Do I really need a heavy coat for Ecuador?

No. You need a layering system. A thick, heavy parka is useless; you want to be able to add or remove layers as you move between different altitudes.

How do I handle laundry while moving between climates?

Most hostels offer 'lavandería' services with 24-hour turnaround for about 2-3 USD per kilogram. Don't overpack; just plan to wash your clothes once a week.

Packing for Ecuador's Four Climates

Pack in layers using a modular system that combines moisture-wicking base layers, a reliable fleece mid-layer, and a high-quality waterproof shell. Because Ecuador spans the Andes, the Amazon, and the coast, you must be prepared to transition from 40°F (4°C) at night in the mountains to 85°F (29°C) in the jungle within a single day.

Build your base layer system. Bring three moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. Avoid cotton at all costs; if you get caught in an Andean downpour or jungle humidity, cotton stays wet for hours, which leads to chafing and rapid body heat loss.
Select your outer shell. Prioritize a lightweight, breathable rain jacket with a high water-column rating (10,000mm or higher). The rain in the cloud forest is persistent, and a cheap 'water-resistant' windbreaker will fail within 20 minutes.
Footwear strategy. Carry two pairs of shoes: a broken-in pair of waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for the volcanoes, and a pair of breathable trail runners or sandals for the coast and jungle. Never break in new boots on a trek.
Manage your modular warmth. Use a fleece or lightweight down jacket that packs down into its own pocket. You will wear this under your rain shell in Quito or the Cotopaxi region and strip down to your base layer once you descend into the Amazon basin.

Do I really need a heavy coat for Ecuador?: No. You need a layering system. A thick, heavy parka is useless; you want to be able to add or remove layers as you move between different altitudes.
How do I handle laundry while moving between climates?: Most hostels offer 'lavandería' services with 24-hour turnaround for about 2-3 USD per kilogram. Don't overpack; just plan to wash your clothes once a week.