Backpacking Ecuador: Packing List Essentials for Every Region

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CURATING YOUR PACKING LIST FOR YOUR BACKPACKING TRIP TO ECUADOR!?

If you have a backpacking trip planned to Ecuador and have no idea where to start with your packing list, don’t worry! I was in the same position not long ago. However, after backpacking all over Ecuador for two and a half months, I learned what I needed from my packing list and what I’d leave behind if I were to do it again! Let’s dive into the best backpacking Ecuador packing list from a backpacker herself!

Backpacking Ecuador Packing List: An Overview

Packing for Ecuador can be challenging because the weather and landscapes vary drastically from one region to the next. However, with some thoughtful and curated packing tips, you’ll be prepared to enjoy all four Ecuadorian regions. While I never made it to the coast, I did travel to Peru’s northern coast, which has a similar climate. Let’s dive in!

This is our Backpacking Ecuador Packing List - all the essentials you'll need wherever you go in this beautiful country.

 Backpacking Packing List for All 4 Regions in Ecuador!

Ecuador is composed of four different regions. Each has its own packing needs and essentials. However, after backpacking South America for several months and visiting the mountains, coast, and Amazon, I can confidently say it is possible to pack for every region if you pack correctly!

I begin this post by covering a general packing list if you’re going to all four regions. Then, I cover what packing essentials to focus on for the specific destinations. 

Picture of most of the clothing I brought on my Backpacking Trip to Ecuador. Find a full packing list on this blog post!

Clothing

The first thing we will cover is clothing. The most important thing to remember when packing is to bring layers! Additionally, as a backpacker, you’re going to bring minimal clothing, so you want to make sure that all tops match all bottoms.

My best advice is to pick a few key colors you already have in your wardrobe that work together well. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t only need to wear black, white and gray! My backpacking wardrobe consists of greens, pinks, and blues! Here’s a general rule of thumb of what to pack:

Tops:
  • 1-2 Tank Tops – Easy, simple tanks that match everything. Womens / Mens
  • 4-5 T-Shirts – Aim for quick drying and moisture-wicking. Womens / Mens 
  • 2 Long-Sleeve Shirts – A lightweight sun hoodie or turtleneck. Womens / Mens
  • 2-3 Mid Layers – Cardigans, flannels, and sweaters to layer up on chillier evenings. 
  • Lightweight Jacket – We brought down jackets and fleeces. Womens / Mens
  • Rain Jacket – A must-have for any region in Ecuador. Womens / Mens
Sam in a beautiful building in Cuenca
Bottoms:
  • 2-3 Shorts – A mix of athletic, casual, and everyday wear. Mens
  • Pair of Jeans – They might take up a little more space, but you’ll want them! 
  • 2-3 Comfortable Pants – Leggings, joggers, or climbing pants. Mens 
  • 1-2 Dress-Wear Items – A skirt or dress for women and a dress shirt for men.
Other Items:
  • 7 Pairs of SocksWool socks are best! We also like Merrell’s crew socks.
  • 7 Underwear – Comfortable, quick-drying, and odor-repelling. Womens / Mens
  • 3-4 Bras – Two sports bras and two everyday bras are all you need.
  • Swimsuit – For swimming in waterfalls, pools, etc! 
  • Sun Hat – Baseball caps or brim hats work well. Womens
  • Warm Hat – Wool is nice, but lightweight works great too!
  • Pair of Gloves – Nice for chillier hikes or nights. Womens
  • Buff/Neck Gaiter – Can be used as a scarf, headband, or hat.
In this backpacking Ecuador packing list, I go over why having hiking shoes as everyday shoes is a smart move.

Footwear

I would stick to minimal but functional footwear because they take up a lot of room in your bag. A good rule of thumb is to bring one shoe for everyday wear, one pair of sandals for the beach or warmer climates and in your hostel, and one for outdoor hiking.

I also brought a nice pair of wedge sandals for fancier outings, but I have yet to wear them. Dylan and I bought stylish hiking shoes and wear them every day to save room in our bags.

  • Hiking Shoes – Stylish hiking shoes are a two-in-one! Womens / Mens
  • Sandals – We prefer Teva’s since they are durable and waterproof. Womens
  • (Optional) Dress Shoes – If you want to hit the town for some nightlife.

Luggage

As a backpacker, the lighter and more efficient your bag, the better. We recommend either a backpack or a duffel bag. We’d avoid bringing a carry-on or roller bag because dragging luggage with wheels in South America is not realistic or efficient. Our REI Ruckpack can convert into a backpack or duffel bag, which is perfect for backpacking!

Dylan and I and our 40L packs from REI
Recommended:
  • 40L Backpack – Perfect size without excessive weight. Womens / Mens
  • Packable Day Pack – Packs down super small & is perfect for trips on the town.
  • Toiletry Bag – This comes in handy for keeping all your cosmetics in one place.
  • 28L Hiking Pack (Womens) – A smaller pack is essential for treks.
  • Travel Purse – Travelon is a quality brand that safeguards your belongings.
Optional:
Coffee, computer, and Dylan with a breathtaking Cuencan backdrop

Electronics

The electronics you’ll bring will depend on your interests and goals, but here’s a list of electronics you might want to bring on your trip.

