Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
Ecuador has identified 45 cantons considered strategic points for organized-crime routes involving drugs, weapons and illicit money. Twenty-seven are rated high risk, showing that security risk is no longer limited to the largest port cities.
Quito’s municipal control agency closed two establishments in Conocoto after complaints about possible irregularities and improper charges. The warning is practical: use official municipal channels and be careful with anyone promising to “speed up” paperwork.
Ecuador’s July 16 forecast calls for variable skies, isolated rain and elevated temperatures, with radiation levels ranging from high to extremely high. Inamhi’s Alert 51 remains active through Friday, July 17.
Ecuador’s Council of Higher Education has started an intervention process at Universidad Amawtay Wasi and suspended its top authorities. A temporary intervention commission will assume the university’s rectorate and administration while the measure is in effect.
Commercial transport drivers in several categories can no longer invoice clients directly under new SRI rules. Operators or transport companies must handle client billing, while drivers bill the operator they belong to.
A depressed passage at Nazacota Puento, between 6 de Diciembre and Galo Plaza Lasso, is closed for 10 days. AMT says the main avenues remain open, but drivers should expect a pinch point around the work zone.
Hospitals and health centers in Ecuador will begin using the WHO’s CIE-11 system for diseases, diagnoses, and medical conditions. The goal is more uniform records across the health network.
President Daniel Noboa issued Decree 448 to make Ecuador’s 2025-2029 National Security Plan mandatory public policy nationwide. The plan names organized crime, narcotrafficking, illegal mining, money laundering, corruption, and cyberattacks among the country’s main risks.
Durán’s garbage collection service was set to resume on July 14 after nearly three weeks of suspension. The dispute involved a municipal debt above $9.7 million and about 350 tons of daily waste.
A temporary access on the E45 Troncal Amazónica between the new and old bridges over the Upano River is scheduled to close permanently on July 17. Machinery and vehicles in the area must be removed by July 16.
Ecuadorian authorities list several ways to report extortion, including 1800 DELITO, ECU 911, the 131 line, Fiscalía, QR-code reporting, a WhatsApp rewards number, and a Ministry of Interior digital form.
Quito’s public bike system is being prepared with 250 bikes, 25 stations, QR or Tarjeta Ciudad unlocking, real-time geolocation, and service from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
