Camping

Camping is defined as an activity to spend time disconnecting from the city. At camping sites, you spend one or more nights under the stars and in a good shelter. During the day, admiring nature is a must, and connecting with oneself or others by doing hikes, fishing, bird-watching, or any other activity.

At night, you’ll admire the stars, try to find constellations, tell stories around a campfire, and fall asleep to the soundtrack of the woods. On camping trips, you’ll wake up to birds chirping and the smell of wood and grass. You may not have any other concern than to make coffee on your Moka. Then, think about where to hike. Connecting with nature must be the ultimate luxury of the modern world. Thus, camping is the perfect activity for every age!

When you visit Ecuador, you can upgrade your trip and go camping while experiencing the location. The forest, by a lake, on the beach… the world is your oyster! While visiting Ecuador, you can enjoy the mountains, the coast, the Amazon, and the Galapagos Islands!

San Rafael Waterfall

Why camping?

There are many reasons to plan a camping trip with friends or family. Camping has many benefits, such as developing a connection with nature, learning something new about the environment, or camping techniques. Plus, you can create stronger bonds with your camping group.

Benefits for your mental health

There is evidence that being outside has positive effects on specific psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Creating a connection with nature helps you to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase happiness. The outdoors can reduce negative emotions and promote social interactions. And even help generate a sense of meaning in life.

Did you know that after the COVID-19 pandemic, some health professionals started prescribing nature-based activities to treat mental health conditions and stress? Doctors recommend experiences in nature to treat diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Even so, when you’re surrounded by trees and fresh air, your body releases higher levels of serotonin.

How your body works in nature

Serotonin is a hormone that is essentially related to a person’s mood. For instance, when you have it at normal levels, you feel more focused, emotionally stable, and calmer. At the same time, it helps regulate bowel movements, and the production of melatonin, that as you know, is related to the quality of sleep.

The hormone is also related to cognitive functions, memory, and learning. Serotonin is one of the main hormones that relate to mental health in general. When you’re exposed to green open spaces, you feel less stressed. People perceive nature as more pleasant than built environments like cities. Thus, it lowers levels of cortisol.

Travelers Camping in the Amazon

On the other hand, spending time outside is not only about the connection with nature, but it’s also important that it boosts your immune system. Therefore, you get more vitamin D that comes from sunlight. And finally, camping requires some level of physical activity. For example, hiking to your camping site it’s a good exercise for you and your group.

You should also consider your sleep schedule. What does camping do to your sleep schedule? The body is biologically programmed to sleep when there’s no more sunlight. Thus, camping can reset campers’ natural sleep schedule. Therefore, a camping trip can ease your mental fatigue because it’s a change in your daily routine. You will feel like a break from your modern life and responsibilities.

Top 5 Camping Tours

Rebecca Adventure Travel offers distinctive opportunities to discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of Ecuador’s Mainland, the Galapagos Islands, Peru, and Colombia through immersive camping tours. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or a curious traveler, our camping tours will allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serene tranquility of wonderful destinations. Discover our top 5 camping tours and embark on an unforgettable camping journey, where the beauty of the great outdoors and the spirit of adventure harmoniously merge.

Disconnect from screens & detox from social networks

Science has shown that the more time you spend on screens and social media, there’s higher the risk of suffering mental health conditions like depression. Then, what about a camping experience? You’ll be completely disconnected. A camping site has little cell reception, and you’ll have a real connection with nature. Camping is a great way to unplug for a while. Detoxing from digital life is a way to focus on real life and social interactions without distractions.

Screens like laptops, tablets, and smartphones are a very important part of modern life. Sharing your daily activities and important moments on social media is the most common thing to do. Thus, seeing what others are doing, where they are spending their vacations, and how they are living is a daily activity for most people. One study conducted in Sweden found that heavy use of technology was linked to sleeping problems, depressive symptoms, and increased stress levels. So, as mentioned earlier, camping can help solve all these problems.

Connecting with nature while camping is a good way to distract yourself from the anxiety of leaving your digital devices behind. Walking around nature, enjoying it, and just connecting with it will help you forget about your emails and likes.

Travelers kayaking on a river in the Amazon

Effects of heavy use of social media and technology

As you may already know, there are negative effects of spending too much time on social media and heavy use of technology. Some of them are:

• Social anxiety.
• Fear of missing out.
• Affection in work/life balance.
• Isolation.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Eyestrain.
• Poor posture.
• Sleep problems reduce physical activity.

Camping allows you to connect with nature.

Close your eyes for a second. Imagine getting to your place to camp and setting up your tent. Then, try to feel as if you are enjoying the environment and surroundings. Do you feel inspired? People with a greater connection with nature are more likely to behave positively towards conservation, and their health and well-being.

Then, how can camping help you build connections with nature? The answer is very simple: you’ll be immersed on the spot. You’ll go back to basics: collect wood to start a bonfire, set up a tent, and cook in a very rustic way. Life is simpler while camping!

