Ecuador Travel Guide
Welcome to your Ecuador Travel Guide!
This page is here to help you prepare thoughtfully for your journey through the Andes.
It is designed to support both your practical planning and your inner readiness, from arrival logistics to cultural context and health considerations.
The Weather
How should I dress?
December is a beautiful time to visit the Ecuadorian Andes. While Ecuador sits on the equator, temperatures are shaped primarily by altitude rather than season.
In Quito at approximately 9,350 feet above sea level, average December temperatures typically range from:
Daytime highs: 65 to 72°F
Nighttime lows: 45 to 50°F
Mornings and evenings feel crisp, while afternoons are often sunny and comfortably mild.
In the Cotopaxi region near Cotopaxi Volcano, elevations are higher, and temperatures are slightly cooler. Expect:
Daytime highs: 55 to 65°F
Nighttime lows: 35 to 45°F
Evenings here can feel quite chilly, especially if skies are clear. A warm jacket is essential for comfort at night.
December is generally part of the drier season in the highlands, though brief afternoon showers are possible. Rain, when it comes, is usually light and short lived.
In summary, plan for:
Cool mornings
Mild sunny afternoons
Cold evenings at higher elevations
Layered mountain weather rather than tropical heat
Packing layers will allow you to stay comfortable across changing elevations and times of day.
The gear
What do I need to bring?
This journey moves between high altitude cities, sacred waterfalls, private forest lodges, and volcanic landscapes. While this is not a backpacking trip, thoughtful packing will make your experience more comfortable and easeful.
The good news: you’ll have access to your luggage throughout the journey, and we handle all ground transfers. You’ll only need to carry a small daypack during excursions.
Focus on layers, comfort, and versatility. Mountain weather shifts throughout the day, and temperatures vary with elevation.
The Essentials at a Glance
You’ll want:
Comfortable walking shoes or light hikers that are well broken in
Lightweight long pants and breathable tops
A small daypack for daily excursions
A warm, packable jacket for cool evenings
A lightweight waterproof rain jacket
Sun protection including hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
A reusable water bottle
A journal and pen for reflection
Layering Is Key
Expect cool mornings, mild sunny afternoons, and chilly evenings at higher elevations like Cotopaxi. Layering is far more important than bringing heavy clothing.
We recommend lightweight, breathable fabrics for daytime and a warm insulating layer for evenings. Cotton is fine for downtime and sleeping, but quick drying materials are helpful for active days and unexpected rain.
Ceremony Comfort
For the psilocybin ceremony day, comfort matters. Choose clothing that feels grounding and non restrictive. Soft layers, cozy socks, and something warm for after the experience are ideal.
Many participants also like to bring:
An eye mask
A small comfort object
A shawl or blanket scarf
Footwear
This trip involves walking through cobblestone streets and light hiking. Sturdy, comfortable shoes with good traction are important. There is no need for heavy mountaineering boots.
Luggage
A soft sided suitcase, duffel, or backpack works best. While you will not be carrying your bag long distances, softer luggage is easier to transport between lodges and haciendas.
Less Is More
You do not need fancy outfits or excessive gear. This is a reflective, nature based journey. Practical, comfortable clothing will serve you far better than volume.
A detailed item by item packing list is provided below to help you dial everything in with confidence.
Preparing For Your Inner Journey
How intense is this really going to be?
This experience is not physically demanding — but it can be emotionally and psychologically powerful.
Psilocybin experiences vary widely from person to person. Some people encounter deep clarity and beauty. Others move through challenging emotions before reaching insight. Most experience some combination of both.
We would classify this as emotionally moderate to potentially deep, best suited for people who are:
-Curious about self inquiry
-Willing to sit with discomfort if it arises
-Open to surrendering control
-Committed to preparation and integration
This is not about peak intensity. It is about willingness.
SET AND SETTING MATTER
Two factors significantly influence the quality of a psilocybin journey:
Set refers to your mindset.
Your expectations, emotional state, and intentions matter.
Setting refers to the environment.
You will be held in a private, supportive space in the Andes with experienced facilitators, clear structure, and integration support.
We handle the setting.
You prepare the set.
SUGGESTED PREPARATION
Ideally beginning 4 to 8 weeks before departure:
-Establish a simple daily mindfulness practice, even 5 to 10 minutes
-Journal about intentions and areas of life you feel called to explore
-Reduce alcohol and recreational substances
-Begin gently cleaning up your diet
-Spend more time in nature if possible
-Practice letting go of control in small ways
You do not need to overhaul your life.
You do want to arrive clear headed and grounded.
EMOTIONAL READINESS
Ask yourself:
-Am I willing to see what arises without trying to control it?
-Am I open to insight that may surprise me?
-Can I trust myself and the container being held?
If the answer feels like a quiet yes rather than a frantic one, that is often a good sign.
PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS
You will complete a health intake and screening process prior to booking. Certain medications and mental health conditions may not be compatible with psilocybin.
Hydration, rest, and sleep in the weeks leading up to the journey matter more than extreme training or detoxing.
WHAT YOU DO NOT NEED
You do not need prior psychedelic experience.
You do not need to “be spiritual.”
You do not need to chase intensity.
You need curiosity, humility, and willingness.
