What to Bring
Be Prepared
Critical Items:
Passport
Vaccination record
Prescription drugs
backup prescription glasses or contacts
Tip: Pack Lightly! Think of everything you might want to bring, then cut that list in half, then cut it in half again.
Disclaimer: The program is not responsible for any items that are lost or stolen during the trip. Bring any expensive electronics or gear at your own risk.
Clothing:
- one or two sweaters (Quito and other cities in the Andes get quite cool at night (45 F)
- one set of ādressyā clothing for visits to hospitals and other institutions and for events and meetings.
- Clothing for long hikes and vehicular travel (long sleeve shirts recommended for field work; fast dry trousers & shirts recommended)
- T-shirts
- Hat (a good wide rim hat is a must!)
- Rain gear (light poncho)
- Hiking boots (comfortable, break them in before the trip)
- Bathing suit
- Flip flop sandals (to use around a pool or in the shower)
- For Biologists, lab techs and microbiologists, bring a lab coat.
Other:
- Personal first aid kit (antifungal powder, Neosporin, Band-Aids, Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol, prescription medicines (copies of critical prescriptions with generic composition)
- Water bottle - Big enough to serve your needs, but not too big, so it will be difficult to handle. Label bottle clearly with your name.
- Insect repellent (~20% DEET recommended; 100% DEET is NOT recommended)
- Small notebook to keep as journal
- Ziploc bags (mix of sizes, e.g. large one to keep journal in)
- Please limit luggage to one medium piece that can be locked to take to the field. A larger suitcase could be stored in our lab in Quito.
- Small backpack for vehicular travel and hikes.
- Sun block (High PF recommended)
- Hand sanitizer gel (in checked luggage)
- Large garbage bags for dirty/wet clothes.
- Travel Kleenex (can be good back-up toilet paper!)
- An emergency pair of glasses/contacts and a copy of your eye prescription
- Drivers License (just in case)
- Money belt and/or concealed money/passport bag (A must!)
- MONEY for personal use- bring mostly low denomination bills ($1 to $20) in good condition (no tears, not too wrinkled, no writing on them
Optional:
- Laptop - at your own risk.
- Cell phone. Program staff will have cell phones for emergencies; however, many students choose to bring their own cell phones which can be used to communicate over Wi-Fi. You should check with your provider about international plans. Cell phone international plans can be pricey, but even pricier is using your phone's services abroad without activating a plan in advance.
Page updated: February 5, 2019