Ecuador Rainforest Expedition - Program 012

In order to get the most from your trip, please ensure that you have read and understood all of the
information provided, and do not hesitate to contact GVI with any questions. Note that information
is regularly updated and reviewed by staff in the field and may be changed without notice. If you
would like an updated copy of the information please contact GVI at any time.
Ecuador Rainforest Expedition - Program 012
Version 12.03
Arrival
Please note that arrival logistics may
be altered at short notice – check for
updates regularly to ensure you are aware of
any late changes.
Where do I need to be
Hostal Sur in Quito, Ecuador
When do I need to get there
9:00am local time on the expedition start
date, however please see the section on
Additional Information and Visa
Requirements with regards to extra time
needed for visa processes.
How do I get there
Most volunteers arrange international
flights to Quito, Ecuador to arrive at least
24hrs before the start of the program, and
stay at Hostal Sur the night before the
expedition start date.
If you are arriving before the scheduled
meeting time you may want to arrange
transport to Hostal Sur, with the hotel or
other agency. Please ensure field staff are
aware of your arrival plans.
Pre-Programme
Accommodation
Those arriving early will need to arrange
their own accommodation. The following
are convenient options that participants
and staff have used in the past:
Hostal Sur
Francisco Salazar 134 E10 y Tamayo –
Esquina
Quito, ECUADOR
Tel: +593 2 255 8086 or
+593 2 255 8087
Juan Paredes, owner:
jparedesguz@gmail.com
Please see accommodation note on
pg.4
Villa Nancy Bed & Breakfast
Avenida 6 de Diciembre N24-398
between Baquerizo Moreno and Cordero
Quito, ECUADOR
Tel: +593 2 256 3084
www.villa-nancy.com
villa_nancy@yahoo.com
Departure
At the end of your program you
will be transferred back to Quito.
Please note that neither GVI nor our
partners in the field can be held
responsible for missed travel connections.
You may want to keep plans flexible or
allow a day or two after the programme
end date before arranging onward travel.
See page 3 for a recommended side-trip.
Please be advised that there may be
departure tax charged when leaving
Ecuador, at the time of writing it was
$40.80 was included in cost of airfare for
return tickets, but may be charged in cash
while crossing the land borders.
Visa Requirements
It is your responsibility to ensure you
have the correct visa for your trip.
If staying in the country for less than 90
days, for most nationalities this is a tourist
stamp that can be obtained on arrival.
Check with the immigration authorities of
the countries you intend to visit, or see
www.cibt.com for visa application advice
and information. If you plan to be in
Ecuador for longer than 90 days, then you
MUST obtain a 180-day tourist visa prior to
entering the country. Please see the
Additional Information and Visa
Requirements section for more details on
this. Please ensure that on arrival you
show any visa paperwork to the
immigration officer when being
stamped into the country.
Communications
This programme is run by GVI incountry
staff in partnership with the
Yachana Foundation. Our professional
and experienced team will be your primary
point of contact when in the field, and will
do their best to help resolve issues you
encounter and answer your questions.
Primary Contact:
Name: Blaine Clarke
Tel: +593 9 702 7000
Local Tel: 09 702 7000
Email: ecuador@gviworld.com
Alternative Contact:
Name: Base Manager
Tel: +593 9 377 1761
Local Tel: 09 377 1761
Email: yachana@gviworld.com
GVI 24-hr Emergency Contact:
Tel: +44 7960 820695
Mailing address:
(Post to participants/field staff)
Attn: NAME
Global Vision International
Casilla Postal 17-07-8832
Quito, ECUADOR
Physical address:
(Delivery of larger items by courier,
e.g. lost luggage)
Attn: NAME
Yachana Foundation
Reina Victoria N21-226 y Vicente Ramón
Roca,
Quito, ECUADOR
If your bags go missing in transit, don’t
panic! This does occasionally happen, and
you are usually reunited with your
belongings within a few days. Consult
airline representatives in the baggage
claim area. It is wise to obtain a copy of
any documentation from them with a
file/reference number and a contact
telephone number for follow up.
