Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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.
Mayor Pabel Muñoz says Quito has completed 1,900 projects worth $2 billion since taking office. The Metro extension to La Ofelia is moving forward with an $80M study contract, and another $700 million in works is planned for 2026.
Metro de Quito users are reporting waits up to 20 minutes in April 2026 — double the normal 5-6 minutes. The cause: wheel-resurfacing maintenance that's pulled units offline. Full wheel replacement isn't due until 2028.
Quito's Metro restarted normal operations Tuesday, April 21, after an 11-hour shutdown that began at 5:30 am Monday. The deeper story: manufacturer CAF has recommended replacing 864 train wheels, citing abnormal wear that partly triggered the outage. Mayor Pabel Muñoz is also investigating possible sabotage.
The Quito Metro suspended commercial operations at 5:30 AM on Monday, April 20, after a technical incident. All stations were affected. No official timeline for restoration. Here's what commuters need to know and what alternatives exist.
National Police executed Operation Apolo 19 in Quito's Quitumbe district on April 17, arresting 30 people across Guamaní, Turubamba, Chillogallo, La Ecuatoriana, and Las Cuadras. 53 officers participated. Seizures included 1 firearm, 20 bladed weapons, 14 detonators, 58 rounds of ammunition, 1.5 kg of cocaine, and 11 stolen vehicles.
Ecuador's military intercepted $50,540 in counterfeit $20 bills at Quito's Carcelén bus terminal on Sunday, April 12. The fakes — more than 5,000 bills — were handed to the National Police. Worth knowing if you handle dollar cash in Ecuador.
Gregory Allen Krupa, 39, was last seen on April 9, 2026 in Quito's Bellavista neighborhood. Family, friends, and volunteers are actively searching in and around Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua. Authorities are accepting tips at 1800 DELITO.
Italian singer Laura Pausini will perform in Quito on April 24, 2026 at the Coliseo General Rumiñahui as part of her international tour. Tickets are available through standard Ecuadorian ticketing channels.
Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport will close its runway for 12 hours on Saturday, April 11 for preventive maintenance. All flights between 2:00 AM and 2:00 PM will be affected. Airlines are rebooking, but travelers should confirm their itineraries now.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established its first permanent office in Ecuador, operating out of the U.S. Embassy in Quito. The office will focus on counter-narcotics intelligence, transnational crime, and cybercrime affecting both nations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established its first permanent office in Ecuador, housed at the U.S. Embassy in Quito. The office will support joint investigations with Ecuador's National Police targeting drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
