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It’s amazing how much stuff people take when traveling to Ecuador with us. Many travelers pack for South American journeys with the thought, “I won’t be able to buy this down there. Better take it”. It's only later, when buying stove fuel at Ace Hardware in Quito that they realize how wrong they were!
Surprisingly, all a South American traveler really needs is a passport and plane ticket (and let’s not forget a glider). Everything else he or she can buy as needed in markets, malls, etc. And the price for items bought on the road? Let's just say it won't break your budget. Although I love buying and exchanging travel items along the road, there are a few things that I would never leave home without. Here are my personal travel essentials:
Passport
Don’t forget this one! You will need a valid Passport. Keep a photocopy of the identity page of your passport in a separate location.
Documents
It's a good idea to make two sets of photocopies of all your documents, including your passport. Leave one set at home and pack the other set with your luggage away from the originals. Travel insurance is a must on all international trips--please make certain to take care of it before you leave home. Your travel agent can help or try these locations:
- Multinational Underwriters www.mnui.com (MAKE SURE TO GET THE OPTIONAL HAZARDOUS SPORTS RIDER!))
- Travel Guard www.travelguard.com
ATM/Debit and/or VISA card. In every major and many minor cities in Ecuador, I've found ATM machines that accept my debit/credit cards. If you can, arrange for a fee waiver before leaving and save receipt in case there are errors. Ecuador, like many Latin countries, has dollarized just in the last couple of years, so don’t be surprised to see U.S. Dollars circulating as the main currency.
Travelers Checks (American Express drawn in US$ are the best). Travelers Checks are sometines hard to use and deal with… It changes from year to year. but keep some tucked away for an emergency. Clean, un-torn US Dollars are the best form of Money to have. Larger denominations are harder to change, but easier to carry.
Teva type sandals for the coast, as well as durable and comfortable boots for walking, hiking around, and flying.
Money belt or neck pouch for important documents, passport, and money.
Camera (film can be purchased in most cities), memory cards (large ones), and batteries.
Clothing for layering. Expect to be in shorts during our coast visit and in a t-shirt 50% of the time in the Andes, with a few layers on the other 50%. A nice Jacket shell (water resistant?) can be a lifesaver at times.
Convertible pants. Light, fast drying, and the legs zip off to form shorts (or regular pants!)
Fleece sweater and light rain jacket. Sweater can be bought there if you choose.
Hat to block the sun. That equatorial sun is strong. Consider buying the hat when you arrive also. It makes a great memory of all of your travel miles.
Towel and other personal toiletries.
Deodorant when you can't shower, you can always roll on the Speed Stick!
Headlamp or mini flashlight.
Pocket knife
Contact lenses, glasses, and medications. Keep in mind that Latin American pharmacies sell a lot of the most common medications without a prescription… but don’t count on it).
Miscellaneous: small English to Spanish (Latin Spanish!) pocket dictionary, journal, Lonely planet guide book, a paperback novel to read, and a backpack or fanny pack one size smaller than you think you need.
Flying Gear
As far as flying gear goes, bring a wing your comfortable flying, avoiding new wings, which you haven’t flown or flown much.
All the regular stuff... including back support, reserve, radio and spare batteries (AA travel battery pack works better then any rechargeable packs here and last 2 to 3 times longer then most!), vario, stuff bags, gloves, etc.
Some not so regular stuff like Patch material, power bars, and any other specifics you may use. Feel free to call or email us with any specific questions about packing.
Some things that come to mind:
- Paraglider
- Harness with back protection
- Reserve parachute
- Paragliding helmet
- 2 meter radio
- Vario
- Camel bak
- Hook knife
- Gloves
- Paragliding boots
Altitude Sickness
Many of South America's greatest attractions are at high altitudes. Travelers are sometimes feel the effects of soroche (altitude sickness) when arriving in Cusco, Puno or Quito. Symptoms most commonly include fatigue, breathlessness, pounding heart, dehydration, and headache. Many of the locals drink coca tea to relieve these symptoms. The best plan is to take it easy during your first couple days at high altitude. Start activities gradually, get plenty of rest, watch your diet, avoid Coffee and alcohol, and drink lots of water.
Precautions and Diet
The best way to stay fit and enjoy your trip is to start well rested and in good health. Generally, food and sanitation in Latin America is of a good standard. In addition, we offer the following advice for avoiding unpleasant illness and stomach disorder;
- Avoid food from street vendors or in local markets and unwashed fruits or vegetables. In almost every location bottled water is readily available. If not, we will have plenty.
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- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Moist toilettes or anti-bacterial hand gels such as Purell offer good alternatives.
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- Drink plenty of water to flush toxins out of your system and to prevent dehydration. Soft drinks, liquor, coffee, alcohol and tea do not possess the hydrating qualities of water.
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- Bring a water bottle to fill up and supplement available drinks. Bottle water is available everywhere!
- (Herbal Supplements, such as Echinacea and Golden seal are also thought to support theImmune system and are used by many visitors.)
Electricity
Ecuador uses 110 volts, 60 cycles, AC, the same as in North America, but not compatible with Britain and Australia. Plugs have two flat prongs, as in North America.
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