Ecuador is an amazing country. It’s home to an abundance of iconic and breathtaking natural wonders as well as a rich cultural heritage.
But if you’re planning to travel to Ecuador right now, then you need to be prepared.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared another state of emergency for 60 days. This applies to the provinces of Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, Santa Elena and El Ora.
The two areas of the Distrito Metropolitano de Quito in Pichincha and Camilo Ponce Enriquez in Azuay are also impacted.
In real terms, this means that there is a huge police and military presence in the country, that your rights to assemble are removed, and the government has introduced a curfew, too.
What’s Happening In Ecuador?
Ecuador is a beautiful and culturally rich country, but one that is in what has been called a state of “internal armed conflict”. Gang violence and the battle to control it is having a hugely negative impact on the country.
Multiple roads have been blocked by gangs and in some cases tire fires are blocking roads and causing a threat to the public.
This isn’t the first time Ecuador has declared a state of emergency this year.
In January, widespread violence broke out as gangs took over cities and overtook a TV station.
As a result criminal gangs in the country have been labelled terrorist organisations.
Ecuador is a largely peaceful country, and it is thought that many of the criminals and gangs causing these problems are from the drug trade in other South American countries.
What Advice Are American Travelers Being Given?
In a security alert message, the U.S. Mission in Ecuador advised American citizens to comply with curfews and local laws during their time in the country.
If you do decide to travel to Ecuador then you should be prepared to see a heavy military and police presence in the country as a result of this state of emergency.
You may be subject to police checks when you are traveling by road.
It’s also important to note that during this period, power outages should be expected, and these outages will bring additional challenges that travelers should be aware of.
Protect your personal safety during periods of darkness in the country by staying inside your hotel room or accommodation where possible.
Forewarned is forearmed, and you can plan ahead of this. Stocking up on essential items such as food, water, and medical supplies can be beneficial for periods without power.
Most of the blackouts that are being introduced are happening overnight, so that they have the smallest possible impact. My advice would be to sleep through them!
Finally, the Ecuadorian government has also put a curfew in place for everyone in the country (regardless of if you’re a resident or a tourist).
Curfew hours are from 10pm to 5am in most parts of the country. This is bad news for travelers planning to visit Ecuador so that they can party the night away!
Can You Still Travel To Ecuador?
The short answer to this question is yes!
Although a state of emergency has been declared in the country, there’s nothing to stop you from hopping on a plane to Ecuador and enjoying your planned vacation.
Despite the state of emergency, the curfews, and the power cuts, the international airports in both Quito and Guayaquil are open and fully operational.
I advise that you monitor your flight status though, in case something changes – changes in situations like this can happen quickly.
If your flight time coincides with the curfew hours then don’t worry.
If you have a scheduled flight (and the passport and flight ticket to prove it!) then you can still travel to and from the airport during curfew hours.
Make sure you carry your tickets and passport somewhere easily accessible. You will likely be stopped and checked during your journey.
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