WE WILL SUPPORT YOU
About a month before departure, you’ll receive:
Preparation guidelines
Mindset prompts
Integration framework overview
You are not walking into this alone. The ceremony is one part of a larger arc that includes grounding practices before and structured integration afterward.
Do As The Locals Do
A crash course in local culture
It’s important at Root that when we travel we travel with an open mind and are respectful to the local ways, traditions, and customs. Keeping in mind that we are ambassadors of the US when we travel to foreign countries, it can be helpful to be prepared with some basic knowledge!
Language
Primary language: Spanish (Castellano)
In Galicia you’ll also see/hear Galician (Galego)
English is common in more touristic areas, less so in small villages—your effort in Spanish will be appreciated.
A few useful phrases:
Hola – Hello
Buenos días / Buenas tardes / Buenas noches – Good morning / afternoon / night
Por favor – Please
Gracias – Thank you
¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much is it?
La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please
Buen Camino – The classic pilgrim greeting!
Currency & Money
Currency: Euro (EUR)
ATMs are common in cities and larger towns; less so in tiny villages, so it’s good to keep some cash on hand.
Many places accept cards, but small cafés and rural bars may be cash only.
Tipping: As a reminder we handle most tips! The things that we can’t be present for (i.e. leaving a tip in your room for hotel staff or any personal transfers) are the only tips you’re responsible for!
Mealtimes & Rhythm
Spain runs on a later schedule than many travelers are used to:
Lunch: often 1:30–3:30 pm
Dinner: restaurants may not open until 8 pm, with locals eating closer to 9–10 pm
On the Camino, pilgrim menus and rural restaurants sometimes serve earlier dinners to accommodate walkers, but expect life to run a bit later overall.
Water & Food Safety
Tap water in Spain is generally safe to drink, including in Santiago.
Along the Camino, many fountains are clearly marked “agua potable” (drinkable) or “no potable” (not drinkable)—always check the sign.
Food standards are high; fresh local produce, cheeses, seafood, and meats are common. If you have dietary restrictions, we can usually accommodate them with advance notice.
Electricity & Adapters
Voltage: 230 V / 50 Hz
Plug types: Type C & Type F (two round pins)
Travelers from North America will need a plug adapter, and possibly a voltage converter for certain devices.
Etiquette on the Camino
Greet fellow pilgrims with “Buen Camino!”
Respect quiet in churches and spiritual sites; modest dress is appreciated inside.
Pack out trash and leave the route better than you found it.
Be kind to locals—the Camino passes through real communities, not a theme park.
Photography
Always be considerate of anyone’s desire not to be photographed. If you take photos of people, always ask them for permission first. The only exception is when photographing a public scene with a lot of people in it, aiming at no one in particular.
Safety
Spain is widely considered one of the safest countries in Europe, and the Camino de Santiago is especially known for its culture of care, respect, and mutual support among pilgrims. Violent crime is rare, and while standard travel awareness is always recommended—particularly in larger cities—most travelers feel very comfortable on the Camino, including those walking solo.
The Camino Primitivo is quieter and more rural than other routes, but it is well-marked and supported, and you’ll be traveling with an experienced guide and group throughout the journey.
As with any adventure, listening to your body, staying hydrated, and respecting weather and terrain are the most important safety considerations. We strongly recommend travel insurance and encourage open communication with your guide if anything arises along the way.
The Camino Primitivo isn’t just safe—it’s deeply held.
It’s a route shaped by centuries of hospitality, shared effort, and quiet respect. When you walk it with intention, preparation, and community, safety becomes part of the rhythm rather than something to worry about.
If you ever have questions or concerns—before or during the trip—we’re here for you.
Accomodations
Where am i sleeping?
On this trip, you’ll stay in a mix of:
Charming rural inns
Village houses and small guesthouses
Occasionally historic palaces or more character-filled lodgings
All are pre-selected for comfort, authenticity, and location along the Camino. Expect:
Clean, comfortable rooms (double occupancy unless otherwise arranged)
Hot showers and normal bathroom facilities
Local hospitality and regional character (this is not a chain hotel experience—and that’s the point)
Mindfulness
What if I’ve never meditated?
Have no fear! No prior meditation or mindfulness experience needed.
Nature is the ultimate teacher. Just getting out into the great outdoors has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for your mental and physical health.
Your Root Tour Leader will provide you with simple and practical ways to keep your connection with nature, yourself, and your fellow travelers at the forefront of your experience.
But don’t worry, this won’t be a serious or quiet trip. At Root we see mindfulness as a way to participate in the ALIVENESS of life.
There will be moments you’ll be encouraged to observe silence, listen to nature, reflect on your internal experience or even possibly journal and share. And there will be many moments of raucous laughter, joyous storytelling, and playfulness. Our trips have a bit of everything!
Final Tips
Anything else I need to know?
A few parting pieces of wisdom to set you up well:
Pack lighter than you think. If you’re on the fence, don’t bring it.
Break in your shoes well before the trip—no brand-new boots at the airport.
Practice walking with your daypack loaded so your body knows the feeling.
Have a simple plan for jet lag so you’re not starting the Camino on empty.
Consider travel insurance that covers medical care, trip interruption, and weather-related changes.
Remember: no one gets a gold star for suffering. Speak up if you need to adjust, rest, or get support—that’s part of the pilgrimage, too.