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Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Easter message from the Vatican, calling on the world to reject indifference to violence and suffering. For Ecuador's deeply Catholic population, the new Pope's words carry particular weight during a Semana Santa marked by ongoing security challenges.
Baños de Agua Santa reached 100% hotel occupancy for Easter weekend, drawing approximately 30,000 daily visitors. The adventure tourism hotspot is a popular expat day-trip destination. Expect heavy traffic on the Ambato-Baños highway and congested attractions through April 5.
Ecuador and Colombia have imposed tit-for-tat tariffs reaching 50% on hundreds of goods, putting approximately $2.8 billion in annual bilateral trade at risk. Colombia has also suspended electricity exports and faces retaliatory pipeline fee increases from Ecuador.
A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study warns that Coca River erosion could reach the 1,500 MW Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant's water intake by 2026. The plant provides roughly one-third of Ecuador's national electricity. Recent rains have improved reservoir levels, and a new 200 MW plant has come online.
Holy Week runs Palm Sunday (March 29) through Easter Sunday (April 5). Good Friday April 3 is the national holiday. Holy Thursday April 2 is NOT a holiday unless the government issues a special decree. Banks, government offices, and most businesses close April 3.
Holy Week runs March 29 through April 5 this year. Good Friday (April 3) is a non-recoverable national holiday. Holy Thursday is NOT a public holiday. Here is what expats need to know about closures, events, and travel.
Ecuador has signed a comprehensive trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates worth an estimated $3 billion, eliminating tariffs on over 96% of goods traded between the two countries. The deal opens Middle Eastern markets to Ecuadorian agriculture and positions Ecuador as a gateway to Latin America for Gulf investors.
Semana Santa runs from March 29 to April 5 this year, with Good Friday on April 3 as the national holiday. Expect bank closures, alcohol restrictions, packed beaches, and one of Ecuador's most significant cultural celebrations.
Ecuador declared a 60-day national emergency on March 12 after relentless rains caused flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across the country. At least 11 people have died, 22 rivers have overflowed, and 19 bridges have collapsed since January.
Semana Santa runs March 29 through April 5 this year, with Good Friday (April 3) as the national holiday. Banks close, alcohol sales may be restricted, and beach towns fill up fast. Here is everything expats need to know.
Holy Week starts next weekend. Good Friday (April 3) is the only mandatory national holiday — Thursday is NOT a holiday this year. Expect massive domestic travel to the coast, packed buses, and Quito's world-famous processions.
Holy Week runs March 29 to April 5. Good Friday (April 3) is a national holiday. Banks close, highways jam, ATMs run dry. Here's everything you need to know — from Quito's processions to beach town crowds to sierra road conditions.
