Ecuador is a small country located in the northwest corner of South America, neighbouring Colombia on the north, Peru on the South, and the Pacific Ocean on the West. It covers an area of roughly 256,000 square kilometers (just over 100,000 square miles). Although small in size, Ecuador is one of the planet's top 17 most biologically diverse nations. Its geographic and climatic diversity offers thousands of species of flora and fauna. Ecuador is home to rain forests, cloudforests, mountains, paramo, islands, beaches, deserts, valleys, and snowcapped peaks. Ecuador`s biological richness is only equalled by its cultural diversity. Many indigenous groups can be found throughout the country. This diversity, along with the short distances required to go from one region to another, make Ecuador a traveller`s paradise.

The Ecuadorian Andes run from North to South, and are covered with valleys and many beautiful mountains, active volcanoes, and snow-capped peaks. The Andean provinces are home to cities and towns of historical interest and importance such as Quito and Cuenca and artisan centers such as Otavalo and Saquisili. The area is also home to several national parks with an abundant variety of flora and fauna. This area is visited by almost all visitors who come to Ecuador, who enjoy the comfort provided by the many hotels, haciendas, and hosterias located along the region.

In the eastern part of the country lies the Amazon Basin, covering almost 40% of the Ecuadorian territory. Heavy rainfall and high humidity are constant features of the rainforest. The vegetation of the Ecuadorian Amazon is exuberant as is its fauna. Within and around the huge protected areas of the Amazon Rain Forest 9 indigenous groups live according to their traditional lifestyles, maintaining their distinct customs and beliefs.

The Galapagos Islands lie over a thousand kilometers off the coast of Ecuador's mainland. The islands are one of the planet's natural paradises and one of the most visited national parks in the world. The flora and fauna you'll find here are truly unique. Here, you'll see unending beaches of marble white sand such as those of Tortuga Bay, tunnels of lava, spectacular diving areas, and a marine reserve, not to mention the animals and colorful birds you'll get a chance to observe. There are thirteen main islands that make up the archipelago. The climate here is sub-tropical. The Galapagos Islands have two airports with flights to Quito and Guayaquil.

Climate

The ecosystems in Ecuador range from sea level to the summit of the highest mountain in the country, Mt. Chimborazo, at 6,330 m.a.s.l. Each region in the country has a very different climate. The Pacific coast has a rainy season between December and May and a dry one from June to November. The temperature oscillates between the low 20s to 30 degrees centigrade. The Highlands, on the other hand, has a rainy, cold climate from November to April and a dry one from May to October. The temperature here is between 10 and 18 degrees centigrade. In the Amazon, the climate is rainy and humid between February and September, with temperatures between 23 and 36 degrees centigrade, and it is drier between September and December. Humidity ranges from the 80s to the 90s. The Galapagos has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 22 and 32 degrees centigrade. The warmest months are January through March.

What to bring

Thanks to Ecuador´s size, you can visit different regions with different climates in the same day. The following information will help you decide what to pack before travelling to Ecuador.

Andes

Regardless of the time of the year, you can experience all four seasons in the Andes in one day. This region has cold nights and cold rain. Warm, fast drying clothes are recommended (synthetics and wool are good, but avoid cotton). Good hiking boots are also necessary, specially those that either dry quickly and are water-resistant.

Galapagos and Coast

Sun hat; sun glasses; sandals (for the boat); sneakers (for dry landings and rocky shores); sandals (for wet landings); swim suit; umbrella (for sun protection during island hikes); high-factor waterproof sunscreen; snorkel and mask; beach towel and bath towel; windbreaker; light sweater or sweatshirt (nights can get rather cool). Don´t forget motion sickness pills and mosquiito repellent.

Jungle

All the lodges ILALO EXPEDITIONS works with provide rain ponchos and rubber boots (a must since hiking boots don't work well in deep mud) up to size 11. If you require bigger sizes you`ll need to buy them at home. You will need insect repellent, malaria pills, antihistamine tablets and an epi-pen for people with serious allergies to stings, binoculars, plastic bags for keeping your clothes dry, swim suit, lightweight quick-dry clothing, at least one long-sleeved shirt, one pair of loose-fitting pants (ABSOLUTELY NO JEANS), a light sweater or windbreaker (it gets surprisingly chilly in the rainforest, especially on boat trips), and a pair of clean socks for each day you plan to be in the rainforest. Sandals or sneakers for around camp, and zip lock bags for food, books, maps and anything else you hope to keep dry.

Health

We recommend to contact your physician before travelling to Ecuador. Certain vaccines are required to enter Ecuador. Immunization requirements will vary depending on the destination of your trip, however, the following vaccinations are recommended: Yellow Fever, Viral Hepatitis A, Malaria, and Typhoid Fever. Do not forget that any trip is a good time to update your routine immunizations.

It is also a good idea to bring your own first-aid kit. You can assemble them yourself or buy them pre-packaged. The first-aid kit should include the following:

Bandages and wound-closure strips
Adhesive tape
Alcohol swabs
Anti-itch medication
Antibiotic cream
Insect repellent
Sunscreen, minimum SPF 15, waterproof is best
Packets of rehydration salts
Antifungal skin cream
Immodium
Advil or aspirine
Cold and cough medication