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Ecuador Travel Planning
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items Curious about the gorgeous country of Ecuador? Featuring 4 beautifully diverse regions with different cultures, wildlife, and views, there's an endless supply of adventure waiting here!
Sections
6
Pre-Trip Information
Quito & The Andes
The Galapagos Islands
Tena, Amazon
Guayaquil
Ecuador Travel Gear
Pre-Trip Information
Thinking about booking a trip with Exoticca, but not sure what to expect? Take a peek at this Exoticca tour review from our trip to Ecuador!
I Booked an Ecuador Trip with Exoticca–Here’s What Happened
Worried about packing for Ecuador? This diverse country has plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and adventure, but there are a few things you do and don’t want in your suitcase. Learn about them all in this post!
A Complete Guide to Packing for Ecuador: All 4 Regions! | Cochran Writing & Editing
If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Ecuador, there are a few essential things you should know about the country. Check out this post to learn them all!
11 Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Ecuador
Quito & The Andes
If you’re heading to Ecuador…you need to visit the equator! Visit the Middle of the World City near Quito for shopping, museums, and weird gravity effects!
Visiting The Middle Of The World City In Quito
Quilotoa Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in Ecuador! Find out more about visiting this stunning location and hiking to its turquoise lake.
Quilotoa Crater–Ecuador’s Famous and Beautiful Volcanic Lake!
Quito, Ecuador is a great place to experience life in the Andes. Read on for 9 budget-friendly yet amazing things to do during your visit!
Quito, Ecuador – 9 of the Best FREE & Cheap Things to See and Do! | Cochran Writing & Editing
The Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands on your mind? Check out San Cristobal! It’s got tons of fantastic creatures and activities. And your perfect 1-day itinerary is right here!
The Ultimate Day On San Cristobal In The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are like no other place in the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re inaccessible! Read on to learn how to visit these magical islands!
How to Visit the Galapagos Islands: Everything you need to know
No trip to the Galapagos is complete without snorkeling! Read more to learn about our 360 Snorkeling tour in San Cristobal & the amazing creatures we saw!
Dive Into the Galapagos with a 360 Snorkeling Tour!
Tena, Amazon
Looking for an amazing Amazon Rainforest tour in Ecuador? Check out this full-day excursion, led by Suchipakari Amazon Eco Lodge!
A Unique All-Day Adventure at Suchipakari Amazon Lodge | Cochran Writing & Editing
Trying to find a great stay in Tena, Ecuador? Suchipakari Amazon Eco Lodge is a popular choice, but it has some pros and cons. Read all about it in this post!
Suchipakari Amazon Eco Lodge: The Good, Bad, And Ugly
Guayaquil
Interested in visiting Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, but sure what areas are safe for tourists? Here are 11 tourist-safe activities to enjoy!
How to Explore Guayaquil, Ecuador Safely: 11 Activities
Not sure whether to add Guayaquil to your Ecuador itinerary? I wasn’t either. But here’s everything that changed my mind about this lively city!
Why I Didn’t Want to Visit Guayaquil & What Changed My Mind
Ecuador Travel Gear
My packing recommendations for visiting Ecuador!
It can rain at any time in Ecuador, especially in the Amazon rainy season, so this is always great to have in your bag. I've had mine for 3 years, and its still my go-to!
Avoogue Women's Lightweight Waterproof Raincoat
Amazon actually has some great stuff in their brands, including this SPF 50 sunscreen--a must for being that close to the equator!
Solimo Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, 8 fl oz
It's so easy to get sunburnt in Ecuador! We used this every night to help minimize sun damage and prevent burns. I definitely prefer it to classic aloe vera gel.
Burt's Bees After Sun Lotion, 6 oz
Unfortunately, petty theft can be very common in Ecuadorian cities. I love this belt b/c it fits under my shirt, has lots of organization slots, and can fit both our phones or passports.
VENTURE 4TH Slim RFID Money Belt - Silver
I LOVE this travel adapter! Power surges happen frequently in Ecuador, but it has built-in surge protection to keep your devices safe. Plus, it's super-portable and has interchangeable plugs for almost every country in the world!
Ceptics Travel Adapter Kit - QC 3.0 USB
These tablets are ESSENTIAL if you accidentally drink the water or eat something that used unfiltered water. They get all those toxins out fast so you can get back to enjoying your vacation.
Nature's Way Activated Charcoal, 100 Caps
I really liked these pants for all our hiking excursions, both in the Andes and the Amazon. I just threw thermal leggings underneath for colder climates. But I love the breathability and pockets!
MAGCOMSEN Women's Quick Dry Hiking Joggers
Do not go to Quito or the Andes without these! Altitude sickness hits HARD up there, and the last thing you want is fatigue, naseau, headaches, or worse. Take these before your plane leaves, and keep up with doses throughout your time in the mountain...
Altitude RX OxyBoost Complex - 60 Servings
Once again, the sun here is insane! We wore long sleeves as often as possible to keep from burning, even in the hot climates, which is why we got these breathable shirts for my husband.
Men's Quick Dry UPF50+ Long Sleeve Swim Shirt
The perfect sun protection to throw on for any active adventure without worrying about overheating!
Sun Protection Hoodie - Stelle
This stuff is gold! We didn't get bit at all, even in the Amazon rainforest, which was crazy! I use this for pretty much any South America trip, and even here at home.
Repel 100 Insect Repellent, 4 oz, 10-Hour
I've been using this bag for years, and it's been all over the world with me! I love it because it seals out water and floats--so if you drop it, you can get your stuff back. I upgraded to the big one so we could wear it like a backpack.
MARCHWAY Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack 5L-40L
This gets thrown into my suitcase for almost every trip b/c it's so packable! I love this for day trips in the outdoors b/c it's water resistant and has two water bottle pockets, lots of storage, and an emergency whistle.
ZOMAKE 30L Lightweight Packable Backpack
If you plan to swim in the Galapagos Islands, reef-safe sunscreen is essential to protect those delicate ecosystems and creatures!
Florida Glow SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray 2-pack