Should I carry my passport with me while visiting Ecuador?

It is recommended to make two photocopies of your passport, airline tickets, tour documents, traveler’s  check numbers and airline itinerary, so you can leave one copy at home with a friend or relative, and bring one with you separately from the originals.
It is essential that you carry your passport at all times in Ecuador. However, you can leave the original in the safe box at your hotel and carry copies when on a day trip. While you are in Galapagos you can leave all your belongings in your cabin. However, if you plan to use traveler’s checks in Puerto Ayora you will need your passport.