The following travel advisory was published by the U.S. Department of State on June 22, 2023. We are reprinting it in its entirety without editorial comment. Ecuador - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Reissued with updates to the kidnapping indicator and crime...
Crisis in Galapagos: Food Prices Soar and Corruption Takes Hold
The Galapagos Islands are facing a severe crisis that has led to skyrocketing food prices and a surge in corruption. The breakdown of one of the two supply ships that cater to the archipelago has caused the prices of eggs, rice, potatoes, onions, and certain fruits to climb sharply. The Isla de la Plata supply […]
As search for victims of Alausí landslide ends, plans for stabilizing mountain begin
Three-month search across 24 hectares and 3 million cubic meters of dirt yielded remains of 65 victims. Cost to prevent future slides likely to exceed $18 million. The Municipality of Alausí in Ecuador is faced with the daunting task of stabilizing a hill that caused a tragic event resulting in the burial of numerous families […]
Cuenca businesses report increasing crime and perceive city as ‘unsafe’
Recent survey of businesses suggests that crime is increasing in Cuenca and forcing businesses to take matters into their own hands. The commercial areas of Cuenca are facing a growing problem of crime, according to a survey conducted by the Cuenca Chamber of Commerce. The survey reveals that 26% of commercial establishments have fallen victim […]
Ew, what’s that smell?
A little more than half of the way to Cuenca from our home in the Yunguilla valley, there is a place I drive by that makes vinyl windows, gutters and assorted plastic materials like sewer pipes etc. It must use some kind of epoxy mixture in its processes, because when the factory is working—it doesn’t […]
Machu Picchu to implement area for those with physical and visual disabilities
Exciting news has surfaced for individuals with disabilities who have longed to explore the awe-inspiring Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Leslie Urteaga, the Minister of Culture in Peru, made a significant announcement this week, declaring the creation of a new...
Ecuador and US meet to develop a bilateral defense plan
This week’s “historic” meeting on defense lead to a memorandum of understanding between Ecuador and the United States. Representatives of Ecuador and the United States met recently to address defense and security issues and to establish a roadmap for cooperation between the two countries. The meeting took place on June 22nd at the Carondelet Palace […]
Increased Deportation of Ecuadorians in the United States
Update to: Ecuadorians among top three nationalities crossing the perilous Darién jungle Published: Volume 7, Issue 28 A growing number of Ecuadorians are facing deportation from the United States. A total of 25,769 Ecuadorians have been detained this year under Title 8, which permits their removal from the country and imposes a ban on re-entry […]
Ecuadorian fisherman risking jail abroad in exchange for transporting drugs
The plight of hundreds of Ecuadorian fishermen imprisoned abroad has brought forth a troubling narrative. Nearly 300 fishermen from the Jaramijó canton of Manabí are detained for their involvement in drug trafficking activities, incarcerated in prisons across Central and North America. Not shockingly, these fishermen are enticed by drug-criminal organizations offering thousands of dollars for […]
Labor sector saw positive developments in May
Update to: Adequate Employment rises by 2%, but number of informal workers grows by 2.4% Published: Volume 7, Issue 30 The underemployment rate in May decreased from 22.1% to 18.9%, while full employment saw a three-point increase. The unemployment rate also...
Quito Metro manager requests Comptroller review of contracts
Update to: Quito Metro ceases operations after nine days of problems Published: volume 7, Issue 32 The manager of the Quito Metro, Víctor Hugo Villacrés, has requested control tests and audits on the contracts signed by the municipal company. In a letter sent to the Comptroller’s Office on June 6, 2023, Villacrés asked for the […]