Packing for Your Trip
It is always a good idea to travel light by bringing only what you need for
your trip. Being over burdened with luggage can make transfers and travel
difficult. Keep in mind that flights to and from the Galapagos limit you to a
maximum of 20kg or 44lbs. This allowance should be more than enough for what
you will need to bring, but if you have extra items you wish to leave in Quito
during your trip to the Galapagos or the the Amazon - such as items purchased
while in Otavalo - arrangements can be made to leave extra bags at your hotel.
There is no dress code on most boats so you need only casual clothes. The following are
suggested items. Casual clothes that are light weight, comfortable to wear and walk
in is the key. Also bring a sweater or jacket for the evening and rain jacket just
in case.
The Following are our recommendation for luggage during your trip:
Luggage
Daypack or Fanny pack
This bag stays will you at all times and
will most likely be your carry-on and is where you will keep such
necessities as your camera, sunscreen, glasses, windbreaker, and other
similar objects you may need during your hikes. Some people prefer both a
daypack and a small fanny pack. Because you will be the one to carry
this bag you will want to keep the weight down.
Duffel Bag or Small Roll-On Suitcase
In addition to your
carry-on bag you should only need one duffel bag or small suitcase with
built in wheels to serve as your main luggage for the trip. This can
also be a carry-on but check with your airline to insure it meets
specifications. Your duffel or suitcase should be well made and
durable to take the punishment the airlines and traveling cause. It's worth
spending a little more on a good piece of luggage, as it will last you for a
long time. A medium size duffel or suitcase of
30"x15"x14" with a capacity of 110 liters or slightly larger
should be sufficient. If you go for luggage with wheels take a test drive
first to see who well it works and consider how the wheels may affect the
structural integrity of the piece. For those inclined towards travel
packs make certain that there are no loose straps. A benefit of
your yacht is that once you move into your cabin you won't have to move your
luggage for a while.
Spare Duffel
Experienced travelers know that it's good to carry a
spare duffel rolled up in your main luggage piece. This is not only
good in case you want to leave belongings in Quito while you are in the
Galapagos or Amazon, but it comes in handy for those who like to do a good
deal of shopping in places like Otavalo. The local merchants in
Otavalo know this and do a great business selling reasonably priced
duffels. This is one item you may want to pick up in Ecuador.
Small Padlocks
These are always a good idea when traveling and
discourages anyone inclined to zip open your bag to see what they might
find.
Plastic Bags
Sturdy zip lock bags are great to keep important
items dry while in the Galapagos or Amazon.
Footware
-
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good traction
- Teva style sandals are good for hiking the island beaches and you don't
have to worry if you get your feet wet. Thongs are acceptable but are
not good for hiking though they are good on deck. A security strap is
a good idea in the surf.
- Note: The shoes you wear during landings are kept in a bin on the
boat. If you want to wear them on board the yacht can wash the bottoms
but you may want to have a light pair of deck shoes or thongs for the
yacht. Bare feet are also acceptable.
Outerwear
- Windbreaker (ideal for the islands) and a Rain Jacket or Poncho with hood
- Medium to light fleece jacket or fleece sweater (wool is fine too)
- Cotton Sweatshirt
The above are frequently needed when it gets cooler in the islands during
the evenings, which is the time you will experience more breezes as you cruise
to another location. Also remember that Quito can be cool and it can get
downright cold if you go higher into the mountains.
Trouser
or Skirt
- Hiking Shorts
- Lightweight full length pants either synthetic or cotton is fine
- Women may want to bring a casual dress or skirt
|
|
|
Swimming
Snorkeling in the waters of the Galapagos
is a special part of any Galapagos itinerary. The rich and color marine life, easily rivals that of the
birds and animals above. Although many boats have some snorkel equipment
available, this is one of the things many boat owners tend to ignore or
forget when faced with the day-to-day problems of running the boat.
- Two Swimsuits
- Women report getting a lot of mileage out of swimsuit wraps that can be
worn as a dress or skirt.
- Lightweight neoprene wetsuit: This is for times when the water is colder
and allows you to spend more time in the water. A less expensive substitute
is long underwear made of a resistant fiber such as capilene.*
- Many boats do have their own snorkeling equipment for your use (although some of the
equipment is not well maintained) but some do not. If you have your own it would be wise
to bring it along. You may wish to buy your own mask and snorkel tube, and there is usually a small
selection available in Quito's camping stores.
Most months of the year a light skin would be comfortable. Travelers,
who are snorkeling, if they are not going to wear a wetsuit, should wear a T-shirt to keep the sun off their
back.
During the
cooler months a 6mm wetsuit will provide adequate warmth and 4 mm wetsuit is sufficient
during the warmer months. Wetsuits are
available for rent on the islands along with other diving equipment. Wetsuit booties
or Tevas are perfect for going ashore avoiding contact with sea urchins.
You can also inquire with us about renting a wetsuit. Many travelers find it more convenient to bring
their own wetsuit that fits than
relying on those in the islands.
Headgear
- Sun Hat or cap. Wide brim hats should have a chin strap in case they
blow off your head. Unless you have a really thick head of hair and
never burn sun visors are out.
- Bandana to shield your neck
- Sun glasses with security strap (polarized lenses well help you to see
more when looking in the water to spot turtles or rays). It's a good
idea to bring two pair, especially if you need prescription glasses.
Casual Outfit
Bring one set of casual city clothes that are a bit dressier. These
should be comfortable and are for those times you might want to appear slightly
more formal. For women this can mean a causal dress or skirt. Men
don't need to bring a jacket unless they wish to be more formal.
If before and after your Galapagos trip you will be staying in the
Ecuadorian capital of Quito. This is a beautiful city located high in the Andes
Mountains. Considered the city of eternal spring the days are normally warm and
nights are chilly. You can pack a separate bag and leave at your hotel for the
items you will only need in Quito. Shorts and tank tops that are appropriate in
the islands and generally considered unacceptable in Quito.
Photography
Photography is a highlight of any trip to the Galapagos. With the
transition to digital, the best advice is to brink a camera and a format that
you are familiar with and know will give you the results you desire. If
you want to try something new, take time to become familiar with your gear
before you head out on the trip. A good rule is to always bring more film
or more memory than you think you will need. If you are looking for the
results of those glossy magazines, look into a high color saturation slide film
or more mega pixels. While a good zoom lens can come in handy and render excellent
close-up results, you probably don't need anything larger than a hand held lens
that does not require a tripod. The Galapagos is an excellent place to bring
along a disposable underwater camera as well.
The Galapagos is also an excellent place to make home videos. Keep in
mind that facility for recharging is limited, so it is a good idea to invest in
some long life batteries available for most cameras. Remember to power
down when you are not using your camera.
- Camera
- Extra Batteries
- Polarized Lens
- Telephoto Lens
- Underwater Camera
Additional Items
- Liter Water Bottle
- Flashlight, Torch or Headlamp for Hiking in Lava Tubes
- Binoculars
- Towel
A small towel to dry your feet after a wet landing or snorkeling and carry
with you in your daypack can be quite useful. Some of the budget boats
and hotels in the Galapagos require visitors to supply their own
towels. Most hotels do supply towels for use on
the boat or at the hotel.
|
