Ecuador travel health tips

While Ecuador is generally safe for travelers, altitude sickness, mosquito-borne diseases, and food and waterborne illnesses are present, and should be prepared for. That is to say, having the right vaccinations, medication, and prevention strategies will keep you safe and healthy while exploring this extraordinary destination. Read on for detail on that very subject as we present our essential Ecuador travel health tips.

Pre-travel health check

First up in our Ecuador travel health tips, we suggest booking an appointment at a travel clinic (or your doctor's) at least eight weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses, so you shouldn’t leave it too late.

Also note that some necessary precautions will depend on where you plan to visit during your Ecuador itinerary. For example, if you’re heading to Andean regions like Quito, Otavalo or Cotopaxi, you’ll need to think about altitude sickness medication.

Essential vaccines for traveling to Ecuador

A key part of your how to plan a trip to Ecuador journey is to check vaccines are needed well ahead of your intended travel date, so you have plenty of time to get sorted and protected.

Which vaccines do you need?

Unless you’re arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country, there are no mandatory vaccines for entry to Ecuador. That said, several are strongly recommended:

Routine vaccines — check these are up to date

• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
• Polio
• Influenza
• COVID-19

Recommended travel vaccines

• Hepatitis A – transmitted via food or water
• Typhoid – especially important if you plan to visit rural areas
• Yellow Fever – recommended if you’re visiting Amazon regions.
• Hepatitis B – recommended for longer trips or healthcare exposure
• Rabies – recommended for long stays and remote areas (dogs, bats)

Want more practical information ahead of your trip? Read our Ecuador travel tips.

Pre-travel health checklist

Aside from sorting your vaccinations, here’s your essential pre-travel health checklist to help you enjoy a stress-free, safer trip to Ecuador.

Packing for a healthy trip

While we’re not suggesting you load up with a full pharmacy storeroom, coming armed with some essential is sensible, especially if you’re planning to venture off the beaten track, where stores and clinics might few and far between.

• Travel-sized first aid kit: this should include band-aids, antiseptic, pain medication and altitude sickness medication, if you’re heading to Andean regions like Quito, Otavalo or Cotopaxi.
• Oral rehydration salts: essential for if you get unlucky and get an upset stomach or heat exhaustion.
• Prescription medication: bring these in their original packaging, with copies of your prescription.
• High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
• Insect repellent: see below for detail on dealing with mosquitos.
• Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets.
• Light, long-sleeved clothing: essential for protection from the sun and insects.
• Hand sanitizer and wipes.

How to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses in Ecuador

Before going into the detail of how to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses in Ecuador, here’s an overview of the situation.

Ecuador has mosquito-borne illnesses including:

• Dengue fever (coastal lowlands and Amazon)
• Chikungunya
• Zika virus
• Malaria (mainly in Amazon regions, rarely in highland or Galápagos areas)
• Yellow fever (Amazon only)

These diseases are most common in tropical, low-lying areas, such as:

• The Amazon basin (e.g., Napo, Orellana, Sucumbíos)
• Coastal regions, including Esmeraldas and Manabí
• Guayaquil and surrounding areas (higher risk for dengue and Zika)

Malaria is present in certain low-lying, tropical areas of Ecuador, particularly in the Amazon basin. While the overall risk for travelers is low, it's essential to be aware of regional differences, and take preventive measures when visiting high-risk zones.

In the case of malaria, it’s mainly found in eastern Ecuador, particularly in rural, jungle areas at low altitudes, with Ecuador’s Amazon provinces among the country’s most high-risk regions.

Some coastal and northern lowland areas, such as parts of Esmeraldas and Manabí, may have occasional risk, but they’re far less affected than the Amazon.

Malaria prevention tips for travelers

Antimalarial medication is recommended for travelers visiting Ecuador’s Amazon regions — your doctor can advise.

Mosquito avoidance is key to staying safe, so you should use insect repellent with DEET, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, sleep under mosquito nets, especially in rural or forested areas, and try to stay in accommodation that has screened windows. Our guide to Ecuador accommodation could help you decide where to stay. 

In good news, Malaria isn’t a concern in Quito, Cuenca, and other highland cities, or in the Galápagos Islands, though dengue prevention is advised in warmer zones of the Andean region. More on that right below.

Overview of dengue fever in Ecuador

Dengue is common in coastal regions, lowland areas, and the Amazon basin, particularly in provinces like Guayas (Guayaquil), Manabí, Esmeraldas, and Napo.

Outbreaks are more frequent during the rainy season (typically February to May) when mosquito populations spike.

Look out for symptoms like high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, a sudden rash, nausea and fatigue.

Note that there’s no specific treatment for dengue fever — only symptom relief and rest — and while severe cases are rare, they can be life-threatening.

Overview of zika virus in Ecuador

Zika is also present in coastal and tropical lowland areas, with sporadic outbreaks.

Mild or asymptomatic in most people, it’s dangerous for pregnant women due to the risk of birth defects in infants.

Symptoms may include s mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis and joint pain Zika can be transmitted sexually, so protection is advised.

Summary of preventative measures for mosquito-borne illnesses

• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and reapply regularly.
• Wear long sleeves, trousers, and socks, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Sleep under a mosquito net in rural or jungle areas.
• Choose air-conditioned or screened accommodation where possible.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear, especially for Amazon trips.
• Avoid scented lotions and perfumes as they attract insects.
• If travelling to the Amazon, consult your doctor about anti-malarials and consider the yellow fever vaccine.

