A new curfew is now in force across multiple regions of Ecuador, restricting movement between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM from May 3 through May 18.
The measure applies to several provinces, including Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Pichincha, Manabí, Sucumbíos, and Esmeraldas. It also extends to specific cantons such as La Maná, Las Naves, Echeandía, and La Troncal.
During restricted hours, only essential personnel are allowed to circulate:
- Police and military
- Security staff
- Health workers
- Emergency and risk management personnel
Public services will continue with some adjustments. Garbage collection will still operate overnight in major cities, with some shifts in scheduling during the day.
Air travel remains unaffected. Airports in Quito and Guayaquil continue normal operations, though passengers are expected to carry their boarding passes during travel, including those accompanying them to or from the airport.
Emergency response services will also remain fully active, with 911 available nationwide for incidents involving security, health, traffic, or natural disasters.
No special permits have been issued for private industry to operate during curfew hours, despite concerns from sectors tied to exports such as bananas and shrimp.
This is the second curfew implemented this year. The measure comes as authorities respond to ongoing security challenges and shifting tactics among criminal groups.