Ecuador Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Ecuador carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain provinces below 5,000 feet elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccines are up to date, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Ecuador who haven't been vaccinated. Infants 6-11 months should also get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also consider getting vaccinated.
Measles
Measles cases are increasing worldwide. All travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Ecuador, especially if you're staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs and bats in Ecuador. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll be around animals or in remote areas where treatment might not be readily available.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you're going to areas east of the Andes Mountains below 7,550 feet elevation. It's required for entry if you're coming from certain South American countries or have been in DRC/Uganda.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in certain provinces below 5,000 feet elevation. Take antimalarial medication if visiting Cotopaxi, Esmeraldas, Morona-Santiago, Orellana, Pastaza, or Sucumbíos provinces. No risk in Quito, Guayaquil, or Galápagos Islands.
Altitude Sickness
Quito (2,850m), Papallacta (3,300m); volcanic highlands; hydrate and avoid alcohol first days.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Amazon region, Esmeraldas; low risk in Quito, Guayaquil, Galápagos.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in certain provinces below 5,000 feet elevation. Take antimalarial medication if visiting Cotopaxi, Esmeraldas, Morona-Santiago, Orellana, Pastaza, or Sucumbíos provinces. No risk in Quito, Guayaquil, or Galápagos Islands.
Emergency numbers
Police
911
Medical / Ambulance
911
Fire
911
U.S. Embassy
+57-1-275-2000
Ecuador travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Ecuador?▼
For travel to Ecuador, Routine vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Chikungunya, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Ecuador?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Ecuador. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Ecuador?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Ecuador is currently rated moderate risk. Ecuador carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain provinces below 5,000 feet elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)
What are the emergency phone numbers in Ecuador?▼
Key emergency numbers in Ecuador are Police 911, Medical / Ambulance 911, Fire 911 and U.S. Embassy +57-1-275-2000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
Argentina carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Bolivia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Chikungunya, Hepatitis A. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)
Brazil carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Brazil. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.