Ecuador Travel Guide

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Ecuador Health Care and Vaccinations

Title	Special precautions
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Sometimes*
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	Sometimes**


* Malaria risk exists throughout the year below 1,500m (4,920ft), with moderate to high transmission in El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabí, Morona Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha and Sucumbíos. There is no malaria risk in Guayaquil or Quito. ** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over one year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Vaccination is recommended for travel to areas east of the Andes, particularly in Amazon regions. There is no yellow fever risk in Quito, Guayaquil or the Galápagos Islands.

* Malaria risk exists throughout the year below 1,500m (4,920ft), with moderate to high transmission in El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabí, Morona Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha and Sucumbíos. There is no malaria risk in Guayaquil or Quito.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over one year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Vaccination is recommended for travel to areas east of the Andes, particularly in Amazon regions. There is no yellow fever risk in Quito, Guayaquil or the Galápagos Islands.

Healthcare standards in Ecuador vary by region. Major cities such as Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca have private clinics and hospitals offering good levels of care, while facilities in small towns and remote areas can be limited. Travellers visiting the Amazon or highland villages should be prepared for basic medical services and longer travel times in the event of an emergency. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for those planning adventure activities or visiting the Galápagos Islands.

Altitude sickness can affect travellers arriving quickly in highland cities such as Quito or Cuenca, especially if coming directly from sea level. Symptoms usually ease with rest, hydration and gradual acclimatisation. Those with respiratory or heart conditions should seek medical advice before travelling to high altitudes.

Food and drink:

Tap water safety varies, and bottled or filtered water is advisable in most areas. Food prepared fresh in reputable restaurants and busy markets is generally safe, though caution is recommended with raw dishes or street foods in less hygienic settings.

Travellers heading to the Amazon should take extra precautions with drinking water and insect protection.

Other risks:

Insect-borne diseases: Apart from malaria, other mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya occur in lowland and coastal areas, particularly during the rainy season. There are no vaccines for these diseases, so travellers should use insect repellent, wear long sleeves in the evenings and choose accommodation with screens or air-conditioning.

Sun exposure: Ecuador's position on the equator means UV levels are high throughout the year, even on cloudy days. In the highlands, the combination of altitude and strong sunlight increases the risk of sunburn and dehydration. Sunscreen, hats and regular hydration are advisable, especially during outdoor activities.

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