Packing+suggestions

Packing Suggestions for Ecuador

All gear should be packed in a backpack, duffle bag or similar soft-sided bag so they can be carried up to the lodge by horse. Please be nice to our horses - NO SUITCASES! I recommend packing any item you don’t want to get wet in zip-lock or plastic bags.

Clothing 1 or 2 Long pants (khaki or quick-dry synthetic; jeans are NOT preferred because they take so long to dry) 2 or 3 Shorts (no short-shorts, it is viewed as inappropriate by the locals) Modest Swim Suit 3 or 4 T-shirts (cotton is OK, but having 1 or 2 quick dry synthetic shirts is preferred) 1-2 long sleeved shirts Warm outer layer (wool sweater or fleece) Waterproof or water-resistant jacket Brimmed cap and warm hat (for sun protection and cool nights) Tennis shoes Hiking boots (some hike in tennis shoes, but sturdy boots are better) Sandals, flip-flops, or slides to wear around station (boots/shoes are not allowed in lodge) Hiking socks (no cotton) 3 or 4 comfortable pairs of socks (these stay dry)

Supplies Small Day Pack Water bottle Toilet paper (1 role for travel) Several extra zip-lock bags or plastic trash bags Personal hygiene items (be aware of carry-on restrictions!) Medications (we have 2 Lovett first-aid kits, so limit yourself to personal items) Strong sunscreen (30+) and chapstick Insect repellant Sunglasses 1-2 Bandanas Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries Camera & film (if needed) Binoculars Reading material and journal (highly recommended) Travel games, playing cards, etc. Personal music devices (to be used sparingly, b/c there is no electricity at the lodge)

WHAT NOT TO BRING NO expensive jewelry (inexpensive watches, OK) or irreplaceable items NO snacks or drinks allowed at the lodge NO cell phones (we have a satellite phone for international calls and will have regular access to the internet during our time in Quito and Otavalo)