The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently conducted an extensive evaluation of Ecuador's financial sector, aiming to identify potential vulnerabilities in the country's banks and cooperatives in the event of an economic shock. This analysis is part of a...
Ecuador Has One of the Weakest Passports in Latin America
Nestled in the heart of South America, Ecuador is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. However, when it comes to the global passport ranking, Ecuadorians face certain limitations that hinder their global mobility. According to the...
Rising Concerns Over Escalating Number of Suicides in Ecuador
In addition to its insecurity problem, Ecuador is grappling with another deeply troubling and escalating crisis – suicide. The capital city, Quito, finds itself on the front lines of this crisis, with authorities increasingly alarmed by the surge in cases. The global scope of the problem is underscored by the World Health Organization, which has […]
Cuenca’s Tram Celebrates 3-Year Anniversary Without System Integration or Funding Solutions
The Cuenca tram celebrated its three-year anniversary of commercial operation in September 2023, yet it remains disconnected from the city's broader transportation network, grappling with financial woes. Mayor Cristian Zamora candidly admitted that achieving economic...
Ecuador to Sign Trade Accord with South Korea
Update to: Sanitary requirements may be the stumbling blocks in new trade agreements Published: Volume 7, Issue 19 President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador held a crucial meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk-Yeol, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following the discussions, an agreement was reached to formally sign the trade […]
The Exodus of Ecuadorians: Seeking a Better Life Abroad
In recent years, Ecuador has witnessed a significant exodus of its citizens, driven by the pursuit of better economic opportunities and the promise of a brighter future in the United States. According to official migration data, a staggering 64,000 Ecuadorians have left the country by land and have not returned, marking a significant demographic shift […]
Little &$^#%s
Kid glove. Kidman. Kidnap. Kidney. Kidney bean. Kidney ore. Kidney punch. Kidney stone. This is little exercise I do in my head when I am feeling the pain from a kidney stone. I play a word association game to get my mind focused on something else. But it always comes back to ‘Kidney stone.’ Those […]
New Airbnb Hosting Requirements in Ecuador
Starting from September 21, 2023, Airbnb hosts in Ecuador are subject to new regulations outlined in the “Regulations for Tourist Accommodation in Room Properties.” These regulations, which were officially published on the same date in the Official Registry of Ecuador, have come into full effect. The essence of these regulations revolves around the concept of […]
Child pornographers sentenced to 10 years in prison
Update to: Canoa’s Struggle: From Tourist Paradise to Battling Child Pornography and Poverty Published: Volume 7, Issue 49 Two Dutch men have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for creating and distributing child pornography. Their arrest took place in June 2022 in Manabí, Ecuador. On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Prosecutor’s Office announced that […]
Ecuador is Poised to Welcome Over 8 Million Air Passengers in 2023
Official figures reveal that the tourism industry has experienced remarkable growth, with sales surpassing $3.5 million, representing a 15% increase. These promising projections and statistics were unveiled at the ALTA Aviation Law Americas 2023 conference held last Thursday, September 21st, in Quito, where experts and officials convened to discuss the aviation industry’s resurgence in Ecuador. […]
Indigenous Communities Challenge Yasuní Consultation Results in Bid to Sustain Oil Production
Update to: Ecuadorian voters decide to stop drilling in the Yasuní and halt new mining in Chocó Andino Published: volume 7, Issue 46 In a bid to halt the cessation of oil production in the ITT block, Cristóbal Kasent, regional coordinator representing six Amazonian provinces, has declared his intention to file a legal action seeking […]
The hidden gems of Ecuador’s Sierra region
The Sierra region of Ecuador offers a plethora of hidden treasures, brimming with natural beauty and waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers on vacation. Imbabura, Carchi, Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo are five provinces within this stunning region that harbor these lesser-known gems, where you can immerse yourself in nature, embark on thrilling adventures, explore […]
As record number of Ecuadorians are deported from the US, more arrive finding only shattered images of what they were promised
A surge in the number of Ecuadorians arriving in the US is highlighting the false expectations many arrived with.
The private corporation that will manage the resources of the Galapagos debt swap
The Galapagos Life Fund (GLF), created in Delaware, will manage resources for conservation on the Galapagos islands.
Central Bank of Ecuador economic projections for 2024 leave little doubt there will be difficult times ahead
Regardless of which party takes control of Ecuador in 2024, they will face an economic reality that will be extremely difficult to manage.
