Ecuador
Ecuador straddles the Equator with Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Galapagos Islands. It also has one of the world's highest active volcanoes and the Amazon rainforest.
The climate varies with the country’s geographical extremes, from warm on the coast to cooler in the mountains.
![]({"file":"fbcf3e1c-d8d3-4a68-9891-2270b0d71849.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Ecuador")
Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
With the opportunity to immerse oneself in World Heritage sites comes a risk of tropical disease and illness which can spoil a well-meaning traveller's holiday. Consult a travel doctor prior to departure to assess your risks in relation to your medical history and travel plans. Our doctors prescribe appropriate vaccinations and medications that may minimise your risk of contracting potentially deadly diseases while you are away.
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Safe Eating and Drinking Practices
One of the great pleasures of travel is sampling the local cuisine. However, contaminated food and beverages are a common cause of traveller’s diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Safe eating and drinking practices are essential in minimising your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea.
Insect Avoidance
In many countries, insects carry dangerous diseases. While mosquitoes pose the main risk to travellers, bites from sand flies, ticks, fleas and bedbugs can also transmit diseases. Ensure you are prepared and read up on our insect avoidance tips.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), should be a consideration for some high altitude treks in Ecuador. It is important to discuss your itinerary with a doctor experienced in travel medicine so they can provide treatment for, and minimise the risk of altitude sickness.
Health Risks
The following diseases are known to occur in the area:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")