There could be four areas for this mission: mountains, jungle, coast, or island. Despite the proximity to the equator, the mountains can get cooler because of the elevation, (like 50's), so a few sweaters are helpful.
In the jungle and coastal areas, it rains heavily (every day in the jungle), but it is really hot, so a waterproof LIGHT rain jacket is needed.
Bring light-weight, quick-drying clothing. A lot of laundry is done is buckets if there is not available laundry service in that area.
Elders: Serve shirts are really nice here with the ventilated sides. Bring golf pants that are thin and durable.
A WATERPROOF bag is essential.
It is a heavy walking mission, so get good shoes! Bring 2-3 pair and Waterproof them!
Elders: Cole Haan shoes don't hold up in the rain as well as Doc Martens, ECCO Track 25, or Johnston and Murphy shoes. Boots are not needed, just good, waterproof walking or hiking shoes.
Sisters: Mary Jane Dr. Martens and Dansko are great brands.
The water filtration bottle they give you in the mission isn't great. But they do have a water filter attached to the tap in the apartments that you can use to fill a water bottle.
You can't pay with cards a lot of places so you just take money from the ATM and pay with cash.
There isn't a really good way for packages to be delivered, so pack all essentials initially.
There are a lot of bugs! A good bug spray will be helpful!
Sisters: Pads are available, but tampons are not. Consider bringing your own supply if tampons are needed as well as period underwear.
Bring a power bank. They often have power outages and it is helpful to have a power source.
Have a suggestion or correction for the Ecuador Guayaquil South Mission? Submit it here.
Most parents send their Elders with at least 1 suit (most countries in South America only wear suits to church and meetings) and around 8–10 golf pants. Families are sending more shirts because of heat and humidity — 12–14 is the average. Note for Sisters serving in Brazil: feminine hygiene products are expensive there and tampons are often considered taboo. Be prepared to send a good supply with your Sister Missionary.
This is a very comfortable, durable shoe that missionaries serving all over have loved!
These are the shoe that is most recommended for rainy climates and rough, unpaved roads.
These are made of Merino wool and are great for lots of walking and for rainy and humid climates!
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.