HEALTH
Inoculations
If you plan to only travel to the Galápagos Islands or Quito, you require no vaccinations. However, if you plan to visit mainland Ecuador—especially the coastal regions or the Amazon—speak to your doctor about recommended vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your trip.
The Centers for Disease Control advises travelers to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before traveling. These vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), and the yearly flu shot.The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a list of routine and recommended travel vaccines you can look into further for traveling to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
Seasickness
While the Galápagos waters generally remain calm, some travelers are susceptible to seasickness or motion sickness. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, or even unsure, we recommend bringing some sort of seasickness medication with you.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Taking out an insurance policy before traveling protects against injury, illness, loss and theft. While a travel insurance policy covers for loss of tickets, baggage, cancellations, etc., many exclude activities listed as “dangerous activities”; an additional premium can be paid, but it’s important to read the fine print.
In the Galápagos Islands, these activities can include scuba-diving, trekking, and windsurfing. Kayaking, however, is generally not considered a potential “dangerous sport.”
As always, we recommend keeping receipts for medical treatment and/or medicines; also, obtain a statement from the police in the unlikely event of needing to make a claim of loss.