Ecuador Travel Health

Travel Health

Medical facilities are available in most of Ecuador's major towns and cities but are not common in regional areas. Payment will be required in cash before treatment and travel insurance is highly recommended.

As in most tropical regions of the world, there are a number of endemic diseases common to Ecuador and travelers should be aware of the risks. Dengue fever and Malaria, both mosquito-borne viruses, are not unknown in the tropical regions of the country and appropriate precautions should be taken when visiting these areas.

With the exception of travellers arriving from regions with Yellow Fever, vaccinations are not required for visitors, however, up-to-date Tetanus and Hepatitus shots are recommended.

Ecuador has a relatively low crime-rate but travelers are advised to avoid the regions bordering Columbia.

Theft is not uncommon in the cities so common-sense precautions should be taken to avoid loss of property, particularly at night.

Ecuador's volcanoes are poorly monitored and travelers are advised to avoid the Tungurahua volcano near Baños, which erupted as recently as February 2008.

For emergency services in Ecuador, dial +911; for police, +101; and for fire, +102.

We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.