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Packing List
For a trip to the southern Andes, travelers should take:
Camera.
Sunscreen.
Small backpack for day trips.
Insect repellent.
Rain Jacket (and waterproof trousers if hiking).
Lightweight pants.
Warmer pants.
Fleece Jacket.
Sweater.
T-shirts.
Flights and Journey Durations
Flights to the southern Andes go to Cuenca and Loja from Quito. The flight takes around 35 minutes to go to Cuenca and takes around 50 minutes to go to Loja. Bus journeys from Quito are much longer, and take about 9 hours to reach Azogues, 10 hours to get to Cuenca, and up to 12 hours to get to Loja.
Health and security issues that apply in the southern Andes of Ecuador are similar to those that apply in other areas...
Seasons
The southern Andes has two seasons: wet and dry. The main dry season runs from around the end of May through September, and it is usually also dry in December and January. The rest of the months are rainy and a bit colder. The rain is usually limited to a short spell in the afternoon, apart from in April when it will sometimes rain throughout the whole day.
Health and Security
Health and security issues that apply in the southern Andes of Ecuador are similar to those that apply in other areas. Health risks are the same as the rest of Andean Ecuador. As always, travelers should take care of their personal belongings at all times, especially when traveling by bus and in the bus terminals in Quito, Cuenca and Loja. Traditionally robbers act in these locations and aboard buses. Be careful with money, traveler checks, digital cameras and other devices. It is often better to go with a guide on hiking routes. In particular, be aware of the effects of altitude sickness at higher altitudes and wear sunscreen to prevent getting burned.
Electricity
The electricity output in Ecuador’s Andes is 110 volts with 60 cycles. This is the same as in the United States. Travelers from Europe and other countries must carry a converter to make electronic appliances work properly. Plug sockets are usually suitable for three-pin devices in newer buildings, but older buildings may just have two-pin sockets. For these sockets, travelers will need an adapter for three-pin appliances.