Keeping In Touch
You will have limited access to
long-distance communications whilst on
the programme, so make sure friends and
family know how often they can expect to
hear from you. Participants typically use
internet cafes to keep in touch, with
access to phone and internet about once a
month. There is no mobile/cell phone
reception at base camp!
Living Conditions
Facilities will be more basic than
you are accustomed to – please travel with
an open mind and a willingness to adapt
to local conditions.
Accommodation is in shared (single sex)
rooms with shared bathroom facilities at
the field station. There is cold running
water and filtered and chlorinated water
available for drinking. Flush toilet facilities
are available, and participants share base
duties, including cooking, cleaning and
other chores.
Food
Volunteers take turns to prepare
meals for the group. Food is very
basic and mainly vegetarian. Vegans can
be accommodated. Breakfast could be
porridge or granola during the week, and
eggs or pancakes on Sundays, lunch and
evening meals typically include pasta, rice,
beans or lentils and some fresh fruit or
vegetables. You may want to bring a
supply of snacks such as protein or
muesli/granola bars as these are difficult
to find locally. You can also purchase
items in Tena before arriving in the field or
purchase snacks (biscuits, sweets, etc)
from our field station’s own tuck shop.
Electricity
Please ensure that you have the correct
adaptors for personal electrical items.
Supply: 110V 60Hz
Source: Solar (generator backup)
Sockets: US style (with earth pin) is most
common, but the following can also be
found:
Electricity is very limited and priority will
given to expedition equipment and then to
camera batteries. There will be limited
opportunity to charge batteries (AA and
UK & Europe
info@gvi.co.uk
North America
info@gviusa.com
Australasia
info@gviaustralia.com

In order to get the most from your trip, please ensure that you have read and understood all of the
information provided, and do not hesitate to contact GVI with any questions. Note that information
is regularly updated and reviewed by staff in the field and may be changed without notice. If you
would like an updated copy of the information please contact GVI at any time.
Ecuador Rainforest Expedition - Program 012
Version 12.03
AAA) and iPod/Mp3 players, so do bring
rechargeable batteries along with a
charger, in addition to regular batteries for
back-up. Used batteries must be
taken home for safe disposal. You are
welcome to bring your own solar chargers
if you like, for sunny days.
Laundry
Hand washing facilities and a
covered drying area are available at the
expedition base (Laundry soap is
provided). Due to humid conditions,
clothes may take several days to dry so
bring extra items and do not bring
valuable/delicate items.
Getting Around
You will be based
a 15-minute canoe ride from the
tiny community of Mondaña and the
Yachana Lodge, and working in the
Yachana Reserve and the neighbouring
communities of Puerto Rico, Fuerzas
Unidas and Agua Santa. Travelling around
the local area is organised by field staff
and is usually by motorised canoe or local
bus.
Exploring Further
If you are spending 8 weeks or
more on expedition, you may have the
opportunity to have a 1 or more weekends
off. During weekends off, volunteers may
leave base and travel to nearby areas of
Ecuador, at their own expense. There will
be a set day and time that volunteers are
required to be back on base. Tena, a small
jungle city, is located 5 hrs away by bus
and is a major centre for white water
rafting and other visitor activities. Baños,
another popular town for visitors, is a
further 4 hr journey by bus and offers
rafting, hiking, canyoning, horseback
riding and the chance to glimpse lava from
the Tungurahua volcano. You should
check government travel advisories for
information about travel safety. See p.3 for
more details on an amazing adventure on
the Napo River opportunity.
Security
For information about security issues in
the country you are travelling to please
see the following resources:
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office:
www.fco.gov.uk
US Government State Department:
www.state.gov/travel
Information for Canadians Abroad:
www.voyage.gc.ca
Australian Government Travel Advice:
www.smartraveller.gov.au
New Zealand Government Travel Advice:
www.safetravel.govt.nz
Whenever travelling you should be aware
of the risk of opportunist crime and take
common sense precautions to minimise
the chance of becoming a victim. The vast
majority of visits to Ecuador are troublefree,
but if you have any specific questions
about your safety and security on the
program please contact GVI.
