorp are the most widely recognized). Money transfer and wiring facilities are available, particularly in the major centres.

Small notes will be most practical, avoid bringing 100 dollar notes as it will be extremely hard to get change and in most places they are not accepted.

Normally on international flights each passenger is allowed two bags up to 31 kilos total plus one piece of hand luggage. Baggage allowance should be confirmed with the airline before departure. Diving and climbing equipment which exceeds 31 kilos is excess baggage. Weight allowance on flights to the Jungle is up to 20 pounds and on flights to the Galapagos is up to 42 pounds, per/person.

Currently a passport valid for at least 6 months on arrival in Ecuador. This should be confirmed with the embassy or consulate in the passenger's home country. Passengers arriving by air will be given a tourist card (normally valid for 60 or 90 days). Extensions (up to a maximum total of 90 days) can be obtained at immigration offices in Quito or any provincial capital. Passengers continuing their trip to Brazil should have a yellow fever vaccination.

110 volts, 60 cycles, AC throughout the country. This is the same supply as in North America and most outlets are for two flat prongs.

Continental Ecuador is 5 hours behind GMT (equivalent to USA Eastern Standard Time). The Galapagos Islands are 6 hours behind GMT.

Spanish is the official language. Quechua is spoken by the Indian population but most Indians also speak Spanish. English is spoken in the main tourist centres also limited French and German.

Like most other Latin American countries, the predominant religion is Roman Catholic.

Ecuador, named after its position on the equator, is the smallest Andean republic and the second smallest country in South America. It covers a total area of approximately 255,000 square Km (including The Galapagos Islands). Ecuador is about the same size as New Zealand or the American State of Colorado and is bordered to the north by Colombia, to the south and East by Peru, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The capital is Quito and the largest city is Guayaquil.

Shopping hours are from 10:00 – 13:00 and from 15.00 - 19.00, Monday - Saturday. Most stores close on Sundays although shopping malls (centros comerciales) are open on Sundays and later in the evenings during the week. There are Indian markets held across Ecuador throughout the week. Markets start very early, at around 06.00, and normally finish at around 16.00

Bargaining is acceptable only at Indian stalls and in rural villages. Tipping is based on the level of service but generally speaking: 10% in better restaurants and 5% for the waiter. Tipping is also recommended for porters and bell-boys (depending on the number of bags) and cloakroom attendants. Taxi drivers do not normally receive tips. On a guided tour a tip is expected for the guide (less for the driver).

GENERAL RECOMENDATIONS

Do not drink tap water
Avoid ice in your beverages except in the main hotels and restaurants
Always drink bottled water
Try to avoid eating raw vegetables and salads or any raw foods, always prefer cooked food, eat only fruits you can peal (Except in Galápagos on board of the boat and the Lodges in the Jungle).
Always use sunscreen lotion even in cloudy days, remember we are in the Equator and the sun will always be strong.
A light meal is suggested upon arrival, as digestion may be difficult due to the high altitude.
Remember that the average altitude in Quito and surroundings is approximately 9,200 ft ( 2,800mts), therefore it takes normally 1 ½ days to get adjusted to it. It is normal to have slight headaches and to feel a bit dizzy. If that happens drink lots of liquids and take an aspirin.
If you go to the old colonial area of Quito at night, please remain in the main central areas like: Independence Square, La Compañía Church, and San Francisco Square, do not be later than 09:00 pm. Do not go to Panecillo hill any time, unless is during a tour.
Do not take pictures with flash inside the churches. If you want to take a picture to people ask first, as they may not like it.
Take only the yellow taxis with certified numbers on the sides, in around Quito they will charge from 2 to 4 dollars, normally they do not use the taxi-miter, you may request the driver to connect it.

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