SAMPLE PACKING LIST FOR OUR BIRDING TOURS 

Below is a general packing list for your birding tour:  

• A daypack (very important...the weather, especially in the highlands, can change each hour, from sunny to rainy in minutes. Carrying a jacket in a smaller daypack is therefore highly recommended)
• Sunscreen
• Birding Cap (you will receive one from Ecuador Birds Tours)
• Sunglasses
• Passport, credit cards, money in low denomination
• Toothbrush, personal hygiene stuff
• Insect repellent (highly recommended for the Amazon Region)
• Binoculars (highly recommended)
• Camera (recommended), batteries, etc.
• Small flashlight with extra batteries / better a head lamp

Sample Equipment of  our recent Birders

Clothes and Footwear Suggestions

• Pairs of lightweight long pants; quick drying material preferred. Avoid Jeans
• Long-sleeved t-shirts. Quick-drying material preferred (better for Amazon Region)
• Short sleeved t-shirts
• Hiking socks for each day in the rainforest
• 1 light windbreaker, sweater or fleece jacket.
• Bathing Suit
• Warm Jacket for the Andes
• Warm gloves and hat for the Andes
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• *1 pair of rubber boots. Needed for hiking in the jungle (the amazon lodge will provide you with these, except for very small sizes (less than a women size 5 US or European size 35) or very large sizes (greater than a men size 12 US or European size 46).

We recommend that you buy extra large or small sizes in your home country as these are very difficult to find anywhere in Ecuador.

International Baggage

International baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, so check with your carrier early on. However, on most international flights to/from the US, the baggage limit is two pieces of checked luggage, with a total weight limit of 50 pounds. In addition, you are allowed one carry-on item that fits under the seat in front of you.

IMPORTANT TRIP INFORMATION

Ecuador Currency

As of year 2000, we use US Dollars and we also have Ecuadorian Dollars (just in coins).In the countryside and remote places of Ecuador, it is better to have small bills like $20 and $10s.

Visa and Passport

Visitors from most countries are welcome to stay in Ecuador as tourists for up to 90-days with a valid passport for six months beyond the date of entry. US/EU Countries do not require a Visa. Other nationalities please check directly with your Embassy.

Electricity

The majority of outlets in Ecuador are standard U.S.-style two- and three-prong electric outlets with 110-120V AC (60 Hz) current.

Ecuador Population

Around 17.3 Million people; most are located in the Pacific Coast and Highlands.

Trip Insurance

Travel Insurance is optional but will be convenient for the Galapagos Islands and Mainland Ecuador and should cover trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation.

Food in Ecuador

The food on this trip is fresh and amazing!  You will try delicious Ecuadorian and Local Organic Food.  For example, you will try Traditional Soups like Quinoa, Locro (Potato Soup with Fresch Avocado), Menestrone with Organic Vegetables and others. Other traditional dishes are: Empanadas, Llapingachos (cheesy potato cakes), Ceviche (sea food), Aji (hot pepper sauce), Encocados (seafood in coconut sauce) and tons of fresh and exotic fruit. We adapt to your dietary requirements.

Weather

Ecuador has 4 different Regions; The Andes, Pacific Coast, Amazon and Galapagos Region. The country has different weather, temperature and climate conditions vary in each region. Ecuador has also only 2 season; Summer and Winter, but temperature ranges all year round from 10 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius depending in the region.

• The Highlands (La Sierra):Many of Ecuador’s larger cities, including the capital city Quito, Riobamba, Cuenca and others are found in the highlands. Here, temperatures are much cooler in this subtropical climate. Quito Temperature ranges from 25 Celsius (70° F), and lows around 10 Celsius (50° F). The dry season also occurs from June through September. In places like Antisana Reserve at 4,000mts (13,120 ft.), temperature could be lower than 10 Celsius.

• The Galapagos Islands: lying offshore in the Pacific Ocean, is an archipelago with a rainy season, a dry season and a transition season. The months of May to December tend to be a little cooler like 22 Celsius (72°F). From January to April, the climate is more typically tropical: with hot air temperatures, wide stretches of blue sky, and brief occasional downpours.

• The Amazon Rainforest (La Amazonia): This area consistently stays hot, humid, and wet all year round. Best time is from July to February. March to June tends to rain more than usual days.

• The Pacific Coast (La Costa): These lowland areas along the coast are hot year-round, with temperatures averaging 25-31Celsius, depending in the location (77-90°F). The coast’s rainy season from December until May.

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