Finance
Local currency: US Dollar (USD)
Participants typically spend
approximately USD$5 to $10 per week for
soft drinks and snacks at the optional
Sunday football games, or the occasional
visit to the local market. For weekends off,
hostels may cost $8-15, meals can range
from $5 to more than $15, depending on
your preference, touristic activities
(rafting, etc) could be from $50 upwards.
You should bring an additional USD$150
cash to cover the cost of any medical visits
(see Additional Information). We
recommend that you travel with cash as
your main source of funds, although
having a credit/debit card as a backup is
wise, particularly for emergencies as most
hospitals require payment at the time of
service (you are responsible for getting
reimbursed by your insurance later).
ATMs are few and far between! Travellers'
cheques are not widely accepted and are
difficult to change.
Shopping
There may be optional visits to
the nearby Yachana High School and
Yachana Lodge, where some items can be
purchased. Local crafts, particularly
macramé jewellery made with seeds from
the rainforest are available. Basic snacks
and toiletries can be bought in the local
community shop of Puerto Rico, where
volunteers teach on a regular basis.
Background Check
As a service to our partners in
the field and to protect the
communities we work with, we require
background checks for all participants who
will be working unaccompanied with
children or vulnerable adults at any point
during their placement.
United Kingdom
Criminal Records Bureau Check (CRB)
Australia
Working With Children Check (WWC)
Rest of World
Police Background Check (consult local)
This program does not require a
background check. Further information
on how to arrange a background check
will be sent to you separately where
relevant.
Health & Safety
A change of environment, climate,
food and lifestyle often results in
minor, and occasionally more serious, illness.
Please inform staff if you feel unwell at any time.
The nearest emergency medical facilities
are located in Puerto Rico, a few
kilometres away. This is a very basic
medical clinic and additional facilities are
located a further four or five hour drive
from base in the towns of Coca or Tena.
All staff are trained in Emergency First
Response, and Emergency Action Plans
are posted in camp.
Please note that GVI cannot provide
specific medical advice. Please consult
your primary care provider (doctor, GP,
etc.) or visit a travel clinic for further
information. Please note that you are
required to carry an International
Vaccination Certificate in Ecuador.
You must be in a good state of health and
physical fitness prior to joining the
expedition. Participants walk between
three and five hours per day on
challenging terrain that is very hilly,
uneven and muddy. The climate is often
hot, and humid, with heavy rain - we
strongly recommend that you build up
your stamina before joining the program
to ensure you get the most from your
experience. We often travel by motorised
canoe so as a safety precaution it is also
important that participants are confident
and capable swimmers.
For further Health & Safety information
please see the Additional Information
section.
Pre Departure Training
Staff in the field will provide training on
the skills required, but you may benefit
from learning more about local history,
culture and customs before you travel.
Please visit the GVI Ecuador resource site,
http://www.gvi.co.uk/resources/ecuadortraining,
where you will find details on the
research and work you will carry out,
species list and audio files for identification
tests. These resources, and the training
manual, will be invaluable for your
expedition preparation and enjoyment.
See p.4 for additional pre-departure
reading
suggestions.
UK & Europe
info@gvi.co.uk
North America
info@gviusa.com
Australasia
info@gviaustralia.com

In order to get the most from your trip, please ensure that you have read and understood all of the
information provided, and do not hesitate to contact GVI with any questions. Note that information
is regularly updated and reviewed by staff in the field and may be changed without notice. If you
would like an updated copy of the information please contact GVI at any time.
