Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
From May 3-10, security forces conducted 221 raids across nine provinces. Over 400 people were identified as members of criminal organizations.
Resolution 2582 declares both countries' tariffs incompatible with the Cartagena Agreement. But with rates still at 75%, business leaders on both sides say trade remains frozen.
Interior Minister Reimberg announced the largest single-day operation since the curfew began May 3. Nine provinces remain under nightly restrictions through May 18.
A survey of 2,570 companies found that nearly half can't fill open positions. The biggest barriers: lack of experience, weak digital skills, and wages that don't compete.
Banco Pichincha went from $42M to $88M in profits. Banco del Pacífico: $46M to $84M. The president posted the numbers on X and questioned who benefits from the crisis narrative.
Juan Carlos Blum is now the fifth person to lead Ecuador's energy portfolio since November 2023. A former minister calls it 'a responsibility of the highest risk.' The blackouts, failed contracts, and investigations explain why.
International investors put up $7 billion in orders for $1 billion in Ecuadorian sovereign bonds. The yield improved, the country risk hit an 11-year low, and the government says it proves confidence is back.
A four-month investigation culminated in Operación Forseti-Finisterra — 11 arrested including the gang's hit squad leader, firearms and drugs seized, and a criminal network dismantled.
Road rehabilitation work means lane closures on two sections of northern Quito's main highway starting May 7. Central lanes stay open, but if you commute through Calderón or Carapungo, plan ahead.
The curfew that started May 3 is producing results — 500+ detained in the first two days, including 80+ wanted individuals captured during enforcement operations. Here is what has changed since our initial guide.
After Monday's paralysis that stranded 1.5 million commuters, Quito's blue buses resumed normal service Wednesday. But the underlying dispute is heading to formal negotiations on May 13, and a fare increase to /bin/zsh.65 is on the table.
Ecuador is burning through diesel at a 23% faster rate to keep the lights on. Diesel prices jumped from .11 to .45 per gallon. And the government just failed — for the second time — to secure emergency thermal generation contracts.