Paracas National Park Peru

The Biophilia hypothesis states that humans have an innate tendency to seek connection with nature and other forms of life. The appreciation of nature is a clear sign of this hypothesis, and people have it integrated into them. Nature itself has benefits for health in general. Humans need nature to be in good shape. For example, vitamin D, which comes from sunlight, is vital for the human body.

An incredible destination to connect with nature is to visit the Paracas National Reserve in Peru. There, you can experience the desert, the ocean, and visit the islands. Then, you can go deeper into the desert and visit the incredible Nazca lines.

Camping and outdoor activities allow you to unplug from modern city life

Camping trips allow you to change the pace of the rushed life in the city. City life can be very stressful. It’s difficult to enjoy your hobbies. There’s little time for yourself on your schedule, with work, social activities, and commuting.

Why not plan a camping trip? Where can you unplug from all the notifications, emails, and stress? Leave the kids running around your camping site. Just care about setting your fireplace while admiring the landscape and nature. The only time you’ll have your phone in your hands is to take a picture or film your surroundings. Your kids will also learn how to amuse themselves without technology, just with bugs, wildflowers, stars, and trees.

Nomad America’s jeeps are made for camping in Costa Rica!

What will change when you unplug from the city?

As you know, if you go on a camping trip, your scenario will change. Some of these things that you’ll change while camping are:

• The smoggy air from the city for amazing fresh air. Your lungs will thank you for this.
• The typical city soundtrack is full of car horns and sirens, for real nature sounds. Like the wind, maybe some bees, frogs, or water.
• No screens. The landscape is your new distraction.
• The city lights for stars during the night! Imagine watching the Milky Way!
• The commuting for hiking or biking around.
• Alarm clocks for birds’ chirping.
• The stress of having no time for having all the time in the world.
• Explore new restaurants and bars while exploring nature and its most interesting sites.

Rebecca’s Top Picks

Rebecca, the passionate founder of Rebecca Adventure Travel, has an unwavering passion for exploration. With an insatiable desire to discover new horizons, she continuously plans her next adventure. Discover her top camping tours, where each step unveils the beauty and thrill of extraordinary destinations.

Camping is a new way of exploring

This exploring part is up to you! You can explore the wilderness, experiment with new habits, and try new activities. You’ll be able to reconnect with yourself. You can explore nature, the surroundings, and even local communities. For example, some camping sites are super close to a local community, so on your way to it, you can get to know more about them.

Other ways of exploring while camping

Stargazing at Cotopaxi Camping

Try to explore your creativity by taking photos or drawing your surroundings. Thanks to the lack of technology, you’ll have nature to inspire you. Of course, since the city lights are so far away and the pollution, you can see the Milky Way galaxy. Maybe you can dive into the stars and try to find the constellations of Orion, Sagittarius, Ursa Major, and Minor. Another way of exploring is to discover places that tours usually don’t take you. Then, you can immerse yourself in another perspective of the country you’re visiting. On the other hand, you can explore some new skills you never knew you had in you. For instance, setting up a campfire, reading a map, and identifying types of trees. When you’re outdoors, you have to be resourceful and try to entertain yourself and others, learn to cook on the campfire or the stove. You’ll have to be in a problem-solving mindset to enjoy your trip.

Camping trips help you build stronger relationships and new traditions.

When you camp, you spend more time bonding with your camping partners. Another advantage of not having wifi or technology devices available is that you’re obligated to talk to them. You can start a new tradition with your kids. At the same time, build memories that will last a lifetime for them. Getting away from distractions and just spending time with nature is a whole experience for families. Also, camping with kids is an amazing experience!

For instance, if you go hiking, someone in the group will have to be in charge of the maps and the route. Others may be expert in flora and fauna. And there’s a 100% chance that you have a friend who is the influencer type that will be in charge of taking the pictures and videos for all of you.

Camping trips are most definitely one of the activities that will create more memories for you and for your loved ones.

Camping in Argentina

Camping gear

Since you won’t have a store near the camping site, you have to be prepared for this trip. So here’s a list of what you need for your camping trip.

Tent and sleeping bag

There are 2 things to consider when choosing a camping tent:

• Size: Since you want everybody to sleep comfortably, you have to take into account how many people are going to rest in your tent.
• Season: Most tents are three-season tents, which means they are good for spring, summer, and fall. A 4-season tent will also cover winter with extra protection for heat retention.

Ecuador doesn’t have defined seasons, and depending on where you are camping, it can rain cats and dogs. So, please ask the destination experts in advance. These conditions also apply to sleeping bags. They’re defined by a temperature range of 15 to 30 degrees (Fahrenheit). If you prefer to have some extra cushion, then you’ll need a sleeping pad that also gives you insulation to keep you warmer.

Flashlights

You can’t forget a flashlight when you go camping! It’s a must. Otherwise, how do you plan to go to the bathroom? Another option is a headlight if you like to go for a night’s walk to watch your steps. Also, you can have an infrared flashlight that will help you to see some nocturnal animals like frogs, birds, and other animals. Don’t forget the batteries and power banks. If you’re a nature lover, you’re going to take pictures of everything and will want to see everything.

