General Information about Safety:

 

Taking certain precautions and obtaining information about places to be visited is advisable for any type of travel.  While Ecuador is considered a safe and peaceful country, free of violence and terrorism, some basic measures must be taken to avoid being the victim of theft or personal attack.

 

Never walk or venture alone at any time, especially at night, along solitary, poorly-lit or unfamiliar locations - including beaches - far from main streets or areas populated by people and activities. Never display, at any time, expensive watches, accessories or large amounts of money in cash.

 

Never accept free rides or enter vehicles which are not authorized public service providers, such as licensed taxis (recognizable by their yellow color and externally displayed plates and other details).  Executive taxi services use vehicles other than yellow, but only  take these if called by your Hotel or tour operator.  They are provided by a safe and reliable operator.

 

Never accept drinks, meals or candies from strangers, even from apparently friendly persons. They may contain substances inducing unconsciousness and lead to theft or other abuse.

 

Avoid public buses in the main cities, except special services with specifically allocated terminals such as the Trolebus, Ecovía or Metrobus in Quito and the Metrovía in Guayaquil. When traveling within cities and towns, only use reliable and well-known bus companies.  Seek advise on operators from your hotel or tour operator. Whenever possible, avoid traveling at night by road.

 

Avoid crowded places and public vehicles.  Keep your identification documents, cash, credit cards and other valuables as safe and discrete as possible.

 

Documents:

 

Always carry a color photocopy of your passport whenever you go out, day or night, and leave the original in a safety deposit at your hotel. When traveling to another city you must carry the original document.  Keep a photocopy separate, while leaving another copy at the place you plan to return afterwards (if applicable). Passport photocopies must contain the identification pages and the page bearing the entry seal to Ecuador stamped upon your arrival.

 

All persons entering Ecuador as tourists must be in possession of a passport with least 6 months validity after arrival.  Don’t forget to check this detail prior to your departure.

 

If you are planning to rent a car, you must be in possession of your country of origin’s driving license bearing your photograph. Otherwise, you may have to obtain or present an international driving permit.

 

Clothing and Accessories:

 

Clothes become dirty while traveling, so easily washable and dryable articles are recommended. All luxury and high-class tourist hotels and as well as country hostels and similar category inns offer one-day laundry and/or pressing service but hours are limited and service is not always available at weekends and holidays.

 

Shoes can be purchased in most large and middle-sized cities. However, some larger or smaller sizes may not be available. It is best to bring your own back-up footwear.

 

For rainy and cold weather, waterproof raincoats and/or windbreakers are useful, as well as warm woolen sweaters or pullovers. The Indian and artisan markets offer good quality and comfortably priced hand-knitted sweaters which will not only keep you warm but are also great souvenirs and even fashionable items in many places.

 

A hat or cap is always useful to keep your head warm and shield you from the equatorial sun. Sunglasses are also recommended for protection against the strong UV rays at equatorial latitudes.

 

Certain articles, such as camera film, batteries or medicines are not always available at remote places. Make sure to bring sufficient quantities with you.

 

Light and fresh clothing is essential in the Amazon region, preferably of cotton or similar non-synthetic materials, and easy to dry. Windbreakers and rain ponchos are recommended (some operators or lodges provide these locally). For outings in the rainforest, high rubber boots are most appropriate, and these are usually provided by most lodges and local tour operators. However very large and children’s sizes are not always available. Insect repellent is essential for this region.  Stock up in your hometown or in one of Ecuador’s principal cities, such as Quito or Guayaquil, before embarking on your Amazon trip.

 

For the coast and Galapagos, light and fresh clothing are appropriate, as well as sun protection (high factor sun block, hats, sunglasses, etc). Swimwear and comfortable walking shoes are also necessary as well as insect repellent.

 

Food and beverage:

 

Always drink bottled water, certified for human consumption (check the sanitary registry on the label). Special precaution should be taken with fruit juices, especially if diluted with water. Always ask or check that the origin and preparation complies with sanitary regulations and practices. Food and beverages served at luxury and high-class hotels, tourist lodgings and restaurants are usually safe.

 

Always check the origin and preparation of ready-made food (avoid if in doubt) on sale in open markets or poorly maintained establishments. Make sure you inform restaurants of any allergies you have.  Carry anti-allergic medicines prescribed by your personal doctor as well as medication for intestinal problems and diarrhea.

 

Drink only pasteurized milk.

 

Luggage:

 

Two suitcases are recommended, one for use on the next section of your trip and one for storing articles you will not use.  This may be left at the hotel to which you are planning to return (if applicable).

 

Bringing a small daypack to carry accessories and articles necessary for one-day outings is also recommended.

 

Travel Insurance:

 

A travel insurance policy is advisable, regardless of the means of transportation you may use. Policies usually cover possible medical expenses, accidents, lost or stolen baggage and even flight delays and cancellations. Choose the one most suitable and convenient for your interests. You should verify that the insurance covers air ambulance, helicopter rescue and air repatriation.

 

Keep in mind that most insurance policies do not recognize expenses arising from diseases or preexisting conditions at the time of buying the insurance. In general, air tickets and some travel services paid for using credit cards usually offer travel insurance for accidents and other eventualities, although with some limitations. So make sure you obtain the most suitable travel insurance for your needs.

 

Vaccines, Illness and Medicines:

 

Inquire about vaccines well before departing for Ecuador.  Such must be taken well in advance of your traveling dates.  Occasionally, several doses are required.  Care must also be taken with medicines that cannot be taken together with other vaccines or medicines or those that must be avoided by pregnant women or persons with allergies.

 

Children and elderly persons are more vulnerable to diseases, so special precautions should be taken. While Ecuador does not require an updated International Vaccines Card, consult your doctor on the need to be vaccinated against the following diseases: Cholera, Diphtheria,  Tetanus, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis A and B and Yellow Fever.  As of February 2008, a Yellow Fever vaccine is required when traveling to the Amazon region.

 

Make you have sufficient supplies of medicines taken on a regular basis.  Take into account possible delays since some may not be available in Ecuador.  Keep the medicine label or box as it may help to find a similar generic medicine if necessary.  Carry your doctor’s prescription to substantiate your legitimate need for such medicines.

 

Quito, Guayaquil and other large and middle-sized cities have modern and well-equipped hospitals and medical centers. Other, more remote areas, may have more limited medical services. Most popular tourism destinations, lodging establishments and/or tour operators have contingency plans to evacuate persons in need of more specialized attention arising from illness or accident.

 

High Altitude:

 

The absence of oxygen, particularly over 2,500 meters above sea level, may produce moderate to severe effects, although the latter is unusual.  Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours to 3 days. Lighter symptoms include headache, sleepiness, vertigo, insomnia or lack of appetite. In such cases, it is best to rest a couple of days at the same altitude to adjust, avoid long walks or climbing stairs, strenuous exercise or eating or drinking in excess.  Drinking natural liquids (mainly water or fruit juices) is also recommended, together with light meals with sufficient carbohydrates.  Avoid alcoholic beverages and tranquilizers. If symptoms persist, you should call a doctor.

 

Useful Emergency and Principal Service Numbers:

 

For international phone calls, use the following formula:  00 + country code + local code + user number.

 

GUAYAQUIL AIRPORT INFO:                      (04) 216-9000

QUITO AIRPORT INFO:                              (02) 294-4940

EMERGENCIES                                                          911

POLICE                                                                     101

FIRE DEPARTMENT                                                    102

PHONE INFO QUITO                                                  100

PHONE INFO GUAYAQUIL                                           104