Ecuador Rainforest Expedition - Program 012
Version 12.03
Additional Information
Visa Requirements Immigration regulations in Ecuador have changed several times in recent years. If you plan to be in the
country for longer than 90 days, then you will need to obtain 180-day tourist visa prior to entering the country. At the time of
writing, this needs to be registered with the Ecuadorian immigration authorities in Quito on arrival in Ecuador, and then a censo (ID) card must
be obtained. These are two separate processes carried out at two different locations and you will need to allow a minimum of two days in Quito
prior to the expedition date in order to fulfil these requirements. Please be aware that any flight delays or issues with transport may affect your
scheduled arrival time and with this in mind it is advisable to arrive in Ecuador no later than the Monday night (prior to the Saturday start date).
It is vital that on arrival at the airport or border, when being stamped into the country for the first time, that any visa documentation you
already have from home is shown to the immigration officer. DO NOT wait until arrival in Ecuador to get your visa; visas MUST be obtained in
your home country before arrival. Be sure to check that the date on your visa is set based on your arrival to Ecuador (not the date you began
the visa application process at the Embassy) so that your visa allows enough days in country to complete the expedition/internship. You are
responsible for meeting all requirements and providing all documents necessary to obtain your visa for entrance into Ecuador.
Camp Life
Site Description Our base camp is located on the Yachana Reserve, a private land reserve owned by our local partner the Yachana
Foundation. Yachana is a Quechua (or Kichwa) word meaning “place of learning”. The reserve is located on the Napo River and lies mid-way
between the small jungle cities of Tena and Coca in eastern Ecuador’s Napo province. The site is reached by bus, or a combination of bus and
motorized canoe. We make the journey over two days, stopping overnight in Tena to allow for acclimatisation, last-minute provisioning and a
final cold beer! Local residents are a mix of Quechua Indians, the main indigenous group in the area, and “colonos” who have migrated and
settled from other parts of the country.
Facilities The base camp is located in an area of secondary forest a few minutes’ walk from the rainforest where we conduct our research. The
infrastructure is basic but comfortable and includes a large kitchen/dining area and dormitories which accommodate two or six people in bunk
beds. Water is pumped from an adjacent stream into holding tanks that supply running water to the kitchen, toilets, showers and laundry area.
Cooking is done on a large, propane stove. There is no refrigeration.
If you have a digital camera, please bring your computer download cable as we compile CDs of photos and provide a copy to all expedition
participants at the end of each phase.
Climate Temperatures range from 15º to 35º C but usually fall between 24º and 28º C during the day. Rainfall is high with an average of 2500
mm of rain per year which can double in years affected by the weather phenomenon El Niño. There are “wetter” and “drier” seasons however
these terms are relative in the rainforest and you can expect a mix of heavy rain and bright sunshine throughout the course of your expedition.
Health & Safety – Medical Emergencies
You are responsible for covering the costs of all medical visits including transportation for you and an accompanying staff member. Most
insurance companies will reimburse you for these expenses, please check with your insurance provider for details and claims procedures.
Depending on the gravity or complexity of the medical issue, you may be required to travel to advanced medical facilities in Quito. We
recommend that you set aside or have access to (via international debit card), a minimum of $150 in emergency cash to cover any urgent
expenses.
Some common medical issues are:
High altitude: Quito sits at an altitude of 2800m (9000ft). Altitude affects everyone differently so please discuss this with your physician prior
to travel. During your first few days in Quito do not overexert yourself and stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine
and alcohol.
Malaria, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever: These mosquito-borne diseases are all present in the region. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for
advice on risks, prophylactics and prevention. If you are travelling in Latin America after the expedition, be aware that many countries require
proof of the Yellow Fever Vaccination upon entry, especially when coming from countries where Yellow Fever is present.
Rabies: Rabies is present in the area and commonly transported by vampire bats. The rabies vaccination increases the window of time to
treatment, however with or without the vaccination you will need to receive a series of post-exposure injections. While we strongly encourage
participants to seek the full series of three rabies vaccinations prior to departure, we are aware that in some cases they are not available, or are
extremely costly.
