Trip Finder
Ecuador + Galapagos
Information for Enrolled Students

Packing List

Keep in mind you will experience several different climates throughout the trip. Warm layers are very important as evening temperatures can dip down into the low 40s. Layering is essential, so be sure you have all of the required items on this list.

Long Underwear / Base Layer Top

Synthetic, non-cotton, medium-weight long sleeve top

Qty: 1
Patagonia Capilene Crew or Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody

Sun Hoodie

Qty: 1
Patagonia Capilene® Cool Daily Hoody

T-shirts

Minimum of 2 synthetic, non-cotton t-shirts, other shirts may be cotton

Qty: 4
Patagonia Capilene T-shirt or Marmot Windridge

Lightweight Top

Synthetic, non-cotton. This can be a fleece pullover, sweater or a full-zip jacket

Qty: 1
Patagonia R1 Fleece

Fleece Jacket

Synthetic, non-cotton. This needs to be heavier than the lightweight top

Qty: 1
Patagonia Synchilla or R2 Jacket

Rain Jacket with Hood

100% waterproof rain jacket with a hood - no ponchos!

Qty: 1
Patagonia Torrentshell or Marmot Precip

Sports Bras

For girls

Qty: 4

Required Clothing Items

Quick-dry Shorts

Synthetic, non-cotton shorts

Qty: 3
Patagonia Baggies

Bathing Suits

Boys: your quick-dry shorts can double as your bathing suit

Qty: 2

Long Pants

Minimum 1 pair of synthetic, non-cotton hiking pants, but the other pair may be cotton

Qty: 2

Rain Pants

100% Waterproof pants large enough to fit over regular pants

Qty: 1

Yoga Pants

For girls, if you prefer to wear them

Qty: 1-2
Women's Performance Jogger

Underwear

Synthetic, non-cotton are best (but a couple cotton pairs are okay)

Qty: 8

Required Clothing Items

Warm Hat

Wool or fleece, non-cotton beanie

Qty: 1

Baseball Hat

A baseball hat or wide-brimmed hat for sun protection

Qty: 1

Work Gloves

An inexpensive pair of basic work or gardening gloves for the community service project

Qty: 1

You can expect to get your clothes dirty during your community service section, so keep that in mind when choosing specific clothing and footwear items.

Trail Shoes/Hiking Boots

Low or high top, light-weight or Gore-Tex hiking shoes

Qty: 1
Saloman or Gore-Tex

Trail/Tennis Shoes

Trail/Tennis Shoes

Qty: 1

River Shoes

These can be open-toed, but do need to have a back strap

Qty: 1
Chaco, Teva, Keen

Flip-Flops/Crocs

Backless, comfortable shoes that can get wet

Qty: 1

Socks

Non-cotton, lightweight hiking socks

Qty: 6 Pair
Smartwool or Darn Tough

Required Shoes

Duffel Bag

70-liter duffel

Qty: 1
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70 L or North Face Base Camp M duffel 71L

Day Pack

20 – 30 liter daypack /school backpack to carry your rain jacket, water bottle and snacks

Qty: 1
Patagonia Refugio Pack 26 L or Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack

Mesh Stuff Sack

Extra nylon stuff sack (sleeping bag size) for dirty clothes storage

Qty: 1
Sea to Summit Mesh Sack

For holding your gear

Dopp Kit

Contains: toothbrush, toothpaste, prescription medication, travel shampoo & soap, deodorant

Qty: 1
Patagonia Black Hole Cube 6L – M

First Aid Kit

Contains: Insect repellent, , reef safe waterproof sunscreen (Kokua, Thinksport, Stream2Sea), Band-aids, Moleskin, Chapstick w/ sun prevention, Wet Ones wipes, Dramamine (if prone to motion sickness), personal hand sanitizer

Qty: 1

Prescription Glasses + Contacts

If your child wears glasses and/or contacts, please bring at least one spare pair of glasses/ lenses. Contact lens wearers should bring a pair of glasses as backup in addition to contacts.

Qty: 2 Pair

Sunscreen

Travel size

Qty: 1

Bug Spray

Travel size

Qty: 1

Required Hygiene Items. *Please keep all toiletries in your checked luggage, with the exception of your toothbrush and any personal/prescription medication

Digital Camera

With charger & international adapter or batteries, and a 32-64 GB memory card

Qty: 1
Canon Powershot G9X

GoPro

With charger and 32-64 GB memory card

Qty: 1

A Good Book

Paperback books are less bulky

Qty: 1

Notebook with Pen

For journaling

Qty: 1

Binoculars

1

Qty: For wildlife viewing in the Galapagos

Spending Money

$150 of spending money

Not required by highly recommended *Since we don’t allow cell phones during our trips, you may not use your phone as a camera. Leaders will take photos that will be shared at the end of the summer.

Wallet

Personal wallet with $150 spending money and valid identification

Qty: 1

Passport + Copies

Passport (valid for 6 months after the last day of your trip) + 2 additional photocopies of your passport

Qty: 1 + 2 Copies

COVID-19 Vaccination Card + Copies

Valid COVID-19 vaccination card + 2 additional photocopies of your vaccination card

Qty: 2

Bandana / Buff

For additional sun and wind protection. Buffs are tube-like and can be worn up to 12 different ways providing versatile sun protection. Can even be worn as a headband!

