Ecuador is the second-smallest country in South America, but nowhere else on earth will you find so much natural diversity. In one day you see the Amazon Basin, volcanoes, cloud forests and the Pacific coast. You can spend your cash shopping at the awesome indigenous market in Otavalo or enjoy some of the world class trekking Ecuador offers (try the Quilatoa Loop).
Some fun facts: Ecuador exports 4.5 million tons of bananas a year, has had nine presidents since 1997 and its residents make a minimum wage of $148/month. Also, did you know that the Panama hat actually came from Ecuador??
Besides for all of the wonderful adventures you can have in Ecuador, as with any place you travel, there are a couple things you’ll need to look out for to stay safe. We’ve asked our friends in the adventure travel industry for their advice so have a read below and then please add in the comments section anything you think we might have missed.
1. When traveling to Ecuador, a thorough evaluation of the traveler’s immunization history is as important whether they are a child, adolescent or an adult. Routine immunizations can protect you while traveling to South America; and may even save your life.
– Jorge Castillo, Passport Health USA
2. Women, dress conservatively if you are bothered by catcalls. It’s still a macho culture. When in Rome, do as the Romans. So avoid miniskirts, spaghetti straps, etc. and no matter how athletic you are, take high altitude precautions seriously. Avoid alcohol, drink lots of water and steer clear of strenuous hikes your first few days.
– Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Globe Aware
3. Don't walk up to the virgin monument in Quito as many people who do get robbed. It's best to take a taxi to the monument for a great city view. Yellow fever has been on the rise in Ecuador, so be sure to vaccinate for this. There is a mustard scam in Ecuador, mostly in Quito. You will be walking down the street and will step on a package of mustard. One of the locals will come to help you clean the mustard off your pants and will also clean you out your wallet.
– Trish Sare, BikeHike Adventures
4. For the Galapagos: Don’t bring anti-malarial medicine. Although there are mosquitoes in Galápagos, none of them are carriers of malaria or dengue fever, so you don’t have to worry about bringing medicine. Parts of mainland Ecuador are risky for malaria and other ailments, so if your trip will take you to other parts of Ecuador, you may want medicine. Make sure you do bring sunscreen. The Galapagos gets very hot and sunny. Sunburn relief gel or ointment. In case you forget to apply the sunscreen. Also consider bringing seasickness medicine or check and see if your cruise has it. A motion sickness medicine called Mareol is available in Galapagos and mainland Ecuador pharmacies. The medical facilities in the Galapagos and pharmacies on Puerto Ayora are decent, if you are close to them. The town’s hospital offers basic medical services, but it is not very modern or well-stocked. The hyperbaric chamber/clinic offers 24-hour care for diving emergencies and serious burns. Dr. Gabriel Idrovo and Dr. Ramiro Lopez specialize in hyperbaric medicine, but they also provide general medical consultations during their regular office hours (9:30-13:30 and 15:30-19:30). Since it is a private facility that counts on only a small percentage of its funding from local scuba-diving operators, they may ask tourists that use the clinic to give a small contribution in addition to the $20-30 consultation fee.
– Carla Torres, Geovisions
5. Do explore the lesser known parks and mountains, but always consult a knowledgeable and credible local guide on trails & conditions, take a compass and not least, tell someone how long you’ll be gone for. Also, the best thing you can pack is a good rain jacket. The weather is very capricious in the mountains and podocarp rainforests.
– Christina Tunnah, World Nomads
Related Articles:
Petty Crime in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands Safety Guide
Learn some local lingo!
Of course, whenever you’re travelling to a foreign country its always helpful to know a bit o f the local language, Learn Spanish with WorldNomads Spanish Language Guide. Share your story! What did you learn in Ecuador and wish you had known before you left?
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