BIO 42: Tropical Ecology and BIO 53: Biology of the Andes/Galápagos
Winter 2008
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
READ CAREFULLY -- This list reflects our past experiences and addresses questions you may have.
The ultimate principle is to travel as light as possible. However, we will be in different climates and
different cultures, in the field and in cities, so your wardrobe must be flexible.
Cost Ricans and Ecuadorians are diverse peoples drawn from many backgrounds. In general, they are
friendly to visitors, courteous, and soft-spoken. It is very important to respect the fact that we are guests
in their country, and as such, we have several responsibilities to them. This means, among other things,
being sensitive to their cultural standards in appearance and behavior, being very patient, and not
projecting the "ugly American" image by being rowdy, loud, or pushy. You are not only representing
yourself; your behavior reflects on the group, on the group leaders, on the university, and on the United
States. Latin Americans are more conservative than Americans in many ways, and more liberal in other
ways. Be prepared to dress accordingly and to realize that women and men are not necessarily regarded
as equal in all aspects of daily living. You should plan to dress neatly when in town - set aside a clean
pair of slacks and a collared shirt or neat blouse as "town clothes". Assume that all of your other clothes
will become muddy, stained, torn, or otherwise inappropriate for town wear. When you travel, it often
helps to dress neatly when going through customs. As such, wear your "town clothes" when we leave
Greenville and on other days with air travel.
You will pack one piece of check-in luggage; it will be your dufflebag. Those that zip from end to end
are best. Be sure you can affix a small clasp to anchor the zipper (locks may not be permitted on flights).
Your loaded bag must weigh less than 35 pounds; we will have a weigh-in in January 2008 before we
leave. (Yes, I know the airlines allow more weight, but we do not want to be throwing 50 lb. dufflebags
onto the top of our minibuses.) You will also want a day pack (“book bag”) that you will carry on the
plane with you and that you will use on day hikes in the field. Also, we may be able to camp out for an
overnight atop Volcan Alcedo in the Galapagos. If we do this, each of you will need a hiking
backpack. An inner frame pack can fit inside a large dufflebag. We will keep you abreast of this
possibility. When you pack for airplane travel, place your camera, film, binoculars, field notebook, set of
underwear, and toiletries in the day pack. You will find it helpful to purchase some seam-sealer at an
outdoor store and seal all the seams of your dufflebag and daypack. Here are some helpful packing
tips: 1) roll your clothes rather than folding them; 2) pack the clothes in zip-lock baggies - this will make
access easier and the baggies come in handy on the trip. Also, you can squeeze out the air while packing,
and use less room. Expect your clothes to get dirty and wet. Everything will probably be permanently
soiled, plus the tropical sun is especially harsh on fabrics. You many even want to leave some of your
clothes in Ecuador to make room for souvenirs. Therefore, this is an excellent time to get rid of clothes
that are no longer favorites in your wardrobe. Avoid nylon, polyester, and acrylics; they are hot (the
obvious exception in your swim suit). Use all cotton or blends that are mostly cotton. Label all your
clothes and equipment with waterproof marker or sewn-on labels; we wash clothes communally and all
socks look alike. Plan on keeping one set of clothes set aside for town, another for relaxation, and another
set aside as "field clothes". When we return from the field, set the dirty clothes aside for the next
excursion and switch into the relaxation/"camp" clothes. We will only do laundry sporadically, so there is
no need to keep washing field clothes that will be covered in mud again after ten minutes of walking in
the rain forest.
In Costa Rica you will need town clothes, camp clothes, and field clothes. Town clothes have
been discussed. Camp clothes are for sitting around the field-station compounds. You can wear shorts,
tivas, sandals, t-shirts, etc. as camp clothes. Field clothes are to be worn AT ALL TIMES when you exit
the station compounds and enter natural areas. You will ALWAYS wear hiking boots and long pants in
the field. You will always carry a long sleeved shirt and hat with you, as well as water. You will see
other students from other colleges out in the forests in shorts and sandals. They are stupid. You are with
us so you will be smart and wear appropriate clothing. It will be hot (85 F) and wet at La Selva, cool (55
F) and wet at Monteverde, and hot (100 F) and dry at Palo Verde.
