Packing+&+Travel+Tips

Thursday, Feb. 7: Updated Letter to YOU from Jen Watt regarding packing tips, particularly for the Amazon. Please read carefully!!
Download Jen's letter, or go to the EF Notices page to read it there.

FEB 1ST: UPDATE FROM JEN:
=== When I asked Jen about wearing a closed shoe with meshed sides (amphibian shoes) vs. the open sandal Keen or Teva type sandal vs. the beach sock (rubber sole with nylon stocking ped type fit on foot), she responded as follows: //Very quickly – all those shoes will be fine. We do walk on lava so the consideration so keep in mind stability – you just don't want shoes slipping and sliding out from under you. Sandal with open sides is fine. When we have a dry landing we just step onto a dock, a wet landing we get out of our little rubber boats into a step or two of water (I don't know what the case will be for us). Either way – the shoe can be totally open or closed, just needs to be secure on the foot!// ===

So.... mad is bringing: low cut hikers (wearing those), Keen closed toe but open sides water sandals because they stay secure on my foot, and a pair of very light flip flops.
** Additional Packing Tips from EF Staff Specific to Ecuador/Galapagos ** I am quite sure our time in the Galapagos is nothing I can capture or describe here. Bring your cameras!

We will enjoy the warmer waters of the Panama current (vs the Humbolt current), and as with the rest of Ecuador we can expect some varying degree of rain.

__ NOTE __ : When asked about mud boots and bed nets Jen responded: No mud boots needed!!! Great point :). Mosquito nets over all beds too!

Bed nets are provided in the Amazon (there was also hot water in most rooms during our last visit!). For footwear in general I recommend some kind of water sandal/Teva for the Galapagos - great for walking on lava etc, and sneakers for the Amazon. Even though it is hot it is so great to know the sand flies are not biting feet and ankles! No mud boots needed during this tour.

Must haves and random thoughts: Sun hat, sun glasses, rain shell, lava friendly sandals, sneakers, bathing suit, bug repellant. US dollars are used in Ecuador, it's great to have smaller bills - 20's and down. They will take anything, no need to get fresh crisp bills from the bank. Pack as light as you are willing and able - every day is so different it would be a shame for your luggage to end up anywhere that you are not. The last group had no problem checking in extra luggage, and bringing extremely heavy suitcases of supplies to the community. But just as a suggestion, consider traveling with your minimum necessities in your carry on.

Regarding the jungle lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin: A few tips that helped me included citronella/tea tree oil (I am bringing both and will gladly share) in addition to deet bug repellant. I additionally wore light loose pants during the day in the jungle, and avoided all insect bites during our time there. At night it was cool enough to sleep comfortably, and most rooms had hot water. Electricity is on 6pm to 10pm. While it didn't rain on us, it will be wise to have a very light weight rain jacket.