One of the most common issues foreigners run into when they first arrive in Ecuador is getting sick.
Even minor illness can disrupt your first weeks or months living abroad. In many cases, it comes down to digestive issues, as your body adjusts to a new environment, different bacteria, and unfamiliar food handling practices.
Even if you are careful, it can still happen.
That said, a lot of it is preventable once you understand what to pay attention to.
In Cuenca, tap water is generally considered safe to drink, though many foreigners still choose to filter it, especially during their first months.
Food handling is often a bigger factor when it comes to getting sick. Standards can be more relaxed than what many people are used to. It is common to see food handled with bare hands, and cleanliness can vary significantly depending on the location.
Because of this, it helps to be more intentional about where you eat, especially in the beginning. Paying attention to how food is being prepared and how clean the environment looks.
Although street food is part of the culture here, it is something to approach carefully. Fruit and vegetables can also become a source of problems. It is recommended to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly at home, and when eating out, consider avoiding lettuce and other raw items that may not have been properly cleaned.
What to be more cautious with at the beginning
- Ice from unknown sources
- Beverages being sold out of containers
- Street food
- Raw vegetables or salads from restaurants
- Unpeeled fruits that have not been washed
- Food that has been sitting out
- Mercados
Even “safe foods” can cause issues in the beginning simply because your body is adjusting. It is not always about something being wrong. Sometimes it is just simply unfamiliar.
It is also worth noting that many locals take antiparasitic medication once or twice a year as a general precaution. This is a common practice in Ecuador, and something you may hear about over time.
Along with being cautious, it also helps to support your system as it adjusts.
Ways to support your system while adjusting
- Incorporate fermented foods like kefir or yogurt into your routine
- Consider taking prebiotics and probiotics
- Stay consistent with hydration, especially if your digestion feels off
- Ease into new foods instead of changing everything at once
- Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust accordingly
Over time, most people adapt. What feels sensitive at first becomes normal, and your body adjusts to the environment.
The key is not to overreact, but to be aware. Take a more cautious approach in the beginning, pay attention to how your body responds, and give yourself time to acclimate to your new environment.