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In a momentous turn of events, Ecuadorians have spoken, setting the stage for a historic run-off in their presidential election. On Sunday, August 20, over 13.4 million citizens exercised their democratic right, casting their votes to determine the future leadership...
“Fernando Villavicencio's project is intact, and he had to fight for it. Fernando is my friend. We were working together for 15 years, and we have known each other for 25.″ In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples throughout Ecuador's political landscape,...
President Guillermo Lasso announced on August 10, 2023, that he had sought assistance from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate the murder of Fernando Villavicencio. The request was promptly accepted. Interior Minister Juan Zapata...
Two instances occurred in Ecuador: Abdón Calderón Muñoz in July 1978 in Guayaquil, and Fernando Villavicencio on August 9, 2023, in Quito. Fernando Villavicencio, the latest victim, was a candidate from the Construye movement and was fatally shot on August 9th, 2023,...
The grand vision and ambitious plans that President Guillermo Lasso had encountered two formidable obstacles in Ecuador’s political landscape: the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court. Throughout his tenure, the Executive’s management faced a series of setbacks, raising doubts about the government’s ability to implement its agenda effectively.
Debt responsibilities must be considered when assuming assets under Ecuadorian inheritance laws, or when declaring marriage in the country.
Among investors, the idea that Ecuador is ungovernable is gaining strength as the country’s risk perception continues to grow due to increasing political uncertainty and recent defeats suffered by President Guillermo Lasso in the Constitutional Court.
Over the years, a series of events and decisions taken by successive governments in Ecuador, coupled with changes in the international landscape, have paved the way for the growth of organized crime and escalating violence in the country. From bombings to prison...
Update to: Record Number of Migrants Expected to Cross Darién Jungle Published: Volume 7, Issue 42 The Darién jungle, located between Colombia and Panama, has witnessed a significant surge in migrant crossings this year, with Ecuadorians emerging as the second-largest...
In the heart of Azuay province, the notorious Turi prison has once again become a hotbed of tension and instability, leaving its staff and inmates grappling with constant threats and violence. Controlled predominantly by the feared Los Lobos criminal gang, Turi prison...
These stunning lagoons are the ideal place for a quick getaway into nature. Ecuador’s Azuay province boasts enchanting destinations with magical lagoons that beckon both locals and visitors seeking a nature-filled getaway during vacations in the Sierra and Amazonia....
Citizens of Ecuador and Bolivia remain the only South Americans obliged to apply for a Schengen visa, and unfortunately, this situation is unlikely to change anytime soon. Hopes of Ecuadorians to travel freely to the European Union, without the burden of a Schengen...
Ecuador discussed how it cut adoption time from 5 years to 9 months. Delegates from nine countries gathered in Ecuador on July 20th and 21st for a significant bilateral seminar, engaging in discussions, round tables, and meetings to address the pressing issue of...
After discussions between the Cuenca Airport Corporation and local tourism organizations and airlines, the new runway is expected to be installed over a 90-day period in late 2024.
In 2022, Ecuador faced a troubling reality with 53,847 cases of pregnancy among girls and adolescents. Among these pregnancies, 3,386 occurred in girls aged 10 to 14, while the remaining 50,461 were identified in adolescents aged 15 to 19.
Cuencanos have long been complaining about the exorbitant prices of flights to Quito, with fares reaching up to $1,000 during special events. The Airport Corporation is hopeful that a new airline will enter the market this year to introduce competition and subsequently lower prices.
The potential cessation of crude oil production in Yasuní-ITT has raised concerns about the impact on government income and the measures that would be needed to offset the loss. Currently, the oil exploitation in Yasuní generates approximately $1.2 billion annually...
The fiscal situation of the State has deteriorated because of increased spending and a drop in income, primarily due to lower oil production and the reduction of the Foreign Currency Outflow Tax (ISD). Amidst political uncertainty following President Guillermo Lasso’s...
Exploring the hidden gems of the Austro region in Ecuador can be a rewarding experience for travelers seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations. With a variety of options in Azuay, Cañar, Loja, and Morona Santiago, visitors can immerse themselves in nature,...
The renegotiation of contracts between Claro and Movistar, two major mobile telephony operators in Ecuador, is currently at a standstill as their 15-year concessions are about to expire. The Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (Arcotel) suspended the...
The state holding company is considering partnering with mining companies to develop new electricity generation projects. Corporación Eléctrica de Ecuador (Celac), the state holding company in Ecuador, is actively seeking partners to collaborate on new power...
Authorities have implemented a comprehensive plan to ‘save’ the Chola Cuencana area in the Azuayan capital. The ‘Chole Cuencana’ sector—extending out from the traffic roundabout at Avenues España, Gaspar Sangurima, Huayna Cápac and Hurtado de Mendoza— has been...
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...
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...
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...
Newly graduated police officers in Ecuador are facing a significant challenge as they enter the force without essential equipment. Despite the recent graduation of 8,500 agents, the National Police has yet to provide them with new pistols, vests, and helmets. The...
With approximately 20,000 inhabitants residing in high-risk areas, most of them in the outskirts of the city, there is a constant fear that the upcoming rains accompanying the El Niño phenomenon will lead to further disasters. Rómulo Coraizaca, a resident of Los Pinos...
The Government of Guillermo Lasso has been steadily reducing the Tax on the Exit of Foreign Currency since 2022, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the tax entirely by 2025. Starting from July 1, 2023, the Foreign Currency Exit Tax (ISD) rate will drop to 3.50%, a...
The protest is being led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) and the Anti-Mining Front, against the government of Guillermo Lasso regarding Executive Decree 754. Conaie has called for a national protest on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in...
Update to: Closure of roads increases production costs for Azuay industries Published: Volume 7, Issue 35 The World Bank has approved a $150 million loan for Ecuador to address the recovery of road infrastructure damaged by the March 2023 earthquake and the recent...