Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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Ecuador's National Assembly passed a new mining and energy law 77-70 on February 26, replacing environmental licenses with simplified authorizations and allowing rock extraction in the Galapagos Islands. CONAIE and environmental groups are protesting the changes as a rollback of decades of conservation policy.
A Trans Esmeraldas interprovincial bus overturned on the E20 highway during Semana Santa travel, injuring more than 20 passengers. A separate crash in Colta killed 2. The incidents underscore the persistent dangers of Ecuador's highway system during peak holiday travel periods.
The Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) signed a $42 million loan agreement with Cuenca for urban infrastructure development -- one of the largest multilateral financing packages for an Ecuadorian city outside Quito and Guayaquil. The investment comes as Cuenca faces mounting infrastructure strain from flooding and aging utility systems.
Ecuador has imposed an 11pm-to-5am curfew in four coastal provinces — Guayas, Los Rios, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, and El Oro — as part of the ongoing state of emergency. The restriction runs through at least March 30, 2026.
Ecuador's 2026 local elections will determine mayors, prefects, and city council members across the country. Contested races in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca could reshape municipal governance in the cities where most expats live.
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.
A nightly curfew from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM remains in effect in Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and El Oro through at least March 31. Around 75,000 soldiers and police are deployed. Cuenca and Azuay are not affected.
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.
Ecuador's housing market is pulling in different directions — rents are rising faster than sale prices, the construction sector is growing 4.1%, and affordability is becoming a concern in popular expat areas. Here's where things stand.
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.
