What to Pack for a Trip to the Galapagos Islands

Here’s a very detailed list of what I brought to the Galapagos. It looks like a lot, but everything fit in a carry-on.

This list will save your checks for 365 days so if you like packing (*high five) early, you can return to this page and survey your progress!

2 bathing suits

Light, white, long-sleeved shirts

Light, long pants

Tank tops

Shorts

Sun hat

Waterproof/dry bag

Silica packets

Camera and cell phone charger/cables

Camera gear: telephoto, wide angle and waterproof camera are must-haves

Rain cover for your camera/lenses

Memory cards or your computer + external drive

Lens cleaners for your camera

Sandals that are good for the water + sturdy enough to walk over lava rocks

Flip flops

Sunscreen (this stuff costs $22 on Santa Cruz)

Mosquito repellent (as close to 100 percent DEET as possible)

Ecuador requires a yellow fever vaccination if you're traveling from certain countries

Quality backpack + waterproof backpack cover

Medications: Aspirin equivalent, Immodium, Pepto, Nyquil/Dayquil, Gas X, Lactaid, ginger gum + seasickness pills/patch

Small first-aid kit and thermometer

Aloe vera/sunburn cream

Tampons (they're expensive in LatAm)

Toiletries: tweezers + clippers (v important for first aid), Q tips, chapstick, shampoo, soap, deodorant, comb, hair bands, floss, toothpaste, travel toothbrush, tissues

Sleeping mask + ear plugs

Towel

Flashlight

Poncho + umbrella

Hiking shoes or a solid pair of tennis shoes

Needle/thread OR duct tape

Camelback OR large water bottle

Plastic bowl + fork + knife + spoon

Hot sauce, mustard packets, honey packets, coffee packets, sugar packets, tea

Hiking socks, tennis shoe socks and compression socks for the flight

Watch (you don't always want to have your cell out)

Sweater for the plane

Dirty clothes bag

Light pajamas

Unmentionables (pssst, that means underwear and bras)

Sunglasses (+ a pair of backup glasses if you wear specs)

Notebook + pen/pencil

Audio recorder/equipment/chargers

Headphones

Passport holder

Money belt OR sports bra

Trash bag + ziplock bags (they always come in handy!)

Movies + music

Index card with U.S. consulate info, blood type, emergency contact

Photocopy of passport + important documents

Business cards (never stop networking!)