What To Pack For Ecuador: All-Year Round Guide (2023)

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Travelling to Ecuador and not sure what to pack? This blog post details exactly what you need to pack for Ecuador, and will hopefully put your mind at ease.

Ecuador was one of my favourite countries in South America. We travelled deep into the Amazon Rainforest, stayed in a cloud forest and visited the second-highest capital city in the world. It was an adventure from start to finish, and I recommend any backpacker or adventure seeker to visit.

During our trip, just like in any other location, I learnt a thing or two about what I should have packed (and what I shouldn’t have packed). 

This blog post informs you of the best things to pack for your first trip to Ecuador. From what bag to take, to an all-important checklist, let’s delve into the exact things that should be on your Ecuador packing list!

Got a question about what to pack for Ecuador? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:

• Amazon Tours Ecuador: BEST Cuyabeno Trip From Quito
• Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide
• Quito To Banos: FULL Guide + Route
• Frog Concert Mindo: Just WHAT Is It? FULL Guide
• Quito To Mindo: BEST And Easiest Routes
• What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest (That Isn’t Ugly)

What to pack for Ecuador: A Summary

Ecuador is a country centred around the equator line. It is bordered by Peru in the south and east, and Colombia in the north. Many tourists travel to Ecuador for its stunning natural beauty; especially in locations such as the Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands.

Ecuador has both a dry and wet season and can be divided into four geographical locations (coastal lowlands, mountainous regions, the lower eastern hills and the Galapagos Islands). These locations differ slightly in climate and temperature, but the average temperature in Ecuador annually is 18°C (64°F).

Areas such as the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve (the Ecuadorean Amazon) will be more hot and humid than others. Quito, the second highest capital city in the world, sits at an altitude of 2580m, so it tends to be a little chillier than cities that are at sea level, such as Guayaquil.

Packing for Ecuador isn’t too dissimilar to anywhere in Latin America. Think about packing your regular items; short sleeves, long sleeves, a few spare jumpers, summer clothes for beaches and warmer areas and all of your standard items. But I explain all of this below!

⚠️ If you’re visiting the Amazon, packing rules are slightly different. You can find out more information and read my full Amazon packing guide here.

Tips for packing for Ecuador

Before we begin, there are a few things to mention before starting to pack your bag for Ecuador. Whilst you can’t go too wrong when packing for Latin America, there are a few tips that might help you along the way. They are:

🧳 Pack light! Pack less than you think, use a small backpack, and stay light on your feet. South America can be chaotic; you’ll want to minimise what you have to carry as much as possible.

🧊 Use packing cubes to maximise your storage and to keep your bag organised.

📚 Instead of carrying books, either take a Kindle or swap your books with other backpackers in hostels. Some South American hostels have ‘book exchanges’, where you can leave your book behind and pick up a new one. But, they’re often in Spanish, so we found we couldn’t do this often!

🚇 Regular items (like toiletries and groceries) in South America are expensive. I know, you wouldn’t think it, but they are! Take as much as you can in your bag before you leave!

💆🏼‍♀️ Pack hair conditioner. I found it hard to find a good conditioner in Central/South America. Ecuador was a little easier, but just be prepared!

Essentials to pack for Ecuador

When packing for Ecuador, it’s not too dissimilar to anywhere else you may have travelled to with hot weather and humid regions. We had the same clothes in Ecuador as we did in Colombia and Central America, although we needed to wrap up a little warmer in Quito.

If you’re new to travelling long-term or taking overseas trips, I recommend packing the following for Ecuador:

• Your passport (obviously) and driving license (if you have one).

• Some emergency cash, or an international bank card.

• Packing cubes, regardless of whether you use a suitcase or backpack. They maximise your space and allow you to take almost double what you would without. I wouldn’t go anywhere without them!

• Regular day clothes. Short sleeves, vest tops, denim shorts, linen shorts (with elastic waists, they’re my favourite), skirts, jeans – anything you want to wear on a regular basis. Most areas in Ecuador are hot all year round, so stick to mainly summer clothes. But pack a few ‘colder’ outfits for when you’re in cities like Quito.

• Long-sleeved loose jumpers, sweaters and jackets. Have these ready for colder nights and trips like the Amazon Rainforest.

• One baggy hoody or jumper, for colder nights. I like oversized vintage-style jumpers to laze around in whilst in hostels.

