PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

It is always a good idea to travel light by bringing only what you need foryour 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

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 another small bag. 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.

TROUSERS OR SKIRT

• Hiking Shorts
• Lightweight full length pants either synthetic or cotton is fine
• Women may want to bring a casual dress or skirt

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.

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.

HEAD GEAR

• 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