Getting ready for the Andes is slightly different than packing for the Coast. The weather is cooler and dryer, and there are no moskitoes at higher altitude than 1500m. However, you can experience four different climates in a day. It could get really hot during a sunny day, and chilly on a cloudy or rainy night, especially if you are planning a trip in high altitudes, like Cotopaxi or the Altar volcanoes, where temperatures can vary from 5ºC to 25ºC on the same day!

For those reasons, we recommend warm fast-drying clothes and good hiking shoes, although the best way to get around is with rubber boots. They are strong, water-resistant and good for most of the activities. You will most likely be wearing clothes that you usually wear during Fall season, and a windbreaker or raincoat is recommended as nights get chilly. Cotton sweaters are good during activities, although you should carry at least one wool sweater for sudden changes of temperatures.

Remember to put on sunscreen at all time when walking in the streets, as well as during hikes and outdoors activities. Even on a cloudy day, you could get sunburns. The weather can change in a minute, and although it could be cloudy, drizzly or even rainy and cold at one point, it might become sunny and hot in a matter of minutes.

Sometimes, people whom are exposed to very high altitudes might be affected by “altitude sickness”, which causes symptoms like nausea, headaches & loss of strength. This is not a virus or disease; it is the body’s reaction to the decrease of oxygen in the breathed air. We recommend staying in the best shape possible, avoiding smoking and drinking the first day/night up in the Andes. By taking these precautions you minimize being affected by the altitude. You might as well carry pills for altitude sickness, although aspirin is enough to help you adapt to the altitude.

Finally, remember that you will find many handicraft markets in the Andes, where you can buy items such as scarves, gloves and hats for a cheap price. They usually are of good quality and support the local communities at the same time.

Andes packing list (some items are already part of the general list)

- Hiking boots or sneakers
- Rubber boots
- Very warm clothing
- Winter jacket (if not available a couple of thick wool sweaters can help)
- Water proof windbreaker or rain poncho.
- Jeans or warm cotton pants, and waterproof pants
- Warm socks, as well as cotton socks
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Wool hat
- Thick warm socks
- T-shirts
- Backpack
- Suns block
- Sunglasses
- Flash light
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Aspirin
- Batteries
- Plastic bags