Qty: 2
Moondance Buff

Pack Towel

Absorbent & quick to dry, large or extra-large is ideal

Qty: 1
Sea to Summit Drylite Towel

Beach Towel

Regular Beach Towel

Qty: 1

Additional Required Items

Packing Tips

In the event that your luggage is delayed or lost in transit, we want you to be prepared. Therefore, wear tennis or hiking shoes on the plane. Plus, pack the following items from this packing list in your daypack / school backpack carry-on:

  • A change of clothes (underwear + t-shirt + shorts or pants)
  • Your rain jacket
  • Prescription medications & toothbrush
  • Passport, ID, money
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Card
  • Completed International Travel Authorization form

These items are already included in the packing list – they are not additional items!

Lodging

Sleeping

During your trip you will stay in a variety of community stays, hotels, and hostels (all single gender rooms).


Eating

Eating utensils (plates and cutlery) will be provided throughout the trip.

If you have any special dietary restrictions/ considerations, please contact the Moondance office for further information.

Immunizations

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to the country this trip visits.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to the country this trip visits. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to the country.

Malaria Medication

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Ecuador take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find country-specific information about malaria.

Measles

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Rabies

Rabid dogs are commonly found in this country. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in this country, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available.

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
Visitors to rural areas
Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to this country.

Typhoid

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Yellow Fever

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.

Routine Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Polio
Shingles

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

Click here to view the map of where Moondance groups will be travelling throughout Ecuador + Galapagos. Provide this information to your physician of choice (primary care physician, travel clinic, etc.) in order to get the most accurate suggestions for immunizations and vaccines.

Click here to see what the CDC recommends for travelers in Ecuador + Galapagos

Flights

Ecuador + Galapagos 1, June 7 - June 20, 2024, Option 1

Arrive
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Friday, June 7, 2024
  • Arrive before 12:51 PM
Depart
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Thursday, June 20, 2024
  • Depart after 8:20 AM

Inbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Friday, June 7, 2024Delta 633Atlanta (ATL)5:10 PMQuito (UIO)9:20 pm (6/07)

Outbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Wednesday, June 19, 2024Delta 632Quito (UIO)11:10 PMAtlanta (ATL)5:20 am (6/20)

Ecuador and Galapagos 1, June 7 - June 20, 2024, Option 2

Arrive
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Friday, June 7, 2024
  • Arrive before 3:15 PM
Depart
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Friday, December 20, 2024
  • Depart after 8:55 AM

Inbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Friday, June 7, 2024United 1002IAH (Houston, Texas)6:15 PMUIO (Quito, Ecuador)11:35 pm (6/07)

Outbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Thursday, June 20, 2024United 2083UIO (Quito, Ecuador)12:40 AMIAH (Houston, Texas)5:55 am (6/20)

Ecuador + Galapagos 2, June 22 - July 5, 2024, Option 1

Arrive
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Saturday, June 22, 2024
  • Arrive before 12:50 PM
Depart
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Friday, July 5, 2024
  • Depart after 8:20 AM

Inbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Saturday, June 22, 2024Delta 633Atlanta (ATL)5:10 PMQuito (UIO)9:20 pm (7/22)

Outbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Thursday, July 4, 2024Delta 632Quito (UIO)11:10 PMAtlanta (ATL)5:20 am (7/05)

Ecuador and Galapagos 2, June 22 - July 5, 2024, Option 2

Arrive
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Saturday, June 22, 2024
  • Arrive before 3:15 PM
Depart
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Friday, July 5, 2024
  • Depart after 8:55 AM

Inbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Saturday, June 22, 2024United 1002IAH (Houston, Texas)6:15 PMUIO (Quito, Ecuador)11:35 pm (6/22)

Outbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Friday, July 5, 2024United 2083UIO (Quito, Ecuador)12:40 AMIAH (Houston, Texas)5:55 am (7/05)

Ecuador + Galapagos 3, July 7 - July 20, 2024, Option 1

Arrive
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Sunday, July 7, 2024
  • Arrive before 12:50 PM
Depart
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Saturday, July 20, 2024
  • Depart after 8:20 AM

Inbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Sunday, July 7, 2024Delta 633Atlanta (ATL)5:10 PMQuito (UIO)9:20 pm (7/07)

Outbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Friday, July 19, 2024Delta 632Quito (UIO)11:10 PMAtlanta (ATL)5:20 am (7/20)

Ecuador and Galapagos 3, July 7 - July 20, 2024, Option 2

Arrive
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Sunday, July 7, 2024
  • Arrive before 3:15 PM
Depart
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Saturday, July 20, 2024
  • Depart after 8:55 am

Inbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Sunday, July 7, 2024United 1002IAH (Houston, Texas)6:15 PMUIO (Quito, Ecuador)11:35 pm (7/07)

Outbound Flight

DateFlightDeparture CityDeparture TimeArrival CityArrival Time
Saturday, July 20, 2024United 2083UIO (Quito, Ecuador)12:40 AMIAH (Houston, Texas)5:55 am (7/20)

Important Travel Notes:

  • We highly recommend that all students fly on the designated flights above. If you have any questions OR if you are considering another flight path please contact the Moondance Adventures HQ BEFORE purchasing your airfare.
  • We also highly recommend making your flight reservation through our partnered travel agency, Exito. They are familiar with all Moondance flights. Please follow this link to start the booking process.
  • Remember when booking your child’s flight to allow at least a 3-hour layover in any connecting airport to avoid missed connections or baggage delays.
  • Please keep in mind the group flights will begin and end at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or Houston. It is imperative that every student arrives to their gateway city in a timely fashion. If one individual does not arrive in on time to make the group flights, it can delay the entire trip. Leaders are not guaranteed to be on the flight.