• One ‘nicer‘ outfit. I’m not talking prom dress or sparkly night out here – just an outfit that you feel a little nicer in. Maybe a nice skirt, summer dress or fun pair of shorts. This can then be your go-to for bar crawls and hostel events!

•  Waterproof Birkenstocks! They look good, they’re comfy and practical. I take them on every trip! This also works for any kind of flip-flops or waterproof shoes.

• Trail running shoes. I take a pair of Hokas on every trip, as I don’t want to be lugging around hiking boots. These exact Hokas have taken me up volcanoes, mountains, through rainforests and on regular daily runs. I couldn’t recommend them enough!

• White trainers or casual shoes for nights out, easy day trips and short excursions. I wear these Fila white trainers on bar crawls, pub trips, short walks and other casual events whilst travelling. They just look a little nicer than the Hokas!

Other things to pack for Ecuador

• Insect repellent (I prefer a cream to spray, it works so much better!)
• A rain jacket (it rains, a lot)
• Sunscreen (always get reef friendly)
• Swimsuit/swimming trunks
• A quick-dry towel
• A portable electric toothbrush (if you’re travelling for a long time)
• A clear toiletries bag (so you don’t need to unpack it at the airport), with shower gel and standard toiletries
• A Waterproof phone case, especially if you’re going to be by the sea! We use ProCase for beach and scuba days.
• Shampoo and conditioner. I found it so hard to get decent shampoos and conditioners in Latin America!
• A reusable water bottle
• A day bag (for hikes and days out)
• A dry bag (for days where you’ll be swimming or in boats)
• An adapter, extension lead and a portable phone charger
• A camera
• A phone with a torch, or an actual flashlight for nights in hostels
• A book or Kindle to read during your rest time
• Shower gel and normal toiletries
• Extra batteries for everything. If you have a drone, camera or any other expensive tech, take spare batteries to save yourself when in more remote areas like the Amazon Rainforest.
• Stay safe by carrying your cash or card in a money belt. I know it sounds silly, but South America can be chaotic and pickpockets are known to work in busy areas. it’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Travel sickness pills. If you need these, you absolutely need to buy them beforehand. We couldn’t buy them anywhere in Central or South America.

What to pack for the Amazon Rainforest (Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve)

If you’re heading into the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, you’ll need to pack just *slightly* differently. As you may know, rainforests have their own climate, so the humidity and rainfall is entirely different to an area like Quito or Cuenca.

To help you to pack perfectly for the Amazon Rainforest, I have an in-depth guide explaining what to wear, what to take and what not to bring on the blog. You can check out my full Amazon Rainforest packing guide here!

Related post: Complete Cuyabeno Amazon Rainforest Guide | Packing List for the Amazon Rainforest

What NOT to pack for Ecuador

This depends on what kind of traveller you are, but as my blog doesn’t normally attract those flying in their own private jets or luxury yachts, I’m going to stick with advising the mid-range folk and budgeteers (like myself).

If you’re travelling to Ecuador for the first time, you do not need to pack things like:

• Hair appliances. Unless you have mountains of spare luggage (which I’m sure mid-range and budgeteers do not), they are a waste of space. The humidity, heat, busy activity days and chaotic travel plans don’t lend themselves to curling or straightening hair. Unless you’re really desperate, leave them at home.

• A hairdryer. Most (nearly all) hostels, hotels and Airbnbs will provide them. Again, if you’re desperate, buy a mini hair dryer like this one.

• Evening shoes. Leave all kinds of heels at home. You absolutely, categorically, will not need them.

• Heavy books. Invest in a Kindle – it’s worth it, I promise.

• A heavy towel: if you need a beach towel, pack a Microfibre one. They’re lightweight and dry quickly!

Best luggage for Ecuador

I’m not going to tell you whether to take a backpack or suitcase, because it is entirely down to personal preference. For the past ten years, I’ve used a backpack and have always been a ‘backpacker’. But now it’s time for a change, and I’m swaying towards a suitcase.

It really doesn’t matter either way. Unless you’re going on off-the-beaten-track and hiking through mountains for days on end (and in this case, you obviously need a backpack), there isn’t much of a difference between getting a suitcase or a backpack.

But anyway, here are my top choices for those new to backpacking or travelling, or for those looking to invest in new luggage!