Different views
We’ve got guests in from Europe today (one from Germany and the other a Brit who now lives in Portugal). They’ve been with us for a couple of days and will leave on Thursday or Friday. So, I’m going to keep this short. But I’ll share this with you. Every time we get together with […]
Correismo candidate Luisa González says she was the target of an assassination plan
Luisa González, the presidential candidate for the Citizen Revolution (RC), arrived at the State Attorney General’s Office in the northern part of Quito, flanked by her running mate, Andrés Arauz, and a group of RC politicians and enthusiastic supporters. They were there to formally file a complaint regarding an alleged attempt on González’s life.
CNE announces topics for widely anticipated second-round presidential debate
The National Electoral Council (CNE) recently unveiled the rules for the upcoming presidential debate featuring Daniel Noboa and Luisa González. This debate, set to address critical issues, is scheduled for October 1st, running from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Customs Reforms Allow for Tax-Free Imports of a Wider Range of Products via Air Travel
New regulation adds new products to import list and loosens penalties for bringing in undeclared products.
Internal fighting has split the indigenous movement, turning it into a movement without political power
The fighting between Leonidas Iza, the president of Conaie, and Marlon Santi the coordinator of Pachakutik, have turned the once powerful voting block into wallflowers in the upcoming elections and assembly.
Results of October 15th election will not give the new President control of the legislature
In the aftermath of recent elections, the landscape of the National Assembly stands poised for negotiation and collaboration among four political forces. None of these forces have managed to secure an outright majority, setting the stage for a crucial exercise in democratic deliberation. In this unfolding scenario, the Assembly’s inaugural session, scheduled for the end […]
There have been 11 assassinations and 8 armed attacks of Ecuadorian politicians and prosecutors over the last year
Over the course of little more than a year, Ecuador has witnessed a disturbing rise in political violence, marked by 11 assassinations and 8 armed attacks targeting politicians and prosecutors. These attacks have cast a dark shadow over the nation’s political landscape and have left many Ecuadorians deeply concerned about the safety of their elected […]
Make sensible demands
Ecuador’s political landscape has been a tumultuous one, marked by a recent political assassination that sent shockwaves through the nation. Yet, amid this chaos, there’s another issue brewing that demands our attention—a call for the removal of Diana Atamaint, the head of the National Election Council (CNE). While the discontent over the electoral system’s flaws […]
International reserve drops to $6.9 billion, only covers half of its liabilities
In July 2022, the Reserve exceeded $9.0 billion, but the drop in the price of crude oil and other payments have been reducing it. The International Monetary Reserve has recently experienced a significant decrease, currently standing at $6.905 billion as of September...
Ecuadorian Navy recues 29 from sinking ship in the Galapagos
Update to: Sinking of a boat in Galapagos leaves at least four dead Published: Volume 6, Issue 51 On Monday, September 11, 2023, a boat carrying passengers on the Santa Cruz – San Cristóbal route sank just two miles off the coast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in the Galapagos. It’s worth noting that a year […]
Regardless of Lasso’s position, Government can’t refuse to comply with results of Yasuní popular consultation
On the evening of September 6, 2023, a video began circulating on social media platforms, featuring President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador expressing his government’s stance on not ending production in ITT block 43. President Lasso has once again changed his position on the results of the Yasuní popular consultation. “We do not want production to […]
González blames interviewer for her “Venezuela has better living conditions than Ecuador” comment
Presidential candidate Luisa González made a striking claim during a recent radio interview, asserting that Venezuelan citizens in Ecuador are so dismayed by their experiences that they are returning to Venezuela. According to González, this phenomenon is driven by the perception that living conditions in Venezuela are superior to those in Ecuador. Luisa González, the […]
Gangs take over Socio Vivienda de Guayaquil, even deciding who comes and who goes
In the northwest of Guayaquil, a once tumultuous neighborhood, Socio Vivienda, has experienced a curious transformation. What was once a hotbed of nighttime shootings and menacing confrontations between rival groups has given way to an eerie calm. However, this...
Rental through Airbnb must be legalized and meet three requirements
Update to: If you’re renting your place out thru Airbnb, SRI is coming for you Published: Volume 7, Issue 27 After four years of extensive deliberations, the Regulation for Tourist Accommodation in Residential Properties has reached its final stages of preparation. This regulatory framework is poised to facilitate the legalization of short-term property rentals and […]
Doubts, Accusations, and Questions Surround the Investigation into the Murder of Fernando Villavicencio
The investigation into the murder of Fernando Villavicencio, the presidential candidate of the Construye-Gente Buena alliance, has entered its first 30 days with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over it. As the public demands the identification of the intellectual culprits behind the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, questions arise about the failures in presidential security, and […]