Medical Tourism - Medical Tours in Ecuador

Ecuador Medical Expeditions

Medical Expeditions International (MEI) is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit, nonsectarian medical organization. MEI, www.medexinternational.org, organizes medical volunteer programs to some of Ecuador´s most remote areas to provide health care to those who are most in need. MEI travels with comprehensive medical teams as well as non-medical support volunteers, and incorporates a bit of tourism into each trip, because an important part of the experience is getting to know the local culture.

In Ecuador, MEI`s implemented medical visits to 3 different sites throughout the year. To obtain more detailed information contact us or write directly to info@medexinternational.org

AMAZON RAINFOREST EXPEDITIONS IN ECUADOR

The Achuar are an indigenous nationality of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon. The Achuar live in the most remote area of southeastern Ecuador, a region of the Amazon basin free of outside pressures. It is one of the most remote and pristine rainforests in Ecuador. This indigenous group owns a territory of roughly 6.000 square kilometers (1.5 million acres), and had its first contact with western civilization in the late 60's. Even today, western influence is minimal and the Achuar still remain almost completely self-sufficient, obtaining most of what they need from the forest. Proud warriors of the past, the Achuar face the challenges of modern-day integration. One such challenge is the need for medical attention - an area not adequately covered by the Ecuadorian government.

The Achuar Ecuador Medical Expeditions provide medical and dental care to families living in several Achuar communities. In addition, MEI´s volunteers train local healthcare providers in first-aid, malaria diagnosis and treatment, and proper medication distribution. MEI organizes two different types of trips to the Achuar territory:

KAPAWI ECOLODGE

We stay at the Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve, www.kapawi.com. Every day, we visit a different community to provide medical assistance. In addition to helping those in need of medical treatment, we experience an unforgettable Amazon adventure at this magical place. When we are not providing medical care, we'll have the opportunity to go bird watching, kayaking and hiking through the rainforest. Perhaps we will visit a local shaman. Located in one of the areas with the highest bio diversity in Ecuador, this community ecotourism project was built by the Achuar using traditional techniques combined with low impact technologies.

Duration: 8 days
Locations: Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve, Papallacta Spa & Resort
Price: For prices contact info@medexinternational.org

ACHUAR CAMPING

There are 52 communities within the Achuar territory in Ecuador. In these missions, we venture into the more remote communities. We fly in 5-seater chartered planes and provide health and first-aid training to the local health promoters and community members. We visit a different area in each trip, set up camp at a base community and conduct our workshops there. In a trip with a strong cultural component, we also have the opportunity to get to know the Achuar by sharing with our hosts, participating and learning about their traditional lifestyle. After the visit, a much deserved stay in Baños awaits us.

Duration: 9 days
Locations: Achuar territory, Baños
Price: For prices contact info@medexinternational.org

ANDES EXPEDITION IN ECUADOR

ECUADOR MEDICAL MISSION IN THE ANDES: CANDELARIA

Candelaria is a parish formed by close to 120 families, or roughly 500 people, scattered over an area of a few square kilometers. The parish is formed by indigenous and mestizo families, whose main activities are agriculture and cattle ranching. The parish has a water system that provides potable water to its population, as well as electricity. It also has a small medical center, although it does not meet the minimum local requirements due to lack of staffing and medicine. Candelaria is located south of Tungurahua Volcano, an active volcano that has been sending ash up into the atmosphere. Winds from the Amazon region blow the ash in the Candelaria direction, and this has caused many respiratory ailments among the population.

We drive overland to Candelaria, where we'll provide medical and dental services for three days. After the medical phase of our mission, we'll overnight at a beautiful mountain inn, hike at Cotopaxi (Ecuador's second-highest peak) and Chimborazo National Parks for two days and then travel back to Quito to explore the sights of this beautiful city.

Duration: 8 days
Locations: Hacienda Releche in Candelaria
Price: For prices contact info@medexinternational.org