Ecuador Travel

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If you've reserved a spot on a tour in Ecuador, be it diving, trekking, biking or rafting, you'll be outfitted by your tour company with all the necessary equipment, unless you've brought your own. Equipment is included in the price of the tour, and any additional gear you may require is usually available for rent from virtually every tour operator. If you're setting out on your own, tour companies are still the best bet for renting gear. Be sure to check the condition of all equipment before setting out.

Renting Galapagos and Ecuador Scuba Diving Equipment

Diving is most popular in the Galapagos Islands and on the southern coast. Dive shops in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Lopez provide complete scuba gear for courses and dive tours; however, you are permitted to bring personal equipment, and additional diving equipment is available for rent, including computers and underwater cameras. Full scuba gear includes aluminum oxygen tank; a full wetsuit; a buoyancy compensating jacket with power inflator; an octopus regulator, pressure gauge and depth gauge; weights, mask; snorkel; fins and booties. For live-aboard cruises, most dive companies only provide tanks and weight belts with weights. Rent equipment upon reservation–you'll need to provide information on your wetsuit and booties size, as well as your height and weight–and arrange for your gear to be on the boat when you arrive, as passengers on most boat tours are transported directly from the airport to the boat.

Renting Trekking (Climbing and Hiking) Equipment in Ecuador

Climbing equipment is included in organized tours, and it's easiest to rent trekking equipment in Quito, before setting out for your mountaineering destination; however, camping stores and travel agencies in other cities and towns that are closer to your Andean destination also have rental equipment on hand. It's possible to rent everything from boots, pants and waterproof jackets to ice axes and crampons. Most Quito-based mountaineering tour operators have offices in the La Mariscal neighborhood. In Riobamba there are services available for those who want to climb Chimborazo and nearby peaks.

Renting Biking Equipment in Ecuador

There are a couple companies in Quito that rent bikes for use within the city, and Quito mountain biking companies provide bikes and equipment on all tours. Bicycles and gear, including helmets, are available for rent for personalized trips. You can also rent bikes outside of Quito, including in Baños, Riobamba, Cuenca and at haciendas near Cotopaxi. If traveling long distances, be sure that your rental bike can deal with the terrain and wear and tear.

Renting Rafting and Kayaking Equipment in Ecuador

Rafting tour operators provide all necessary equipment during tours and courses, including the raft, paddles, life jackets, throw bags and first aid kits. For solo kayakers, agencies rent kayaks and life jackets. They recommend that you hire a guide to kayak with you. Most whitewater tour companies are based in Quito, Baños and Tena.

Renting Other Adventure Equipment

If you're interested in tubing, companies in Mindo rent tubes and life jackets for whitewater thrill-seekers. Fishing and sportfishing are also popular coastal activities. All equipment is included on organized tours, but rental fishing equipment, including the boat, is also available for individual fishing trips.