In Ecuador, the Andean highlands will be the coldest habitat we visit and the Galapagos will be
the hottest habitat we visit. A sweatshirt is essential, at a minimum. You will have the chance to buy
warm, hand woven woolens in Otavalo, so you can stock up on warm clothes then. In the Galapagos,
clothes are easy. You will need a durable swim suit (you'll wear it often), a pair of shorts, and t-shirts
(although you will have the chance to buy plenty of these on the trip, as well.) We will go snorkeling and
take short walks every day. You will want tevas, or sneakers that can get wet for "wet landings". At
several times in the trip, you are going to be sleeping near members of the opposite sex. Bring sleepwear
that is appropriate and won't offend others in the group.
No matter what we do, we will look like tourists. Anywhere in the world (including U. S. cities), that
will make us a mark for thieves. San Jose is safer than almost any city in the U. S., but that does not stop
all forms of crime. Quito is safe, also, but like any big city. As you decide what to bring, be sure to think
about security. Don't bring jewelry. Don't carry valuables in the outer pockets of your packs. Secure
your wallet and passport. Be especially careful in airports and outside of the hotel. We will review all
risks at a later date, but these may influence your choice of clothes.
Souvenirs: Students spend between $100 to $800 on souvenirs. Costa Rica is best known for wood and
leather, but these are of equal quality (and are cheaper) in Ecuador. Also, remember that you will carry
all items that you buy in Costa Rica in your personal luggage through out the rest of the trip. Ecuador is
most noted for textile and leather items. For a woolen sweater, you would pay about $12 to $15; small
woolen blankets are about $19 to $26; large ones could cost $50 -- or even more for finer quality. Leather
coats might be bought for $100 or less; purses about $15 to $20 and leather carry-on bags about $25. Tshirts are available everywhere and cost from $5 to $12. Of course, you bargain for prices whenever you
buy something from a street vendor. Often in finer shops the price is fixed -- but it never hurts to ask.
Camera and Film: In 2004 and 2006, about half the group had simple point and shoot cameras; the rest
had single lens reflex cameras or digital cameras. Most shot prints, but two or three students used slides.
Cost and convenience are two considerations in your selection. Most students shot between 4-7 rolls of 36
exposure film in Costa Rica, and 8-10 rolls in Ecuador/Galapagos, but as many as 20. On each trip about
two students had camera problems. We will have two laptops with us in Costa Rica, and you can
download some pictures onto their hard drives. However, you should also carry as many memory cards
as you think you’ll need. The best advice is to make sure your camera works before departure! Most of
all, be sure you know how to work your camera! For film speed, 100 or 50 ASA is fine in the Palo Verde
and Galápagos, but you will need 400 for rainforests. A couple rolls of 200 are good for general use. You
may want to try those cheap disposable underwater cameras or those panoramic ones; they produce some
incredible shots. On each of the last three trips, one student brought an expensive underwater camera for
the Galápagos. Each one said afterward that they wished they had not -- it seems that these cameras are
prone to problems. Finally, be sure to put your name and address in the bag that holds your film -- or on
each film canister; one student lost her film in the airport. The group will have a videocamera and you
can help take footage. You will receive a copy of the edited tape as a keepsake in spring 2006.
Items to Bring:
Luggage:
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Dufflebag, to be checked as luggage (35 lbs. fully loaded). Seams waterproofed. Clasp to anchor
zipper to end-ring.
Day pack, to be used as your "carry-on" item and field pack. Seams waterproofed.
Internal Frame back pack is optional at this point; we will tell you if it is necessary or
recommended later.
Shoes:
___ 1 pair of comfortable shoes (such as sneakers/tennis shoes)
___ 1 pair of flip flops, Tevas, or sandals (for around your room, on the boat, and in the showers)
___ 1 pair of hiking boots. You may want to wear these on the plane since they will be heavy. Opt for
a light weight, flexible variety, if you are buying a pair. Break them in well before the trip.
Clothes:
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2-3 long sleeved shirts; these should be cotton/blend; 1-2 for town, 1 for field
T-shirts/tank tops: probably about 5; bring none that advertise other universities -- those don't look
too good in FU publications. You will probably buy a couple during the trip, too.
Pants; 1 pair for town (women may replace one with dress/skirt) and 2 pr. for field. Bluejeans are
hot and dry very slowly, cotton pants are best for field. But jeans for travel days and for city
touring days are fine (1 pair). Past female students have recommended 2 sets of town/party
clothes; they said it is good to have something nicer when relaxing/going out in the cities. Do not
bring army surplus/camouflage pants or clothes, even as field pants. These aren't
appropriate for Latin America.
Walking shorts; probably about 2-3 pair. Also shorts/shirts for leisure wear – on the boat and
around the hotel.
