WHAT TO EXPECT
St. Olaf Study Travel
Andes and Amazon: the Ethnic and Bio-Diversity of Ecuador
Your Ecuador experience requires that you be in good physical condition. Almost every day,
activities will involve walking. The walks themselves may not be challenging and are designed
for people in normal condition. However, you should expect surprise conditions not present in
much of North America. These examples include, but are not limited to (including the optional
Galápagos extension): high altitude, very bright sun from being on the Equator, obstacles and
uneven cement that can cause you to trip in the city, logs over swampy terrain in the
Rainforest, sharp volcanic rocks in the Galápagos, no shade on hikes in the Galápagos, having to
get in out of boats and canoes on a daily basis in the Rainforest and in the Galápagos. If you
have chronic medical conditions such as hypertension, knee or hip pain, or obesity, this
destination may not be your optimal choice. Getting in and out of canoes requires balance.
Two conditions could possibly exclude you from having an optimal experience in your time in
Ecuador: hypertension and lack of balance or surefooted walking ability. During your time in
Ecuador, you will be going up and down in altitude, with Quito at almost 10,000 feet. If you
have a propensity for hypertension, you may experience headaches or other discomforts in the
frequent changes in altitude.
Additionally, while in the Rainforest and the Cloud Forest, you need to be constantly aware of
what is under your feet. It’s quite easy to trip on roots or slip in the mud, even when the terrain
is fairly level. There is also a six-story observation tower in the Rainforest that requires you to
walk up six flights of stairs. You can do this slowly and it isn’t scary, or you can skip this activity.
If you are obese, this program could be quite challenging. All of the visits in the Galápagos
require twice daily moving from a 20 passenger yacht to a small dingy, and then often timing
your step out of the dingy with water hitting the rocky coast. In some cases, there will be wet
landings where you will actually need to get out in the water, in a calm bay. In the Galápagos,
due to strict environmental regulations, there are no man-made docks. The majority of visitors
to the Galápagos are over 50 years of age, and guides are used to helping pull you up or keep
you from losing your footing. Most people do fine, with the constant cheerful help from the
guide when disembarking. However, if you have marked physical limitations in mobility, this
may impair your experience to a higher degree.
The type of person that will enjoy this program the most, is one who loves learning about new
cultures and places, and doesn’t mind foregoing some comfort at times. A few bus rides will be
long and around curvy mountains. Scenery is spectacular.
Most people who visit Ecuador and take advantage of all the amazing experiences come away
with an unforgettable and positive experience. Nevertheless, it’s important to be prepared for a
bit of work to get to what you want to see. If you are well-prepared as far as what to expect,
you’ll be fine!
You should plan on seeing your family physician or a travel doctor at least four to six weeks
prior to departure, preferably earlier, to talk about routine vaccinations. For more information
on travel health, visit cdc.gov or who.int.
Accommodations have been chosen for their charm or location, keeping in mind affordability.
Due to the dollar economy in Ecuador, price ranges are higher than other Latin American
countries. Therefore, especially for the Galápagos, do not expect luxury accommodations, as
these would be cost prohibitive for most people. The yacht has fairly small, air conditioned
cabins with an upper and lower birth. Since very little time is spent in the cabins, this isn’t
usually a problem. If you have a propensity to motion sickness, you may want to look into
getting a patch.
On the mainland, accommodations will be comfortable but basic. Expect cool nights with no
indoor heating. Therefore you may want to bring warm sleepwear and slippers if you tend to
feel cold at night. In Quito, accommodations will be in a bed-and-breakfast housed in a restored
building in the heart of Quito’s tourist district. Expect some street noise at night. If you are an
extremely light sleeper, you may want to bring earplugs for engine noise in the Galápagos, or
some street noise in Quito.
As far as packing goes, there is a weight limit for the Rainforest and the Galápagos. It’s highly
advisable to bring a light-weight duffel, to take to the Rainforest and Galápagos. You can store
your remaining suitcase in Quito.
The Highlands of Ecuador offer eternal spring weather, cool in the morning and evening,
possibly even down to mid to low 60s, and warmer during the day, usually in the mid to upper
70s. The equatorial sun is extremely strong, so when in the sun you can feel very hot. Sunblock,
sunglasses, and a hat are imperative. Expect hot weather in Galápagos, though there can be
mist in the evening and a breeze on the boat, so a lightweight jacket is advised.
For all destinations, layers are recommended, with a light-weight t-shirt on the bottom layer.
Expect high humidity in the Rainforest, with a downpour at any given moment. Sani Lodge in
the Rainforest will provide you with rubber boots and a rain poncho. Sani Lodge is an eco-lodge,
so air conditioning is avoided, and usually not needed at night with the cabin fans. Laundry
services are readily available except for Galápagos, so it is highly recommended to pack lightly.
Flashlights in the Amazon are recommended for night hikes.