Travel tips ecuador
Clothes
Pack your backs according to the region you’re travelling to. There are, however, a few things that we recommend you to bring when you are travelling through Ecuador. These are:
A pair of water-proof pants, pair of shorts, sweaters, T – shirts, swim suit, water-proof jacket, polar fiber/ fleece type jacket, hat, sports shoes, sandals, hiking boots if you plan to go hiking, rubber boots if you plan to visit the jungle or walk through muddy trails.
Other personal objects
Sunglasses, sunblock (15 or higher), insect repellent (with Deet), first-aid kit, a small back pack (for daily use) a flashlight with extra batteries, toilet articles, toilet paper, a plastic wide rimmed water bottle, and a few plastic garbage bags.
You can decide to buy everything you need in your home country, but if you like to travel light or find out that you are missing something, you can buy almost everything you need in Ecuador too.
Money and prices
The budget traveller will be able to find cheap accommodation and meals and will be able to travel cheaply using public transport. On the other hand, the traveller who is looking for more luxury can find any level of luxury he or she is looking for. Below is a list of what you can expect to pay for accommodation and meals:
| Budget room |
US$4-15 |
| Mid-range hotel |
US$15-70 |
| Top-end hotel |
From US$70 |
| Budget meal |
US$1-5 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal |
US$5-30 |
| Top-end restaurant meal |
US$30-50 |
Tipping is expected by tour guides, porters and other tourist industry workers, though not by taxi drivers. If you want to tip your server, give the money to them directly - don't just leave it on the table.
Health
It is true that most people travelling in South America for some time are likely to get an occasional upset stomach. If you take the appropriate precautions, however, you are unlikely to become seriously ill. Most guide books and doctors will give you a long list of precautions to take and medicines to bring. We will only give the most important tips.
Vaccinations
The following is the most important pre-departure precaution you should take. A vaccination is not asked for when entering the country, but, for health reasons, it is strongly advised. The vaccinations you will probably have to take are: yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A+B. Your home doctor will be able to provide you with more information on vaccinations you should take, as advice differs with country of departure. Make sure that you take your vaccinations on time, as they sometimes need a few weeks before they are fully effective.
First-aid Kit
During your trip, it is good to allways carry a little medical kit. Next to your personal medication, a kit should include:
- Aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen in the US) - for pain or fever.
- Antibiotics - useful if you're travelling well off the beaten track.
- Loperamide (eg Imodium) or Lomotil for diarrhoea
- Prochlorperazine (eg Stemetil) or metaclopramide (eg Maxalon) for nausea and vomiting.
- Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhoea; this is particularly important if travelling with children.
- Antiseptic such as povidone-iodine (eg Betadine) for cuts and grazes.
- Multivitamins - especially for long trips when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate.
- Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer (note that mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines).
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, chap stick and water purification tablets. Cold and flu tablets and throat lozenges. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed) may be useful if flying with a cold to avoid ear damage.
Water & Drinks
Water & Drinks
The number one rule is of course don't drink tap water, and that includes ice. If you don't know for certain that the water is safe, always assume the worst. Reputable brands of bottled water or soft drinks are generally fine, although in some places bottles refilled with tap water are not unknown.
Water that has been boiled is safe (the simplest way of purifying water is to boil it thoroughly for five minutes) to drink. Tea and coffee therefore are usually safe to drink too, as the water has to be boiled.
Altitude
As Quito and many other parts of Ecuador are located at a very high altitude, many tourists experience a minor form of altitude sickness when arriving. Most travellers experience no more than shortness of breath, more need of sleep or minor headaches. If, however, one travels to very high altitudes, one might experience more severe symptoms, such as vomiting, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, a rapid pulse or irregular breathing when sleeping. The best thing to do against altitude sickness, is to travel slowly and take it easy during the first few days to give your body chance to adapt. |
