What to pack for The Galápagos in March

16 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.

UV index of 10.6 burns exposed skin in under 15 minutes.

Water reflects intense sun, doubling glare on eyes and face.

Insects thrive in warm, wet conditions that peak during March rains.

Remote islands mean cuts, stings, and stomach upset are hours from care.

Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.

One outlet at lodges charges phones, cameras, and dive lights simultaneously.

Set it up before you land. Signal drops for long stretches outside cities.

Airline weight limits are strict, so one carry-on fits everything.

Daily boat trips and hiking require a separate pack for water and sun gear.

Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.

For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.

Anything heavier than linen is a mistake at 84°F.

Sweat dries slowly in 80% humidity, so fabric that wicks moisture keeps skin from staying wet.

UV hits 10.6 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.

Stinger season overlaps March, and locals swim in protective suits rather than bare skin.

Wet ground and coastal spray mean footwear that drains quickly prevents blisters.

Twelve hours of daylight with no overhead shelter leaves scalp and ears exposed.

Cold water at 3pm is worth the weight.

Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.

Humidity and heat accelerate dehydration even when you don't feel thirsty.

Tap water isn't safe, so traveler's diarrhea hits harder than expected.

One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.

Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.

International travel and rural settings mean cash and cards need separate security.

Boats, guides, and shared transport mean bags move between hands constantly.

Wet clothes and damp gear compress better when sorted by use.

Salt spray and rain soak everything, so phones need waterproof protection.

Sixteen rain days mean clothes stay damp, so washing weekly prevents mildew.

Heat peaks near 84°F with little shade on rural terrain.

Sixteen rain days soak through leather, so sealing boots before arrival matters.

Lips crack and blister faster than body skin under equatorial sun.

Wet hands and shared surfaces on boats spread illness fast.

Sunburn and insect bites happen together, so relief can't contain alcohol.

Saltwater and sand corrode connectors, so spares prevent mid-trip failures.

A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.

National park entry requires passport verification at multiple checkpoints.

Shared accommodations and group tours make bag security essential.

Humidity breeds fungus in toiletries, so hanging storage lets air circulate.