One of South America`s smallest and most densely populated countries, Ecuador is a quiet land with a rich history that has grown increasingly popular among travelers in recent years.
Often perceived as a highland country, Ecuador is actually South America in microcosm-it has an agriculturally rich coastal plain, Andes Mountains, impenetrable Amazon rain forest, Spanish colonial history and a vibrant traditional Indian culture. And 600 miles offshore lie the Galapagos Islands- part of Ecuador as well-a world unto themselves.
Ecuador straddles the equator, but the climate depends more on altitude than latitude. Quito, the capital, lies at 9,300 feet, and more than a dozen of the Andean peaks exceed 16,000 feet. The heavily populated highland plateau is cool year round, while the coastal region and the Amazon basin (known as the Oriente) remain hot.
Quito is famous for its superb colonial architecture dating to the 16th Century, steep, cobbled streets and low, tile-roofed buildings.
Quito is safer than most South American capitals, but the usual common sense precautions are in order. Crime has increased with Ecuador`s increasing popularity. Stay alert when walking at night, and be especially careful around Plaza San Francisco.
The main reason most travelers go to Ecuador is to visit the Galapagos Islands, the famous natural laboratory that influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theories of evolution. Tours to the Galapagos Islands can be arranged in Quito or Guayaquil, but unscrupulous operators abound and you must ask around. A safer bet is to book trips through legitimate adventure companies before leaving home.
World updates
Bulgaria: There are signs that more unrest is brewing in this country where promises of reform by the Communist Party resulted in the party being returned to power in free elections after the political upheaval of the last year. Recent demonstrations against the government and growing strength of the oppostion indicate that a struggle for power may resume. Exercise caution.
Burma: In addition to the government`s reluctance to turn over power to the elected opposition, there have been several recent incidents of troops harassing foreign diplomats by entering embassy compounds and interrogating the missions` Burmese employees.
El Salvador: Civil war drags on here, and travel to the northern and eastern parts of the country is dangerous and should be avoided. If arriving by air, allow enough time to clear Customs and depart the airport by 5:30 p.m. If arriving by road, the safest routes are along the Guatemalan border in the south. Avoid traveling after dark, stay away from military vehicles and army patrols, and stay indoors after 1 a.m.
France: For the first time, water is being rationed to pilgrims at the famous shrine of Lourdes. Previously, pilgrims were permitted to take home as much as they wanted, but now they are restricted to one small container to protect the levels of the bathing pools, at least until the end of the peak season this month.
Germany: Germany`s reunification Oct. 3 opened a new era in Europe and new opportunities for travel. There will be growing pains before East Germany is fully integrated, but the coming year will be a good time to visit for people interested in observing such historic milestones.
Guatemala: National elections are scheduled Nov. 11, and with them will come heightened tension and possible violence. Exercise caution. Political violence has increased in recent months and President Vinicio Cerezo has ordered an investigation of army involvement in the June 8 murder of a popular American resident, which pits him against an institution believed to be more powerful than the government. A sharp increase in poppy production has also moved the U.S. to place Guatemala on a short list of countries contributing to international drug trafficking.
India: An attempt to reserve more jobs in the central government for lower-caste Indians has provoked violent protests in Delhi and other cities across northern India. Avoid large gatherings and exercise caution.
Iraq/Kuwait crisis: Because of the continuing crisis, avoid travel to Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Yemen and Oman. Keep a close eye on developments if considering travel to Israel because it is in danger of being dragged into hostilities should they occur. At this time, however, travel to Israel, Turkey and Egypt remains safe for the most part.
Terrorism warning: The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning about possible terrorist attacks in Europe and the Middle East as a result of the Iraq-Kuwait crisis.
The warning states, ”Evidence continues to accumulate that Iraqi-sponsored terrorism may occur in the near future.” The evidence reportedly indicates that Europe and the Middle East are the likeliest places for these attacks, and the warning goes on to say, ”While information does not suggest that Americans traveling abroad are the specific targets of possible Iraqi-sponsored terrorism, Americans overseas should exercise caution,
particularly when in or near U.S. military or civilian facilities or at other facilities commonly identified as `American.”` This warning would be especially significant if war erupts.
Liberia: Civil war continues; defer travel here until further notice.
Nicaragua: The threat of general strikes and other unrest to protest government austerity measures exists. The deposed Sandinistas are flexing their muscles as an opposition party, threatening a mass anti-government movement, and although the government has moved to ease the austerity plan`s effects, tension remains high. Such unrest would undoubtedly affect travel.
Philippines: Threats of violence by Communist rebels (NPA) accompanied recent talks between U.S. and Philippine officials on the future of American bases there and prompted the State Department to issue a warning to avoid Roxas Boulevard near the American Embassy. Talks have adjourned until late this month, but the advisory should be heeded in light of a recent rejection by the NPA of the government`s proposal to cease hostilities in Metro Manila. Adding to the confusion, mutinous soldiers trying to destabilize the government recently set off bombs in the offices of three American companies with no injuries. Exercise caution.
Trinidad and Tobago: A passport and proof of return or onward tickets is now required of arriving or departing travelers. An 11 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew remains in effect throughout Trinidad, but there is no curfew in Tobago. Conditions are returning to normal, with most air service restored, but it`s not clear yet whether flights around the Christmas holidays, which are usually heavily overbooked in both directions, will be as busy this year.
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World Travel Watch is a monthly report designed to help you make informed judgments about travel throughout the world. Because conditions can change overnight, always make your own inquiries before you leave home. In the U.S., contact your Passport Agency office; abroad, check in with the nearest American embassy.
