Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Ecuador’s second-largest city lost its mayor. Aquiles Alvarez was ordered into preventive detention on organized crime and fuel trafficking charges as part of the ‘Caso Goleada’ investigation. He was transferred to Latacunga prison — 11 others arrested across Guayas province.
Heavy rains have inundated 700 hectares of farmland in Guayas province, putting approximately 38,000 agricultural producers at risk. Rice, corn, and cacao crops are the most affected as the rainy season intensifies heading into Carnival weekend.
Carnival weekend means four days off and half of Ecuador heading to the coast. Whether you want surf and parties, a quiet beach with a book, or something in between — here's where to go and what to watch out for.
Hundreds of rice producers from Guayas and Los Ríos met in Santa Lucía to deliver a manifesto demanding the government enforce minimum price floors and address what they call the worst crisis in three decades. Over 500,000 jobs and $100 million in losses hang in the balance.
Gunmen opened fire at the artisanal fishing pier in San Vicente, Manabí, on February 9, killing at least four fishermen and injuring one. The attack occurred in a canton under an active state of emergency and raises fresh concerns about safety in Ecuador's coastal beach towns.
Ecuador's largest city lost its mayor in a pre-dawn raid on February 10. Prosecutors detained 11 people — including Alvarez and his two brothers — on charges of organized crime, money laundering, and tax fraud. The vice mayor called it political persecution.
A 2023 municipal risk reassessment has frozen construction in some of Manta's most desirable coastal neighbourhoods. Property values are down 15-25% in affected areas, and foreign buyers are walking away from deals.
The 18 km Chone-Bahia road is 92% complete, with full reopening expected by early March. Tourism dropped 30-35% during the two-year construction period. Here's what to expect.
Ecuador's largest coastal carnival runs February 14-18 with a 14 km parade route, international music, and a new beachfront food festival. Hotel occupancy is projected at 94%.
Once overlooked by foreign buyers, the Pacific coast city of Manta is now one of Ecuador's hottest real estate markets, with beachfront property values climbing 25% in the past year alone.