If you’ve flown to Quito from sea level, you may feel a bit woozy, sleepless and lethargic — normal symptoms of the acclimatization process the body undergoes over a few days as it adjusts to reduced levels of oxygen at altitude. 

Symptoms, which might also include breathlessness, needing to urinate frequently, fatigue and strange dreams, will abate naturally if you rest and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.

Acute Mountain Sickness 

Known as soroche in Ecuador, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) occurs when your acclimatization process doesn’t keep pace with your rate of ascent. 

It’s a debilitating and potentially dangerous condition caused by the reduced oxygen levels and atmospheric pressure at high elevations — if you plan to go much above 3000m you should be aware of the risks. 

Your gender and fitness have no bearing on whether you will develop AMS, but children are known to be more susceptible to AMS than adults. On that subject, if you're traveling with your familly, read our guide to visiting Ecuador with kids.

But back to the topic of AMS. Symptoms include headaches, nausea and extreme tiredness, dizziness, insomnia, confusion and a staggering gait. The best way to relieve the condition is also the simplest – lose altitude.

You can minimize the risks of developing AMS by ascending to high elevations slowly and allowing yourself to acclimatize – don’t be tempted to whizz straight up the nearest volcano without spending a night or two at altitude first. 

You should also avoid alcohol and salt, and drink lots of water or try the local remedy for altitude sickness, coca-leaf tea (mate de coca). A course of acetazolamide (Diamox) speeds up the acclimatization process, but this is a prescription-only drug in most countries, as it can be dangerous for people with heart conditions. 

It’s unlikely you’ll need this drug in Ecuador, but if you’re planning to go to very high elevations, you might consider it as a precaution.

Hypothermia

Sunburn and sunstroke are real risks under the rays of the equatorial sun, particularly at altitude, when the temperature is not necessarily that high but the thin air amplifies the harm done by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. 

Jungle and coastal boat rides can also be dangerous, as cool river or sea breezes disguise the effects of the sun as it is reflected off the water. 

So, use a high-factor sunscreen on all exposed skin, reapplying after bathing or exertion, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Also drink plenty of water, and consider taking a rehydration solution or adding more salt to your food to counterbalance the effects of excessive sweating.

In the rainforests, watch where you put your feet and hands, and don’t lean against trees. 

While Ecuador has its share of venomous snakes, bites are rare, and even if they do strike, there’s every chance they won’t inject any venom. 

In the unlikely event of snakebite, keep still, and get medical help as quickly as possible. 

In remote rainforest communities, following local knowledge may sometimes be better than spending hours getting to a hospital. Village doctors (curanderos) may know effective antidotes, and be able to prepare them quickly.

Ecuador has several active volcanoes, some of which periodically belch clouds of ash over the surrounding countryside. 

You can keep abreast of volcanic activity at Ecuador’s Instituto Geofísico, the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program and through local media, authorities and your embassy.

Food and water safety  

Here are essential tips for food and water safety in Ecuador.

First up, don’t drink tap water in Ecuador — stick to bottled water, or use a reputable water filter or purification tablets if trekking or staying in remote areas.

You should also avoid ice in drinks, unless you know it’s made from purified water, and use bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth.

It’s also wise to be cautious with street food — choose vendors with high turnover and clean preparation areas.

Also note that raw vegetables and salads may have been washed in tap water, so opt for cooked veggies or ask if purified water was used.

As a precaution, pack oral rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets and antidiarrheal medication.

While public hospitals (run by the Ministry of Public Health and IESS) are low-cost or free, private clinics are generally recommended for travelers due to higher quality, shorter wait times, and English-speaking staff.

So, bagging yourself a good travel insurance policy ensures you’re covered for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected mishaps, so you can enjoy your trip with more peace of mind. 

What to look for in an insurance policy

Trusted providers

We recommend Heymondo, who provide all types of traveler – from single-trippers, to long-stay digital nomads — with personal service, comprehensive cover and 24/7 support. 

Best clinics and hospitals for travelers in Ecuador

Quito

• Hospital Metropolitano – highly regarded private hospital with bilingual staff and good facilities.
• Hospital de los Valles – used by travelers staying in the Cumbayá/Valle de Tumbaco area.
• Axxis Hospital – modern, traveler-friendly, and often used by embassies.

Guayaquil

• Hospital Clínica Kennedy — large private hospital with a strong reputation.
• Hospital Alcívar — offers quality care and has 24-hour emergency services.

Cuenca

• Hospital Monte Sinaí — reliable private care with many English-speaking staff.
• Hospital Santa Inés — centrally located and known for efficient service.

Galápagos (Puerto Ayora)

• Hospital República del Ecuador — small public hospital for basic care.
• Galápagos Medical Center — a private clinic.

Emergency numbers in Ecuador

• General Emergency (Police, Fire, Medical) — 911 (nationwide, free, 24/7)
• Tourist Police (Policía de Turismo) — reachable via 911 or locally in major cities.
• Ambulance (Private hospitals) — each clinic has its own direct line, available on their websites.

Now you’re armed with helpful Ecuador travel health tips, you can focus on deciding which of the best things to do in Ecuador as you plan your trip.

Not keen on planning? Our local Ecuador travel experts can handle every last detail of your Ecuador itinerary, from curating your ideal trip plan, through to booking accommodation and transfers.