Leishmaniasis: Leishmaniasis is a disease transmitted by the bite of a certain species of sand fly and is present in the region. Consult your
doctor or travel clinic for advice on risks and prevention. There are no vaccinations or medications that can be taken to prevent this disease, so
measures must be taken to avoid getting bitten; treatment of the disease is long and may be costly.
Side Trips
Optional Post-Expedition Side Trip: Adventure on the Napo River
GVI Amazon has teamed up with our long-time friend, guide and local conservationist Hector Vargas to offer a unique trip to GVI volunteers.
The trip is available for a minimum of 3 volunteers, starting the Monday after the Saturday end date of the expedition. The trip is a 4-day
Amazon adventure along the Napo River, including visits to Hector’s own island, the Sumak Allpa monkey rehabilitation project, and cultural
activities there; Yaku Kawsay, a Kichwa community-run river interpretation center; claylicks and hiking at Yasuni National Park; and hiking and
UK & Europe
info@gvi.co.uk
North America
info@gviusa.com
Australasia
info@gviaustralia.com

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wildlife-spotting at world-renowned birdwatching area of Limoncocha Biological Reserve. If interested, please make your flight plans
accordingly; remember that the minimum number must be reached to for the trip to run. The trip normally runs Monday – Thursday, allow at
least 1 day to get back to Quito afterwards for your flight out. All costs related to this side trip, including the time and travel between the end of
the expedition and the start of the side trip, are at your own expense. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn even more about Amazon flora
and fauna, as well as a unique chance to learn first-hand about indigenous culture in the Amazon. The trip is booked on the ground at base
camp; however, you may let your GVI representative know ahead of time if you are interested, in case other volunteers are as well. Trip cost:
$450.
Other popular areas in Ecuador are Otavalo (home to one of the largest indigenous markets in South America); Baños (popular for adventure
activities, with waterfalls and warm springs); Mindo (cloud forest region popular for birding and adventure activities) and the many volcanoes
around Quito, such as the 5979m Cotopaxi (requires a professional guide and a few days of acclimatization hikes to attempt the summit).
Accommodation note
If you would like to book into Hostal Sur, and to guarantee your bed, please do book ASAP directly with them at the email or phone above and
ensure you mention GVI in your booking as they give us a special rate. They will accommodate GVI volunteers in shared male or female rooms
with other GVI volunteers. Please be aware if you make a booking and do not turn up you will be charged a “no show” fee (as is normal
hostal/hotel practice). PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IF YOU USE ANY OUTSIDE AGENCIES TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION E.G.
HOSTALBOOKERS, OR OTHER SIMILAR WEBSITES, YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN THE PREFERENTIAL RATE THAT GVI GET WHEN BOOKING
DIRECTLY WITH THE HOSTAL.
Additional training resources
Training resources for the Amazon expedition, including detail on the research you’ll be carrying out, species lists and audio files for the
identification tests you will take on base, as well as suggested reading and other resources may be found at
http://www.gvi.co.uk/resources/ecuador-training. These resources will be invaluable to you to prepare you for the expedition, please ensure
that you visit the site, read the Training Manual and study/review the resources before your expedition, so that you can get the most out of your
Amazon experience! Suggested reading:
Lonely Planet: Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands – Rob Rachowiecki & Danny Palmerlee
A Rough Guide to Ecuador – Harry Ades & Melissa Graham
Ecuador and its Galapagos Islands - The Ecotravellers’ Wildlife Guide – David L. Pearson, Les Beletsky & Wildlife Conservation Society
A Neotropical Companion – Mark Plotkin
Birds of Ecuador – Robert S. Ridgely & Paul J. Greenfield. (Best guide for the keen ornithologist)
Amazon, 2nd: The Brandt Travel Guide – Roger Harris & Peter Hutchinson
UK & Europe
info@gvi.co.uk
North America
info@gviusa.com
Australasia
info@gviaustralia.com

Please note that this kit list is intended to help you pack for your trip but should not be taken as a
comprehensive or compulsory list of items to take. Some people are comfortable travelling lighter
than others, and there may be some items which you feel you can survive without. If travelling
alone you should ensure you can carry all your belongings for a short distance without assistance.
