What vaccines do I need for Ecuador?

Required: Yellow Fever (required for entry if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country; proof may also be required for entry into Galapagos National Park). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever (recommended for travel to Amazon provinces below 2,300 m elevation), Rabies (for travelers with potential animal contact in rural or jungle areas), Malaria prophylaxis (for Amazon basin travel).

Is tap water safe to drink in Ecuador?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Ecuador. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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South America

Ecuador Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Ecuador's health risk profile varies dramatically by geography. The Amazon basin provinces carry risks for malaria, dengue, and yellow fever, while high-altitude cities like Quito and Cuenca are largely free of vector-borne diseases. The Galapagos Islands present minimal infectious disease risk. Food and waterborne illness is common throughout the country, and altitude sickness is a real concern for travelers arriving quickly to Quito at 2,850 meters.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Ecuador

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required for entry if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country; proof may also be required for entry into Galapagos National Park)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Yellow Fever (recommended for travel to Amazon provinces below 2,300 m elevation)
Rabies (for travelers with potential animal contact in rural or jungle areas)
Malaria prophylaxis (for Amazon basin travel)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Ecuador

Malaria Risk

Present in Amazon basin provinces including Esmeraldas, Morona-Santiago, Orellana, Pastaza, and Sucumbios at elevations below 1,500 m. Quito, Cuenca, and the Galapagos Islands are malaria-free. P. vivax predominates; chemoprophylaxis with atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline is recommended for Amazon travel.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Bottled or purified water is strongly recommended throughout, including for brushing teeth. Ceviche from reputable, established restaurants is generally safe. Avoid raw produce washed in tap water and food from street stalls where hygiene is uncertain.

Key Health Tips for Ecuador

Visit a travel medicine clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure to allow time for vaccine series.
Pack prescription malaria prophylaxis if your itinerary includes Amazon lowlands below 1,500 m.
Acclimatize gradually if flying directly into Quito; limit strenuous activity for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Use EPA-registered DEET or picaridin repellents and wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk.

Disease Risks in Ecuador

Official Resources

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