Clothing and climate: Temperatures vary with altitude, not season. Spring- and fall-weight clothing is useful all year in the Sierra, while summer-weight clothes are necessary in the Costa and Oriente. Rainwear is necessary during the rainy season in Quito and Guayaquil (roughly November-March).

Immigration and customs: A valid Ecuadorean visa is required to enter the country; however, visas can be obtained from immigration authorities upon arrival in Ecuador. Tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days per calendar year. Those wishing to study or work in Ecuador should request visas from the nearest Ecuadorean Consulate or the Ecuadorean Embassy in Washington, DC. Individuals bearing official or diplomatic passports must obtain visas from the Ecuadorean Embassy.

Health: Inoculations against typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis are recommended throughout the country. In addition, malaria suppressant and yellow fever inoculation are recommended in the lowlands. Travelers must take precautions against contaminated food and water to guard against amoebas and parasites. Tapwater is not potable in all areas. The high altitude of the Sierra may cause problems, especially for older people and those with heart problems. Precautions must be taken also against sunburn.

Telecommunications: Domestic telephone and telegraph service is available between major cities in Ecuador. Long-distance telephone service, cables, and telex are available. Ecuador is in the eastern standard time zone.

Transportation: Flights are available from the United States to Quito and Guayaquil. Domestic airlines serve most large and medium-sized cities in Ecuador. Intercity railroad passenger service is limited, but intercity buses and taxis are plentiful. In the major cities, buses and taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced.

Tourist attractions: Quito Contains a wealth of Spanish colonial art and architecture, and the Central Bank Museum in Quito has an excellent collection of pre-Colombian artifacts. Many towns in the Sierra have colorful Indian markets. Ecucador's Oriente also offers the opportunity to see tropical rain forests and Indian life. Climbers may be interested in the mountains, many of which rise above 4,200 m. (14,000 ft.). The Galapagos Islands offer a variety of unusual flora and fauna in a protected setting.

National holidays: Jan.1, May 1, May 24, July 24, July 25 (Guayaquil only), Aug. 10 (National Day), Oct. 9, Oct. 12, Nov. 2, Nov. 3, Dec. 6 (Quito only), and Dec. 25.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, October 1986.