Ecuador Rainforest Expedition - Program 012
Version 12.03
Essential Equipment
These are items which staff in the field have deemed as required, or which previous volunteers all agree are must-haves. Check the
boxes as you pack!
1 Large Rucksack (Backpack): (65+ litres / 4,000+ cubic inches) for carrying the bulk of your gear to base and for use throughout the
expedition.
1 Daypack (Backpack): (25+ litres / 1,500+ cubic inches) will be used nearly every day. A backpack compatible with a hydration bladder
(Platypus/Camelbak or equivalent) is a very good idea, as they have a hose for constant re-hydration whilst you walk. When we overnight at
the satellite camps you will need to carry all your own water, so should have capacity for at least 4 litres (1 gallon), so you may need extra
bottles on top of your hydration bladder capacity to carry the required amount.
Water bottles to carry 4 L water. If you have a hydration pack (see above) then 1 extra 1-2 L bottle should bring you to 4L. If not, you’ll
need 2-4 good sized bottles to reach the 4L total. You may bring and reuse plastic water bottles, but ensure you have large ones, and that they
will hold up to daily use and refilling. Carrying the required minimum amount of water is MANDATORY for all surveys.
Waterproof liners for important and non-waterproof items. Canoe/dry sacks are excellent, but trash bags also suffice!
1 pair of Wellington/rubber boots which are mandatory for all survey work in the forest. These are easily purchased in Ecuador for
approximately US$7 and you’ll be given an opportunity to do so en route to the expedition. We do have a small number of leftover boots
available and camp and will advise you of sizes available. If you have particularly large feet, we recommend that you bring your own.
1 pair of trainers / sneakers / hiking shoes for travel in towns and Sunday football (soccer) games. Bear in mind shoes will often get
wet and take a long time to dry in a humid environment. Therefore, do not bring brand new shoes or ones that will take a long time to dry. A
comfortable pair of trainers / sneakers are best and work very well with thin, quick-drying socks. These will not be worn in the forest,
Wellies/rubber boots are worn at all times in the forest for survey work.
1 pair of sandals (flip-flops / thongs) you will need these on camp to dry your feet out (leather is not recommended as mould is a
problem in high humidity)
1-2 pairs of shorts board shorts or baggies are great, quick-drying items.
3 pairs of working trousers which you will be required to wear in the forest every day. These should be quick-dry, or high cotton-low
polyester blend, or lightweight cotton and loose fitting on the legs (i.e. not leggings). A pair of comfortable, track/sweat/yoga-type pants is also
recommended for around camp. Pants and rubber boots are required at all times in the forest for survey work; you will not be allowed to work
in shorts.
1-2 long-sleeve shirts such as collared work shirts or t-shirts with a high cotton content, for protection against mosquitoes especially at
night.
6 t-shirts these do not dry quickly so bring a few extra if you have room.
Casual clothing - lightweight T-shirts/tops and shorts for towns and teaching - something slightly smarter than your work clothes for the
classroom. You are expected to be clean and presentable at all times when teaching and/or representing GVI in the community.
Light fleece or sweatshirt (hoody) as Quito gets quite chilly and night and there may be cooler evenings at camp.
Waterproof jacket / Poncho - it is the rainforest, it does rain! We often travel in uncovered canoes so these are invaluable. Cheap
ones may be purchased in Ecuador.
Swimming trunks / costume / bikini
Underwear cotton underwear is best (less hot), sports bras. Dark colours do not show dirt easily, as the water is cold for washing.
Hiking socks 5 pairs of light hiking or LONG cotton sports socks to wear inside your boots.
2 Towels an old and worn towel will dry more quickly, or you can buy a quick-drying travel towel. A sarong is definitely a useful extra.
BOX-shaped mosquito net preferably treated with insect repellent, e.g. permethrin; single-size is sufficient.
