Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
Ecuador's government has announced a temporary curfew for Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos, and El Oro provinces, effective from September 17 to September 30, 2026. The measure restricts circulation between 00:00 and 05:00, with a critical detail: no safe-conducts of any type will be issued during this period.
President Daniel Noboa recently highlighted significant progress in nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking, criminal gangs, and illegal mining, with over 8 tons of drugs seized and more than 1,100 illegal mining camps destroyed as of September 2026.
Ecuador's Public Security Council convened to bolster national security actions, coinciding with the capture of a key 'Los Tiguerones' leader in Colombia and the US designation of the gang as a foreign terrorist organization. These developments signal a concerted effort to combat organized crime.
Fresh reports describe different local preparedness tasks. Neither establishes a prediction for an individual home.
Ecuador’s Police reported four tons of drugs, 16 rifles, 6,000 rounds of ammunition, GPS buoys, five boats, and four arrests in Operation Manglar in Posorja. Authorities say the investigation is still developing.
Quito’s September 8 Pico y placa restriction applies to cars and motorcycles with plates ending in 3 or 4. The restricted windows are 6:00–9:30 a.m. and 4:00–8:00 p.m.
The Paute basin averaged 94.8 cubic meters per second in August, below its historical August average of 136.4. Mazar inflows averaged 56 cubic meters per second against a historical 90, putting the reservoir and dry-season power management back in focus.
Ecuador's Secretariat for Risk Management says the red alert for El Nino does not mean intense rain is about to begin everywhere. The agency says the alert activates preparedness, COE coordination, action plans, and stronger monitoring.
A rain-triggered lahar was recorded at El Reventador on August 30. Authorities said the event was not linked to increased internal volcanic activity and urged people to stay away from river and ravine channels.
The U.S. keeps Ecuador at Level 2 overall but recommends reconsidering travel to Manabi, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo, and Sucumbios, while naming several areas under a do-not-travel warning.
A Constitutional Court ruling changed the legal framework for Uber, InDrive, and Didi drivers, but Ecuavisa reports continuing enforcement disputes in several cities. The report includes practical steps drivers can take during a traffic stop.
INAMHI says elevated daytime temperatures, wind gusts, and very high UV levels will persist in 11 provinces through Sunday. The warning also identifies conditions that could help forest fires spread.
