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!
In a Hurry? Here Are Your MUST-PACK Items!

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.

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:

Bottoms:
Other Items:

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.
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!

Recommended:
Optional:

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:
Optional:

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:

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

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:
Optional:

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!

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!

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!