Lightweight sleeping bag for use on sat camp and cooler nights in camp.
Fitted or flat bed sheet for single bed, to cover you mattress. You may also want to bring a single top sheet.
1 Pillow Case Some volunteers have enjoyed having their own travel pillow, our pillows are subject to the humid, damp conditions of the
rainforest.
Binoculars with a power of at least [7 or 8] x [42 or 50] and preferably waterproof or nitrogen sealed. These are used fairly often for
bird viewing, and it is worth having a decent pair; however go with what is affordable as it is not essential survey gear. Waterproofing is
preferable as the humidity in the rainforest may cause fogging. Do some research and comparison shopping for the best deals.
Sunglasses make sure they offer 100% UV protection. Cheap glasses can cause more damage than good.
Hat, wide-brimmed for uncovered walks or canoe travel.
Insect repellent without DEET if possible - it damages the rainforest environment, and can also corrode certain plastics and fabrics. If
using DEET we advice a maximum of 30% content There are several brands of DEET-free repellent available, and natural products such as oil
of lemon eucalyptus and citronella can also be used.
Water bottles / Camelbak / Platypus water bladder for short trips and for satellite camps, with a hose for constant re-hydration
whilst you walk. When we overnight at the satellite camps you will need to carry all your own water, so should have capacity for at least 4 litres
(1 gallon).
Compass and whistle to be carried on all walks in the forest. We advise purchasing a reasonable quality compass that allows you to
take bearings to at least 10 degrees.
Paracord x 10 metres to hang up your mosquito net and personal items in camp or during field trips. Paracord is a strong, lightweight
cord/rope.
Toiletries shampoo, talc (or other absorbent powder), etc. – preferably biodegradable to minimise our impact on the environment.
Hand sanitizer
Any prescribed medication you need during your trip. Make sure it bears your name and description of reason and dosage.
Basic first aid kit including rehydration salts, plasters/band-aids, antihistamine tablets and cream for bites, fungicidal foot powder, antidiarrhoea
tablets, paracetamol/ibuprofen/aspirin, antiseptic wipes.
UK & Europe
info@gvi.co.uk
North America
info@gviusa.com
Australasia
info@gviaustralia.com

Please note that this kit list is intended to help you pack for your trip but should not be taken as a
comprehensive or compulsory list of items to take. Some people are comfortable travelling lighter
than others, and there may be some items which you feel you can survive without. If travelling
alone you should ensure you can carry all your belongings for a short distance without assistance.
Ecuador Rainforest Expedition - Program 012
Version 12.03
Sun cream high factor, at least SPF15+.
Batteries - re-chargeable are best but please be advised that priority use of charging equipment (i.e. generator, etc.) will be given to
expedition and equipment and cameras, and not to portable music players. If you do bring non-rechargeable batteries we will ask you to take
them back with you to dispose of them at home.
Headtorch/headlamp for use in camp at night, as we have no electricity. It is worth investing in the best headtorch you can afford as it
will be used daily and for night walks in the forest you will need a reliable, strong beam - the brighter the beam, the more creatures you could
spot! In the past, volunteers have enjoyed both the Petzl Tikka XP as well as the Petzl MYO RXP, however there are many brands and options
available, so look around to find a good lamp for a good price.
Torch/Flashlight a strong powerful flashlight/torch for night time surveys. We require one working source of light plus extra batteries or
extra backup torch for all night-time surveys.
Pen knife / Leatherman
Watch time-keeping is essential on all projects and we will leave without you if you're not there on time.
Alarm clock for those early mornings!
Money belt (bum bag / fanny pack) to carry money and passport discreetly.
Stationery you will need a notebook and pen for use during the training period.
Electrical adaptor to convert both socket style and voltage if necessary.
2 copies of your passport
Highly Recommended Equipment
Waterproof covers for your backpack and daypack
Sleeping bag liner – adds warmth (the jungle can get chilly at night) but more importantly keeps your sleeping bag clean, especially on
satellite camps! You can purchase a liner or make one from an old sheet.
