Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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.
