Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
An 11 PM to 5 AM curfew is in effect across nine provinces and four cantons through May 18. No safe-conduct passes will be issued. Here is everything expats need to know, from affected areas to the only exemptions that exist.
A mass movement struck the Nueva Aurora neighborhood in southern Quito on May 3. No injuries reported yet, but authorities say the area remains at risk and are urging residents to avoid unstable zones.
Ministry data shows more than 20% of Ecuador's road network requires caution, and the government has flagged 14 specific highways as risky for the 4-day holiday. Here's the condition breakdown and which routes to watch.
President Noboa's latest curfew runs May 3–18 from 11 PM to 5 AM across nine provinces including Pichincha and Guayas. Azuay, Loja, and Imbabura are not on the list. Here's the full breakdown.
Interior Minister Reimberg told AFP that organized crime groups have launched roughly 600 drone attempts at El Encuentro prison since it opened. The government says it will build as many mega-prisons as needed.
A young woman was abducted in Urdesa after boarding what appeared to be a legitimate ride-share vehicle. Three attackers forced her to unlock her banking apps via facial recognition, drained over $1,000, and demanded $500 more for her release.
A Sunday afternoon hailstorm dumped 40+ cm of ice on Ecuador's northernmost city. Neighborhoods across southern Tulcán flooded, two landslides closed the E-35 highway, and emergency crews are still clearing damage.
President Noboa declared a 15-day curfew from 11 PM to 5 AM covering Pichincha, Guayas, Manabí, and six other provinces plus four cantons. No salvoconducts. Business groups say the last curfew cost exporters $200 million.
The government handed over 230 new patrol vehicles in Machala this week, bringing the 2026 total to 420. The $21.3 million purchase was funded by private-sector contributions under Ecuador's security law.
Ecuador is investing USD 3 million in a new 24,000 m² Naval Station at Posorja, deploying coast guard, marine infantry, and naval aviation across the approaches to Guayaquil's export ports. Operational by 2027, possibly late 2026.
Ecuador's May 3-18 curfew now covers 105 cantons across 9 provinces and 4 jurisdictions — including 17 cantons that have recorded zero homicides in all of 2026. Interior Minister Reimberg: no exceptions. Here's the updated list and what it means.
President Daniel Noboa announced a nightly curfew from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am across nine provinces — including Pichincha, Guayas, Manabí, and El Oro — and four cantones, running May 3-18, 2026. Interior Minister John Reimberg has ruled out exceptions for any sector.