Spare bulbs for your torch / flashlight (unless it is LED based light).
Plastic and re-sealable bags to keep things dry in those humid conditions!
Camera you'll get a lot of opportunities to take photos to bring the best camera you own!
Drybag and silica gel will help protect any valuable, electronic equipment dry in the humid, wet conditions.
Sweater/Jacket/Jumper Quito is quite chilly and often rainy, so a sweater/jumper/jacket is recommended.
Optional Equipment
Headscarf / sham rag / bandana / baseball cap some kind of headwear is useful when walking in the forest and used as a rag to dry
off sweat!
Paracord x 10 metres to hang up your mosquito net and personal items in camp or during field trips. Paracord is a strong, lightweight
cord/rope.
Clothing to wear when going out to a restaurant/bar in Tena (on way in & out of base) or on weekend off.
Vitamin tablets We will always try to ensure that fresh fruit and vegetables form a part of the regular meals supplied, however, you may
also wish to bring a supply of vitamin supplements with you. Other participants have suggested natural antiviral / antibacterial products, e.g. oil
of oregano, garlic oil, emergency vitamin C.
Travel games / Cards
Books some novels have been left at camp by others.
CD players / MP3 player / World Service Radio please bring headphones so you don’t blast away the local wildlife!
Umbrella A small, sturdy, strong umbrella can be very useful for sun and rain. Allows for better ventilation than waterproof rain gear.
Snacks / sweets very good idea as town trips are limited, usually once per week. Anything you think you might crave, but be aware that
you will sweat and hence loose salts and use up sugar, so even people without a sweet tooth will crave sweets/snacks! Granola bars, chocolate,
dried fruit or jerky serve as good snacks in between the 3 daily meals.
Personal Solar Chargers bearing in mind the limited sources of power available in our environment, you might want to invest in your
own source of power. There are many options available and some are a little pricey, however some previous participants have found these little
gadgets invaluable.
Special Advice for Women Volunteers
If prone to yeast infections, bring your medication with you, as heat and humidity of the rainforest can exacerbate such problems.
Mooncups/Divacups are an environmentally-friendly alternative to tampons. Bring a small Tupperware tub and baby bottle sterilizing
tablets to clean.
Padded bras can go moldy in the rainforest, thus sports bras and bikini tops are ideal. Bear in mind that bikinis are not always as
durable or comfortable.
Hints on Buying Kit/Equipment
Old clothes are often best when working in the rainforest - clothing will get sweaty every day and may get discoloured due to insect repellent or
mould (even clothes that you do not wear, but fail to keep dry when stored). Avoid this by storing clean, dry clothes in airtight bags/sacks.
The humidity is always high and it will rain! Waterproof clothing is of limited value as you will get wet anyway, at least from sweating! Accept
that you are going to the rainforest and therefore you will get wet. Having a dry set of clothes for time spent at camp is the best option.
However, a waterproof poncho/jacket is useful for downpours. Be aware that leather items (belts, shoes) are especially prone to mould. Quickdrying
clothes are always recommended since it can be difficult to dry clothes when it is raining. Denim jeans are terrible for this!
Before setting off in search of your essential kit, compile a list of everything that you need. When buying your kit you may find that by
mentioning to the store assistants (or ideally the manager) that you are joining a volunteer project enables you to negotiate a discount on your
UK & Europe
info@gvi.co.uk
North America
info@gviusa.com
Australasia
info@gviaustralia.com

Ecuador Rainforest Expedition - Program 012
Version 12.03
purchases. Often stores are authorised to offer a discount (typically 10-15%) at their discretion, so it is always worth mentioning that the kit is
required in aid of a good cause.
Shop around for kit. If you are never going to use items again then it is not worth going for the top brands! Cheap lightweight clothing is
sometimes just as good if not better.
UK & Europe
info@gvi.co.uk
North America
info@gviusa.com
Australasia
info@gviaustralia.com