Photo by: Ben Britten




The biggest safety concern for ecotourists is not getting eaten alive by piranhas, but getting lost in the wilderness. Many tropical forests are huge swaths of land that go on for thousands of miles in every direction. If one is not careful to stick to marked trails or takes one wrong turn they can easily become lost in an almost impenetrable jungle where rescues are far from easy. The best way to prevent this type of mishap is to stick with your guide. If hiking on your own in the wild, satellite tracking systems such as GPS and phones and communication devices such as radios, walkie-talkies, and phones are excellent devices to have.

Food and Water



In tropical areas protection/vaccinations for malaria and yellow fever may be necessary. In Brazil you can’t even enter the country or get a visa without a yellow fever vaccination. To combat malaria there are several things you can do. Malaria tablets such as doxycycline or mefloquine are recommended to prevent the sickness although you need to check which pill works in which part of the world as some mosquitoes are resistant to some medicines. The best protection against malaria though is basic protection against mosquitoes such as bug spray (best with DEET), mosquito nets, wearing long sleeves, mosquito coils, and the countless other remedies.


Animal Bites

Snake, spider, and other bites should be inspected and treated immediately. Local guides and doctors should be able to identify which species and the ensuing treatment. If possible, try to take a photo or remember as much information about the animal that you can. This will help a doctor in determining the kind of treatment necessary.

Click here for Choosing the Right Ecotourism Vacations