Archive for May 2016

You haven’t experienced Ecuador if you don’t visit the immensely beautiful mountain landscapes of El Cajas National Park.

This soothing refuge about 20 miles from Cuenca, is a perfect sanctuary for body and soul.

All you need do is flag down a bus that takes you from Cuenca to El Cajas in an hour or so at the highly-affordable price of $2 per person.

This gateway to all things natural and breathtaking is guaranteed to take your worldly cares away and refresh your spirit.

High on the tundra

The best way to experience this one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure is by taking a guided tour that costs only$100 per person. The tour usually takes four hours, three of them devoted to hiking. Be prepared for pleasant surprises, as weather conditions may vary and extend the time you spend admiring this must-see place 12,000 feet above sea level.

Captivating views await you at every turn, so have your camera ready.

Waterproof clothing and boots are also essential, as the weather can change any time.

First aid supplies and the ever-present park rangers assure your safety throughout the tour.

And since all that waking and hiking will make you hungry, the tour includes a delicious meal for free in a cozy restaurant nearby.

Those who want to spend the night gazing at the shimmering sea of stars can always do so because El Cajas also offers overnight tours at $250 per person.

It does get chilly, so be sure to pack layers and layers of extra clothes and a blanket to keep you warm. The jaw-dropping view of the sunset through El Cajas’ valleys, however, will warm your spirits until the light of day kisses you awake.

You’ll even get a chance to see the Inca ruins.

You don’t want to miss this experience of a lifetime, do you?

Searching for more adventures in Ecuador? Head on over to our Services Page and find out more about other exciting things you can do in this exciting country.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Things to Do by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Your safety, whether on a short visit or a longer stay in Ecuador, is our top concern.

We want nothing more than for you to enjoy and experience all the beauty, fun, and exciting adventures Ecuador has to offer.

So we don’t want malaria, yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid and other diseases in the area to get you down. These dangerous diseases are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, and affect millions of people each year.

As a tropical country, Ecuador has its fair share of cases.

Fortunately, these diseases are preventable and curable, as the right treatments and/or vaccines to combat them already exist.

Check out our post on Staying Healthy in Ecuador

Below is a rundown of these diseases and its symptoms. See a doctor immediately if you recognize any of these warning signs during or after your visit.

Malaria

This life-threatening disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites from female Anopheles mosquitoes.

The first symptoms show up 7-15 days after infection.

Symptoms that may be mild and difficult to recognize are:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Vomiting

Get yourself treated within 24 hours as failure to do so may lead to death.

Avoid mosquito bites. Use repellants and insecticide-treated mosquito nets when going to sleep. Take anti-malaria pills before, during, and after your visit to Ecuador. Consult a travel doctor for more info.

Visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/ecuador for more info and a map of areas susceptible to the disease.

Yellow Fever

This acute hemorrhagic disease is transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes. Symptoms appear after 3 to 6 days.

Acute yellow fever has the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Headache
• Shivering
• Appetite loss
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Yellowing of skin and eyes
• Blood in vomit or feces

The most recommended prevention method is vaccination, which, according to international regulations, should be repeated once every 10 years as booster shots.

Treatment is symptomatic. Go to the hospital immediately.

Visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/ecuador for more info and a map of areas prone to yellow fever.

Hepatitis A

This viral liver diseases causes mild to severe illness and is spread through contaminated food, water, and direct contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain on the right side of the body, where the liver is
• Yellowing of skin and eyes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Malaise
• Dark urine

Hepatitis A vaccine and proper sanitation, plus food safety are great ways to stop the disease from ruining your day.

Typhoid Fever

This bacterial disease is transmitted through contaminated food or water and contact with infected organisms’ feces and urine.

These symptoms show up 1 to 3 weeks after infection, and range from mild to severe:

• High fever
• Malaise
• Headache
• Constipation
• Red spots on chest
• Enlarged spleen and liver
• Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics

Disease preventative measures include ensuring that food and water are safe, avoiding contact with stagnant ponds or rainwater and observing proper sanitation. Vaccination is highly recommended.

Knowing more about these diseases will enable us to take necessary precautions in preventing them so we can make better decisions in lowering our risk of infection. Show you care. Share this information with those who are planning their next adventure.

Filed under: Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Health by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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