Osprey Wheeled 65L Backpack: This is the backpack I have used for the past few years. It’s brilliant – I can wheel it when it’s heavy, or pick it up and throw it on my back when I need to. The bag is also big enough to fit at least 9 months worth of clothes. It also opens from the front and is made from durable, heavy-duty material. A winner in my eyes! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

Antler Stamford Suitcase: This is an amazing suitcase for those just transitioning from a backpack to something with wheels. It’s pretty, it’s durable, it has a ten-year warranty and is a great size for those travelling internationally. You can also buy it in a cabin and checked luggage set. ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

Best hand luggage for Ecuador

I am incredibly loyal to my long-lasting hand-luggage backpack, so I’ll only recommend that one (and just one other I’ve used).

My hand luggage backpack has seen me through so many international and domestic trips. It’s big enough to fit clothes for a long weekend; so if you’re hiking, sailing or adventuring, you can leave your big hefty backpack or suitcase behind. It’s the perfect hand luggage bag for travellers.

Aerolite 39L Hand Cabin Luggage Backpack: The perfect backpack for long-term travellers, digital nomads and backpackers. It has a sturdy laptop sleeve, multiple compartments, padding for extra protection and even a USB charging point. It’s worth the investment, I promise! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

If you prefer something that looks a little nicer, this Kono Travel Holdall is also perfect for hand luggage. It carries 36L, so again can hold enough for a weekend away whilst travelling. ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

What to pack if you’re staying in hostels

Staying in hostels in Ecuador? Don’t forget to pack:

• A padlock: to keep your valuables secure when you leave your hostel room.
• A hanging wash bag: to make sure all your toiletries are kept in one place, and won’t get confused with anyone else!
• Speakers
• A microfibre towel: Not all hostels will provide you with towels for free. Bring your own to save extra ££.
• Earphones: for loud nights and disruptions to your sleep.
• Flip flops: if you’re using shared showers.
• Eyemask: for uninterrupted sleep.
• World travel adapter or an extension lead: so you’re not using more than one plug!
• Your laptop or tablet: for movie nights, of course! 🍿

Additional tech to pack for Ecuador

If you’re travelling for the first time, or want to delve into the world of content creation, you’re going to need some decent tech. Of course, this isn’t a requirement, but it’s for those wanting to take good photos!

📸 A camera – our go-to is this Canon EOS 6D Mark II, but any camera will do! I also use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. They instantly print off the ‘Polaroid’ style photo.

🎞️ An additional memory card and hard drive for saving your photos on the road! We move all of our photos from our memory card to our hard drive frequently, just in case our camera is stolen or damaged.

🤳🏼An adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up for photos. This is also great if you’re solo travelling or want photos of the two of you.

🚁 A drone. We have the DJI Mavic Mini 2, but I would love to upgrade to the DJI Mini 3, as it captures portrait-style photos for social media. The DJI 2 is landscape only.

💻 A laptop. We currently use a Macbook Pro, but I worked and travelled with a basic Chromebook for years. This is vital if you want to do some work on the road!

🎶 Speakers are always a good idea when travelling. I’ve carried and used my Wonderboom for the last five years and I still love it. It’s a great talking point when in hostels!

📻 And finally, earphones! For busy public transport, long buses, noisy hostel rooms and relaxing on the beach. Listening to a podcast or tuning out from the noise is a lifesaver on a busy trip!

What to pack for Ecuador: FAQs

1) What do you need to visit Ecuador? (Visas)

If you are visiting Ecuador from the UK or the USA, you must have a valid passport for at least 6 months. You do not need a visa, as we are granted 90 days upon arrival.

No vaccinations are required upon arrival, but it’s recommended to have the yellow fever jab if you are entering the Amazon Rainforest.

Already in Colombia? You can find out more about getting the yellow fever jab here.

2) Is there toilet paper in Ecuador?

Yes! There is toilet paper in Ecuador. Toilets in Ecuador are similar to those in the Western world. They flush, there’s toilet paper, and sometimes you annoyingly need to pay 5p to the toilet assistant to be allowed entry. Same old!

3) Do I need a SIM card to travel around Ecuador? 

Yes, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for all over South America, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

Don’t forget travel insurance for South America!

If you’re visiting South America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in South America, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for South America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

What to pack for Ecuador: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about what to pack for Ecuador!

 When you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at real-life travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Ecuador content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:

• Amazon Tours Ecuador: BEST Cuyabeno Trip From Quito
• Quito To Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve (Ecuador Amazon Rainforest)
• Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide
• Quito To Banos: FULL Guide + Route
• Frog Concert Mindo: Just WHAT Is It? FULL Guide
• Quito To Mindo: BEST And Easiest Routes