Ecuador Has Announced a State of Emergency—Essential Information for Travelers

On January 8, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a nationwide state of emergency following the escape of notorious drug lord José Adolfo Macías, known as Fito, from a maximum-security prison. The president initiated a 60-day deployment of soldiers across Ecuador to search for the cartel leader, alongside a nationwide curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

In the days after the announcement, reports emerged of explosions, police officer kidnappings, and an incident where armed men invaded a TV station in Guayaquil. On January 17, a prosecutor involved in the investigation of the television station attack was killed in Guayaquil, as reported by the Associated Press.

Ecuador has been through a turbulent period. However, recent developments suggest that stability is returning to certain regions of the country. The Ecuadorian government aims to resume regular operations while ensuring heightened security measures are in place.

“We are slowly seeing a return to normalcy,” stated a January 15 announcement from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism. “Enhanced security measures remain in effect in certain areas, while routine activities continue in the rest of the country.”

On January 22, the General Secretariat of Communication from the Presidency of Ecuador released a statement indicating that the country’s Armed Forces and National Police have conducted nearly 34,000 operations aimed at dismantling narco-terrorist groups. These efforts resulted in the arrest of over 3,000 individuals, along with the confiscation of more than 1,000 firearms, cash, weapons, and over 30,000 pounds of drugs.

In light of what has been termed a war on drugs and crime within the nation, travelers might be questioning whether they should continue with their plans to visit Ecuador at this time or in the foreseeable future. Here’s what you need to know.

Is it safe to travel to Ecuador right now?

As of January 22, the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the country, recommending increased caution. It also suggests that travelers reconsider visiting:

• Guayaquil, north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue
• El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas
• Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo
• All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province
• The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo

In light of the crime situation, the embassy recommends avoiding travel to:

• Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue
• The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in El Oro province
• Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in Los Rios province
• Esmeraldas city and all regions north of Esmeraldas city within Esmeraldas province

According to a January 19 update from security risk and crisis management firm Crisis24, "Incidents of gang-related violence, along with heightened security measures aimed at controlling crime, are anticipated throughout Ecuador until early March." Currently, Crisis24 assesses Ecuador at a medium risk level.

Guayaquil, a coastal city, continues to face instability. A January 12 update from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), a global network of adventure travel leaders, indicated that local tour operators in Ecuador have reported several attacks by illegal armed groups in Guayaquil, prompting some to halt tours in the area. In response to the state of emergency, the government has deployed military forces to this region.

What is the current state of travel in Ecuador?

Currently, Ecuador is enforcing a nationwide curfew. Both travelers and residents are required to stay indoors at their hotels or homes from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. During daytime hours, however, popular travel destinations such as the Amazon, the Galápagos Islands, and Quito are functioning normally, as reported by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism.

Earlier this month, a few cruises were canceled, including some Lindblad Expeditions trips to the Galápagos and a Silversea stop in Ecuador. However, most cruises seem to be operating on schedule again. Flights to the Galápagos Islands, Quito, and the Amazon are still running, and hotels and attractions in Quito, like the Casa del Alabado museum, the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, and the El Panecillo monument, have not experienced any service interruptions.

The Ministry of Tourism stated, "The streets and roads of Ecuador are open and accessible, adhering to the curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Security along these routes is assured through effective controls by defense forces at key locations, guaranteeing the safety of all users during both day and curfew hours."

Insights shared by ATTA members indicate that "hotels, attractions, national parks, airports, roads, and hotel infrastructure are functioning as usual."

What is the current situation like in Ecuador?

"In the past week, there have been no reported security incidents. We are operating normally in mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos, with the sole exception being Guayaquil, where operations are currently halted," stated Maria Eugenia de Aliaga from Tropic Travel in a January 21 post on a blog updating travelers on the situation in Ecuador.

Kevin Daily, a traveler from Miami, was in Ecuador earlier this month just after the state of emergency was announced.

"It was my first trip, so I’m not completely sure what to expect, but Quito felt quite calm," Daily remarked. "Cotopaxi National Park was bustling with international tourists and appeared unaffected by recent events."

Ecuador has long faced issues with crime. Factors such as a struggling economy, the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing drug trafficking, and a turbulent political environment have all contributed to a recent surge in crime and corruption, according to Reuters. Despite these challenges, Ecuador continues to attract tourists, thanks to its rich cultural diversity, stunning architecture, indigenous traditions, delicious cuisine, and unique wildlife. Visitors from across the globe flock to this South American gem. Tourism plays a crucial role in Ecuador’s economy, generating approximately $2.29 billion in revenue before the pandemic.

"I never felt unsafe as a tourist in Quito or Cotopaxi," Daily said. "Our tour guide noted that this might be one of the safest times to explore Quito, given the heightened surveillance and police presence."