Tips for Travelers and Photographers in Ecuador
Keep hydrated
You will be sweating more then normal. You will be breathing very dry air… Drink lots of water. There are many safe brands of water available. Always have a full bottle with you.
There are two schools of thought on how to drink.
One is to consume a large quantity at one time, usually before and after your hike.
The second thought is to take a mouthful or two every 10 minutes or so.
I do both…. the large quantity fills my system, while the sips keep my mouth and throat wet.
Bugs
The forests are full of them…. Most of them don’t care about us, but there are some that do bite. Have a bug control system worked out…. Spray… Long sleeves… Let them bite me… Just plan ahead.
There are lots of locations where bugs are not an issue but we travel to one or two locations where it is a concern.
Look at your eyepeice
Look at your Eyepiece before you bring it up to your eye… Especially after you have set your camera down. You never know what insect may have decided to land there.
Watch were you walk
Just because the rock you are about to step on has been there for millions of years, don’t expect it to hold you weight.
There are snake, who don’t want to have anything to do with you, but might get upset if you startle them.
The sidewalks, and trails have a tremendous number of trip hazards.
Be Careful with your equipment
Your camera costs can be more than some people make in a year. It can be very tempting for someone who is struggling to feed their family. Keep an eye on your, and other peoples gear. In the larger cities there are people who prey on tourists, but in the smaller locations it is usually crimes of opportunity.
Weather
The weather in Ecuador can be hot dry and sunny, hot humid and sunny, hot and raining, cool and overcast, cool and damp, cool and raining, cold and wet. In the Andes you can find all of this…sometimes within an hour or two. Plan for this with your clothing choices.
Travelers Diarrhea
A very unplesant topic, and experience. When you travel anywhere you are exposed to differences which can upset your system. Bottled water, cooked food, washing hands after touching animals and using hand sanitizer can cut down on the chances of getting this. But you should plan on getting it, so that it will not spoil your trip.
Bring medication to deal with this… Industrial strength. ( As a Canadian I like the life brand anti- Diarrhea pills…. they work for me, but they may not do the job for you)
The important thing is, when you get hit with this, is to increase your liquid intake. If you stop peeing then you are in trouble!!!!
Ecuador Tourism site..Stay healthy
Ecuador Tourism Site…Safe Travel