June 1st - July 27th, Summer 2013
(Variable stays from 2 to 6 weeks)
Directed by Mario J. Grijalva, Ph.D.

 
Updated September 14, 2012 09:36:28

Critical Items:

• Passport
• Vaccination record
• Prescription drugs
• backup prescription glasses or contacts

Tip: Pack Lightly! Think of everything you might want to bring, then cut that list in half, then cut it in half again.

Disclaimer: The program is not responsible for any items that are lost or stolen during the trip. Bring any expensive electronics or gear at your own risk.

Clothing:

• one or two sweaters (Quito and other cities in the Andes get quite cool at night (45 F)
• one set of “dressy” clothing for visits to hospitals and other institutions and for events and meetings.
• Clothing for long hikes and vehicular travel (long sleeve shirts recommended for field work; fast dry trousers & shirts recommended)
• T-shirts
• Hat (a good wide rim hat is a must!)
• Rain gear (light poncho)
• Hiking boots (comfortable, break them in before the trip)
• Bathing suit
• Flip flop sandals (to use around a pool or in the shower)
• For participants doing the clinical components: Clothing appropriate for a hospital/clinic setting including scrubs, and lab coat.
• For Biologists, lab techs and microbiologists, bring a lab coat.

Other:

• For medical students and professionals, bring your own examination kit and stethoscope.
• Two flashlights (One main, one extra) plus extra batteries and bulbs
• Personal first aid kit (antifungal powder, Neosporin, Band-Aids, Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol, prescription medicines (copies of critical prescriptions with generic composition)
• Water bottle - Big enough to serve your needs, but not too big, so it will be difficult to handle. Label bottle clearly with your name.
• Insect repellent (~20% DEET recommended; 100% DEET is NOT recommended)
• Pocket knife (in checked luggage)
• Small notebook to keep as journal
• Ziploc bags (mix of sizes, e.g. large one to keep journal in)
• Please limit luggage to one medium piece that can be locked to take to the field. A larger suitcase could be stored in our lab in Quito.
• Small backpack for vehicular travel and hikes.
• Ecuador guidebook
• Spanish language guide (calculator-type useful too)
• Sun block (High PF recommended)
• Hand sanitizer gel (in checked luggage)
• Large garbage bags for dirty/wet clothes.
• String/duck tape (to hang bednet or use as a clothes line)
• An emergency pair of glasses/contacts and a copy of your eye prescription
• Drivers License (just in case)
• Money belt and/or concealed money/passport bag (A must!)
• MONEY for personal use- bring mostly low denomination bills ($1 to $20) in good condition (no tears, not too wrinkled, no writing on them)

Optional:

• Bednet -Twin size  (Small mesh recommended; half size or head only are NOT recommended; shop for economical models $20 - $30). Cariamanga, does not have many mosquitoes.
• Laptop - at your own risk.
• MP3 Player -- do not bring anything that you are not willing to lose. 
• Camera & extra memory and extra batteries and/or charger -- do not bring anything that you are not willing to lose.
• Binoculars (for bird watching)