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My Packing Guide for the Galapagos Islands

Vito L Tanzi

What To Bring on a TRIP to the Galapagos?

Packing for the Galapagos Islands is different than packing for a regular vacation; you need to consider weather conditions, the type of activities you will be doing, and the availability of some items should you forget something.  

Each time I travel to a more remote location, I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what to bring with me. It can easily become overwhelming, especially when you are also thinking about your travel planning and photography gear.

Most people end up bringing“ they” they do not need. So I have put together my recommendations of what to bring with you so that you have a wonderful trip. 

Before You Go - Travel Documents

This might be obvious too, but the number one rule you should always abide by is to make sure your travel documents are up-to-date. While packing for a trip abroad, I always begin by gathering, organizing, and packing my travel documents. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date since some countries require this time frame. You should also make sure there are empty pages in your passport just in case you need a Visa.

Visa

No visas are required for U.S., Canadian, and most European citizens unless you plan to stay more than ninety days.

However, the Galápagos National Park requires a $100 entrance fee per person, payable only in cash upon arrival in the Galápagos Islands. In addition, each visitor must buy a $20 transit card, payable only in cash at the airport. The transit card is a measure of immigration control, so all visitors must purchase one at the airport when they arrive and return it when they leave

Here are a few Travel Documents I would make sure to bring with you:

  1. Valid passport with at least 6 months until Expiry Dates

  2. Copy of passport (Digital or Paper Copy)

  3. Check Your Visa Requirements

  4. Health/Travel Insurance abroad (i.e., World Nomads)

  5. COVID certificate (Paper and Digital Version)

  6. Vaccination card (optional for Yellow Fever)

  7. Flight ticket (printout or e-ticket)

  8. Cash (USD, Euros and Local Currency)

  9. Check the CDC Travel Health List

Electronics To Bring

It is really important to make sure to have all your chargers and adapters on your trip. Here are a few items I would consider bringing:

  1. Travel Plug Adapters Ecuador uses 110-volt, 60-cycle electricity, the same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type, so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.)

  2. Powerbank  (with USB-C and USB-A)

  3. USB-C and USB-A Cables

  4. Mobile phone with charger (T-Mobile works in Ecuador)

  5. Headphones (AirPods)

  6. Flashlight (preferably USB rechargeable)

  7. Headlamp with red light for Astro Photography

  8. Camera Batteries (I will have a separate section on Photography)

  9. Laptop/iPad with Chargers (MacBook Pro with Charger)

  10. Kindle with charger

  11. Travel Power Strip can be super useful if there are not enough electrical outlets in your hotel room.

  12. Wall Charger to charge cell phones, iPads, Kindles, etc

  13. Solid State Hard-drives (SSD) for your photos--I bring 2 of them.

DEALING WITH MOSQUITOS & BUGS

Mosquitos are not a big problem in the Galapagos. However, I always apply bug sprays/creams in the morning before going out. I also try to cover my legs and arms with long-sleeved shirts/pants. I really like Ben's 30 Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes. The wipes are much easier to use than the spray version. One of its main ingredients is DEET, which repels insects. You can buy them on Amazon or at places like REI. We also sprayed our clothing with permethrin for double protection about 1 week before we traveled.

Personal Care & Hygiene

  1. Face Mask(s)

  2. Hand Sanitizers

  3. Face and Body Wipes

  4. Flushable Wipes

  5. Toothbrush & Toothpaste

  6. Dental floss

  7. Deodorant

  8. Sunscreen for Body and Face (at least SP30)

  9. Hairbrush/Comb

  10. Shaver with Blades and Shaving Cream

  11. Nail Cutter

  12. Face Moisturizer

  13. Lip moisturizer with UV protection

  14. Laundry Soap

  15. Laundry Detergent Strips

  16. First Aid Kit

  17. Personal Medication (*never pack in your suitcase)

  18. Advil/Tylenol

  19. Diarrhea Medication

  20. Anti-nausea medication (if needed) or Ginger Tablets/Motion Sickness Bracelets

  21. *Antihistamine tablets

  22. *Z pack for the flu, just in case

Personal Items

A few other items to make your trip more comfortable.

  1. Daypack - sometimes, you do not need your entire camera bag

  2. Dry Bag

  3. Sunglasses

  4. Reading Glasses (if needed)

  5. Kindle

  6. Water Bottle

  7. Snacks (Kind Bars, Nuts)

  8. Extra Zip-Lock Bags

  9. Mini Trash Bags

  10. Kleenex

  11. Mints

CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS & GEAR

The recommendations below are for a 7 to 10-day trip.

Luggage

In the Galapagos, it's easier to use something like an Osprey duffel bag rather than a regular suitcase. I personally like one with wheels since it is so much easier to move around. I ended up checking in a Duffel Bag, and on the plane, I used a wheeled carry-on with my Camera Bag on top, so I did not need to carry it.

To help ensure you have the right clothes, shoes, and gear for a Galápagos trip, whether you’re on an expedition cruise or a land-based vacation, I have put together the following packing checklist.

Footwear

Shoes -

I like to bring 3 pairs of shoes which I think work perfectly.

  1. Lightweight Flip-flops for walking around the room

  2. Sneakers for non-safari walks and traveling -

  3. Hiking Closed Toe Water Shoe or a regular hiking shoe

  4. Hiking Shoes

Socks—

I would bring about 5-6 pairs of socks. I love these lightweight hiking socks from Icebreaker. or this one . I also brought 3-4 pairs of no-show socks to wear with my sneakers.

Long/Short Pants

Pants/Shorts/Bathing Suits

  1. Safari Pants (2 Pairs) - I wore long pants most of the time (2 pairs). I loved my Prana & Arc'teryx Safari pants. I would not recommend jeans.

  2. Cotton Pants (1-2 Pairs) for Travel/Restaurants

  3. Shorts (2 Pairs)

  4. Bathing Suit - Most lodges have a pool

Underwear-

I would bring at least 8 pairs of underwear. These from Uniqlo are quite good and inexpensive.

Shirts/Tops

  1. T-Shirts (6 Pairs) - I like these T-Shirts from Buck Mason and these ones from LL Bean

  2. Long Sleeve-Shirts (1-2 Shirts) - I like this one from Colombia.

  3. Polo Shirts (2 Shirts) - for travel and restaurants

Other Items

  1. Pajamas - "we are not barbarians"

  2. 1 Light Rain Jacket - you never know when you might need one

  3. 1 Fleece - just in case it gets cold on early morning game drives. You would be surprised how cold it can be in the morning.

  4. 1 Light Puffer Coat - this one from Uniqlo is packable, light, and really warm.

  5. Safari Hat

  6. Baseball Caps

I hope you found this Safari Clothing Packing List helpful.

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