2 Swimsuits (durable).
Underwear (cotton recommended) - 7 sets. Females recommended quick-dry sports bras (~5).
Socks; probably 6 good pairs cotton socks; plus one heavy pair for cool weather. A polypropylene
pair is good for hikes, too.
Sweater, sweatshirt or wool shirt (wool or synthetic fibers will dry much quicker than a sweatshirt)
Soft (foldable) hat for sun and rain -- make sure it has a full (360o) brim (absolutely essential)
Belt
Sleepwear
Rain coat or poncho (preferably one with a hood). The breathable fabrics are best -- but
expensive). It must be durable.
Handkerchiefs
Bandana (1 or 2). These are great as a sunscreen.
Snorkeling Equipment: (this can be packed in the group equipment on Jan 4, 2008, or in your own bag)
___ Mask that doesn’t leak – MAKE SURE – use it under water before we leave.
___ Fins that fit (some also have booties or wear socks)
___ Snorkel
Personal Supplies:
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Towels; 1 thin one (the luxury type take too long to dry). One beach towel. Towels will be
provided during most of the trip.
Wash cloth, if you use one.
Toiletries; Soap (small bar - it's provided most places), shampoo (small), nail clippers, toothpaste
(large), toothbrush, comb, brush, shaving gear, contact lens solutions (including enzymes),
deodorant (avoid spray cans), dental floss, tampons, etc.
Sunscreen (two full bottles, rated AT LEAST 15)
Skin cream or after-sun lotion (aloe vera)
Personal medical supplies; including a 2 week supply of any prescription medications in their
original bottles. Motion sickness medication (the ear patches work well); about half of the group
will probably be affected. A few bandaids, aspirin, pepto-bismol, diarrhea medication.
Sunglasses with elastic straps to hang around neck.
Extra glasses or contact lenses
Chap stick or lip balm (for wind and sun)
Insect repellent with DEET (2 bottles, non-aerosol).
Female students recommended midol, heat packs, and yeast infection treatments (Monistat) humid weather and excessive sweating put some females at high risk for infections.
Other Items:
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A Really Excellent Flashlight. Waterproof would be best. It should be very bright, and you should
bring 3-4 sets of high quality batteries. A backup flashlight of lower quality would be good, too.
An additional headlamp for hiking is good to bring. We will take nightly walks in Costa Rica.
One extra flashlight bulb (yes, bring one!)
Pocket knife or Utility Tool (DO NOT PACK in "carry-on"!!)
Wristwatch, inexpensive, but with alarm function.
2 Canteens, (20 oz. each, minimum. Plastic drink containers can work)
Field Notebook with 250-300 pages
Small spiral notebook for taking notes in the field
Pens; waterproof; 15, for field notebook
1 2-liter drink containers for use as canteens on hikes
Copy of your Galapagos paper
Identification/Money:
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Passport - must be valid through July 2006. Must have it by MAY 2007. Get it!
Drivers license
Student ID
Money, in $20 or $50 denomination travelers checks or cash. Also smaller bills.
Credit card.
Waist purse or a coin purse
Phone card. Sometimes collect calls can't be made. Calls can be very expensive ($50/10 minutes).
Make sure the cards work in Costa Rica/Ecuador and, if so, they probably need the access numbers
in order to use them. (Can be found online)
Items you may want to bring:
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Camera and film or memory cards (extra batteries for the camera)
Filter and lenses for camera
Flash unit for camera
Waterproof bag for camera (at minimum several durable zip-lock bags)
Addresses of friends and relatives for post cards (perhaps write these on adhesive labels for easy
use)
A few US stamps for cards carried back to the states for you
Foot powder (e.g. tinactin)
Pencils, colored and black.
Insect repellent
2 or 3 clothes pins
A cassette tape or cd might find some action on the bus rides.
Playing cards, Frisbee, hacky-sack, crossword puzzle book, or something similar.
Photo of friends/family to show new friends made on trip
Booties for snorkeling
Ear plugs (for excessive noise)
Extra water bottle (like a "platypus" or other collapsible bag).
leisure reading books ( a couple)
Gloves and a wool hat if you are easily chilled (the Andes can be cold, windy, and rainy).
Extra toothbrush
Items NOT to bring:
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Alcohol or drugs (DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!)
Jewelry
makeup and hair spray
a valued diary, etc. (likely to get wet)
The textbooks (we will have copies in group gear)
Electronic equipment you value (a cheap cd player is fine)
Hair dryer, curlers, or curling iron
Mosquito net (provided)
Videocamera (we will have one)