Night excursions with flashlights

Cooking and camping kitchen

Lunch at Community Camp

A camp stove and its fuel are the first things you should take to your camping site. Or something to start a campfire to cook, if this is the case, you can’t forget about the matches or lighter. Remember to pack drinkable water, cookware, and utensils. Depending on your camping menu, all the dishes are needed.

Keep in mind the leave-no-trace policy. Since you don’t know how the bin situation is at your camping site. You have to always think that most likely you will have to take all the trash with you until you find somewhere to put it. Also, think that the fewer things you’ll have to carry with you. So keep your menu as simple as possible.

The right clothing

You already know about the right clothing for every season. But when you go camping, it’s a little bit different,because some camping sites are warmer during the day and colder during the night. So, you have to be prepared for that. Also, about the footwear, if you’re going hiking, you’ll need hiking boots, and don’t forget the right socks! You don’t want blisters during your camping trip.

The more you know about your camping site, the more prepared you’ll be. If you’re camping somewhere with a lake close by, you’ll need a towel and swimming stuff. Also, warm fleece is always a good idea, along with a waterproof jacket. Please note that you won’t have a place to buy the things you might miss, and also keep packing light since you’ll have to carry it. And don’t forget an extra pair of socks and underwear. You never know what might happen when you’re trying to grow a connection with nature.

Travelers are reaching the lake in the mountains.

As you know, camping sites have different rules depending on where they are located. For example, some places have strict policies regarding campfires. So here’s a list of what to do and do when camping. All this is just to keep you safe.

Do’s

Just to make everything easier for you, here’s a list of your dos

Don’ts

• Don’t forget your camping essentials and medication! Including your allergy medication.
• Don’t leave food unattended. This is to avoid unwanted animal encounters.
• Don’t let your kids run around by themselves an other campsites.
• Don’t bring firewood from another location. Remember to follow the campsite rules.
• Don’t bring anything you want, like a tablet or technology.

How to choose a place

Do you want to go camping on your vacation abroad? If the answer is yes, then follow these 5 questions. Also, keep in mind that if you’re in a foreign country, there might be incredible options, mountains, forests, jungles, and beaches to go camping! Of course, this is the case in Ecuador. You can camp in the incredible Andes and wake up on a volcano hill, or you can experience a true Amazonian jungle experience and feel all the sounds of nature. Or you can wake up to the sound of the sea while camping in the Galapagos Islands!

Hacienda el Porvenir

How to decide on a destination

The options are endless here! But first, there are a few questions that you need to answer.

How far would you like to travel?

Despite the size of the country, the roads might be a little bit tricky, especially if you’re traveling during the rainy season. Choose your destination wisely; otherwise, you’re going to spend half a day in a car. Yes, there are incredible landscapes and small towns where you can stop and relax your body, but either way, you have to get to your camping site before nightfall!

What are you looking for?

Quiet time with your camping group? Getting to know other campers? Learn more about the local community. Depending on your preferences and planned activities, you can choose from different campsites.

What type of camping works for you and your group?

If you’re camping abroad, the chances that you took your tent and sleeping bag with you are very small. So maybe a tent type is out of the discussion, but luckily for you, there’s glamping, and cabin style also.

Weather

This is very important to choose your camping destination. Maybe you don’t want to experience the cold wind from the Andes, or you don’t like the humidity of the rainforest. That’s on you, but one thing is sure that wherever you choose to go camping, you’re going to have an incredible time.

Leave your camping site better than you found it.

Always try to minimize the impact of your visit. Remember that animals, insects, and maybe people live there or use its resources, so try to be considerate to others.

Tent placement

After deciding where your camping destination is going to be, you have to choose a good camping site. Here are a few things to consider to placing your tent.

• The size of your campsite, you might need some space to place your tent and your campfire.
• Level of the floor. You don’t want to place your campsite on a hill. Otherwise, you’re going to slide right out of your bed or have blood rushing to your head. If you don’t find a flat spot, then try to find the smallest hill and place your head up it.
• Find a dry place. You don’t want to wake up in a puddle at 2 a.m Also, wet ground is more thermally conductive.
• Maybe with some shelter. Trees or rocks might be good protection against the wind and provide some shade. But make sure no dead branches are hanging over your tent.
• Avoid some dangerous places, like those that could get flooded. Near animal trails or prime habitats, and danger zones for natural hazards. Insect breeding grounds.

Luxury Camping Tent

Camping styles

Now, traditional camping is not for everyone. Some people need to have a bedtoiletses, and a kitchen to enjoy their vacations. But, don’t worry, if you’re one of those people, there are types of camping for you too.

Popular places to go camping in Ecuador

Thanks to all the biodiversity and different ecosystem,s there are so many places to go camping in Ecuador! Depending on how you want your experience to be and what you want to know. Please contact the Rebecca Adventure Travel destination experts so they can get you everything you ned, and recommend the best camping destination according to your needs and travel schedule.

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Frequently Asked Questions