Many schools from across the UK will be sending students out on trips and expeditions during the course of the summer holidays. Those whose parties will be visiting the South American country of Ecuador, famed for its mountains, national parks, wildlife and cultural experiences, should take note of new travel advice issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
Around 26,500 British nationals, including many school groups, visited Ecuador in 2014. Most visits are trouble free. However due to recent volcanic activity in the region, the FCO currently advise against all travel within the 20km exclusion zone along the border with Colombia except for the official border crossing town of Tulcan in Carchi province. See Local travel.
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the areas of Tarapoa and the Cuyabeno reserve outside the 20km zone in Sucumbios. See Local travel
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the areas of El Angel Ecological Reserve inside the 20 km exclusion zone in the province of Carchi. See Local travel
There are a number of active volcanoes in Ecuador. You should not climb the Tungurahua, Reventador, Chiles and Cerro Negro volcanoes due to renewed volcanic activity. See Volcanoes
Cases of armed robbery are increasing and petty crime is common. See Crime
Before you travel ensure your insurance is valid and covers all eventualities. Check with your travel and/or expedition provider too as they will have contacts in Ecuador who have further up to the minute information.
Take care whilst in country, and ensure you have a way of keeping up to date with this fluid situation while you are on the ground.
