Ecuador
From the luxuriant Amazon forest to the truly unique Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is a haven for nature lovers. The small South American country displays an astonishing array of plants and animals, often rare and endemic, like massive tortoises, marine iguanas and countless species of colorful birds. The mythical Andes mountain range and its snow topped conic volcanoes offer a fantastic scenery, while remote indigenous villages contrast with picturesque colonial vestiges and modern cities. Ecuador may not have as many archaeological wonders as some of its neighboring countries… But no other place on Earth can compete with its natural treasures.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Risk of Zika in this Country. Learn More >>
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
ECUADOR – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating” |
| Hepatitis B | Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Chagas Disease | Presence. All travelers should protect themselves against triatomine bugs. |
| The Yellow Fever Vaccine | A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/ith/ith- |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Suprax. |
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
MEDICAL CARE
In Ecuador, it is difficult to find medical services outside the major cities of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Even the most basic health care is not always available in remote areas. The country only has a few public hospitals. Foreigners usually go to the private Metropolitano Hospital in Quito, the capital city. This modern infrastructure has adequate medical equipment and numerous specialized services. Be aware that in the Galapagos Islands, medical care is extremely limited. In case of decompression sickness from scuba diving, a private decompression chamber is available to the public on Santa Cruz Island. Evacuation to the mainland may be necessary in certain cases since there are no cardiology or surgery facilities on Galapagos Islands.
Pharmacies are usually well stocked in Ecuador, though it is always safer to bring your own medication, especially if you intend to travel in remote areas.
In case of emergency in Quito:
For an ambulance call:
ADAMI at 2265-020 or 2269-247
UTIM at 2553-415/ 2562-608.
Be aware that ambulance services are limited.
For direct communication with the Hospital Metropolitano in Quito: 1-800 hmetro (463876)
SECURITY ABROAD
Travel to and within areas immediately bordering Colombia is dangerous due to the presence of drug traffickers and criminal organizations. The risk of violence, kidnappings, armed assaults and extortion is high.
ECUADOR – QUITO
Today
17.6°C
Tonight
13.0°C
Fri
18.1°
Sat
17.2°
Sun
17.6°
Mon
17.3°
Tue
17.9°
Wed
17.6°
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 911 for emergency assistance