Recommended:
  • Cell Phone & Charger – A long cord helps a ton in various situations!
  • Portable Charger – For the times when you won’t have access to an outlet.
  • Headphones – For plane rides, loud hotels, and entertainment in transit.
  • Headlamp – Especially good in the Amazon or shared hostel rooms at night!
  • Universal Power AdapterGreat for charging multiple devices simultaneously!
Optional:
  • Computer & Charger – A must-bring if you’re a digital nomad or work remote.
  • Kindle – Better for space efficiency and unlimited reading on the road.
  • Camera Gear & Equipment – We brought our drone, GoPro, and DSLR.
  • SD Card – So you can record what you capture!
  • External hard drive – So you never have to worry about running out of space!
Got my nails done in Baños!

Toiletries

Toiletries will look different for every traveler based on their preferences and needs, but here are some of the most common toiletries!

Recommended:
Optional:
  • Toothbrush Covers to keep your toothbrush fresh in your bag!
  • Nail Clippers are great, especially if traveling long-term!
  • Tweezers come in handy for more than just hair control!
  • Kleenex – For emergency toilet paper, napkins, or any emergency spills!
  • Dry Shampoo – We use baby powder that doubles up for chafing, too!
  • Menstrual Disc – These take up less space & are perfect for travel.
Dylan working on something with a Cuencan backdrop

Documents

Make sure you bring all the necessary documents with you before you go! Here are the most important to remember:

  • Passport – Make sure it doesn’t expire within the next six months!
  • Airline tickets – Don’t forget to sign up for those airline rewards points!
  • Visa – You won’t need a visa unless traveling for longer than 90 days (US)
  • Vaccination Card – We never had to show it, but some vaccinations are “required.”
  • Travel Insurance Card – we enjoy SafetyWing (you can get $20 off here!)
  • Cash – Ecuador uses USD, and is a (mostly) cash society.
  • Intl. Cards – We use Charles Schwab & Capital One Venture Cards.
Sam in the Andes

Other Items

These items aren’t necessary but might be worth checking into before your trip. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t believe you need to buy preventative medicine before your trip. Bring only the basics because you can always buy more when you’re there!

Recommended:
  • First Aid Kit– this should cover all non-serious medical emergencies.
  • Sunglasses are a must anywhere you go in Ecuador!
  • Travel Towel – This has saved us tons of money! It packs down and dries quickly.
  • Travel Locks – We use these on our bags and to lock up our belongings in hostels.
  • Compression Socks – Ecuador’s elevation changes are no joke!
  • Antimalarials – Check the guidelines and get some beforehand if needed.
Optional:
  • eSIM – For international coverage. Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible!
  • Filtered Water Bottle – We each have one but haven’t needed to use it.
  • Travel Jewelry Binder – I love this for accessorizing my minimal outfits!
  • Notebook and Pens – Great for doodling, journaling, or planning on the go!
  • Sleeping Bag Liner – I use mine on transportation or for extra warmth!
  • Inflatable Pillow – You can inflate it to your liking and use it in many positions.
  • Eye Shades – If you have trouble sleeping on a flight.
  • Ear Plugs – If you have difficulty sleeping in loud environments.
Sam with a Ecuadorian waterfall in Baños

Packing Essentials For The Andes

We spent most of our time in Ecuador in the Andes (or La Sierra Region). We traveled through Quito, Mindo, Baños, Cuenca, Loja, and more. If you’re wondering what to pack for Quito, Ecuador, or what to wear in Mindo, Ecuador, use the general packing list as a guideline! You can follow that to ensure you’re prepared for the Andes Region!

Packing Essentials for The Coast

While Dylan and I never made it to the coast, we did make it to the Peruvian northern coast, which is similar in climate. For the coast, double down on comfortable shorts, sandals, tank tops and t-shirts, sunscreen, and a few longer-sleeved items for the chillier evenings. You might also bring a waterproof camera and bag if you’d like to visit the beach!

View of the Amazon

Packing Essentials for The Amazon

If you’re to spend most or some of your time in the Amazon, you’ll want to double down on bug spray and sunscreen. If you’re wondering what to wear in the Amazon, bring long, breathable pants, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof hiking shoes, rain protection, long socks, and swimwear.

The bugs are gnarly in the Amazon, but it’s pretty warm, so the key here is to ensure your clothing is breathable! Having lighter clothing to sleep in when you’re away from the bugs is ideal, too. If you’re wondering what to pack as a birder in the Amazon, a pair of binoculars would be perfect here!

Packing Essentials for The Galapagos

Last but not least, we have the Galapagos! You can use the general list as a guideline, but you’ll most likely be sporting shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, and sandals. You’ll want to opt for reef-safe sunscreen and bring a full-brimmed hat. You might consider taking a GoPro for snorkeling and a waterproof bag to keep your belongings safe. Also, remember that single-use plastic is not allowed in the Galapagos!

This Backpacking Ecuador Packing List has everything you'll need from luggage, clothing, toiletries, electronics, and other items.

Wrapping Up: Backpacking Ecuador Packing List (by a Backpacker Herself!)

There you have it! The ultimate backpacking Ecuador packing list with everything you will need on your trip to Ecuador. Whether heading to the Andes, the Amazon, the Coast, or the Galapagos, this list will help you arrive prepared!

Pack layers, plan for the sun, rain, and bugs, and bring comfortable shoes. Don’t stress too much about preventative medicine. You can always get it while you’re there (other than antimalarials). We hope you enjoy Ecuador as much as we did!

Happy travels!