Ecuador: Amazon and Cloud Forest
This page is intended as an overview of necessities for your trip. A more detailed list will be provided upon enrollment. Check with the CDC or WHO for current recommendations on innoculations/medications for the countries and areas you'll be visiting.
A passport is mandatory! A visa may be required for citizens of some countries.
CURRENCY: US Dollars. Smaller denomination bills are useful. Most major cards are accepted at the larger stores, restaurants and hotels.
CLIMATE: In the highlands (Quito and the Cloud Forest), it is spring-like most of the year, although cooler in the winter months from December to April. Dry months are from May through October when the temperatures are around 70 F (10-15 C) during the evening.
In the Ecuadorian Amazon the climate is humid, warm and potentially rainy.
Clothing/Personal items
Towels, soap, shampoo are provided by the lodges in the Amazon and the Cloud Forest.
WHAT TO BRING: Highlands: For Quito and the other highland cities and the Cloud Forest, wear comfortable springtime clothing during the day and a sweater or coat during the evening. There are always chances of showers, thus a rain parka and a jacket or sweater will be needed.
Amazon: For Amazon exploration, you may prefer long-sleeved shirts and long pants for protection against mosquitoes. Insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat must be part of your traveling equipment. Binoculars and flashlights (a headlamp is preferred) are a must for sightseeing, as well as a water-proof jacket.
- Long sleeved lightweight, light colored shirts
- Pants: cotton/lightweight
- Socks and underclothes
- Bandanas/small cloths for wiping sweat, camera gear, etc.
- Water repellant jacket and hat
- Comfortable walking shoes. Rubber boots are provided by the lodges or New Balance has an Outdoor Water Shoe you can bring.
- Hat with wide brim or visor for sun protection - A MUST
Personal Items
There is no way to purchase any personal items you might need once the trip is underway, so please check for essentials beforehand.
- Toiletry bag (to carry items to and from the bathrooms)
- Medications
- Binoculars, camera equip. and water bottle
- Lip balm with sun block - 1 or 2 sticks
- Sun block - SPF 30 or higher - A MUST - you'll use this several times a day, every day
- Toothpaste and brush
- Day pack
- Insect repellant/bugproof clothing
- Polarized sunglasses
Baja California
This page is an overview of items that might be needed on our Baja trips. It is not complete and a more detailed list will be part of your information packet when enrolled in one of the trips.
Pack your gear in one large piece of soft luggage or duffel bag, plus a day pack or handbag. Storage space is limited. Keep in mind that your shoes and clothes may get wet, so choose items that will dry easily. Attire is casual at all times! U S dollars for souvenirs and gratuities.
All bedding (pillow and case, sheets, blankets) is provided. Towels and soap are not.
The nights are cool and their can be spray in the skiffs or pangas , so bring a sweater or sweatshirt and a waterproof windbreaker or jacket.
IMPORTANT: A Passport is Required THIS IS MANDATORY.
Clothing
- T-shirts: Long and short-sleeved
- Pants: cotton/lightweight and shorts
- Socks and underclothes
- Robe or wrap for shower time
- Thongs, Teva sandals, aqua socks or wet suit booties for beach landings and wet conditions
- Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots. Break them in before your trip!
- Hat with wide brim or visor for sun protection - A MUST
Personal Items
There is no way to purchase any personal items you might need once the trip is underway, so please check for essentials before hand.
- Medications
- Binoculars, camera equip. and water bottle
- Lip balm with sun block - 1 or 2 sticks
- Sun block - SPF 30 or higher - A MUST - you'll use this several times a day, every day
- Toothpaste and brush
- Shampoo and rinse
- Soap and washcloth
- Bath towel and beach towel
- Polarized sunglasses