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In a significant turn of events, the United States has issued a decision emergency travel alert for Ecuadoran increasingly popular country that has become a trendy spot for nature getaways and cultural tourism in Latin America in recent years thanks to its unspoilt nature and colonial heritage.
In case you haven’t been following the news in recent days, peace in Ecuador has unfortunately disappeared due to numerous prison riots, which have led to a wave of crimes in the usually peaceful country. Travelers should follow all government orders and adhere to the advice in the latest warning from the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador.
Now, US citizens visiting soon, if they choose to continue with their travel plans, will be subject to strict new orders.
What’s happening in Ecuador right now?
It all started when the Ecuadorian government confirmed that Adolfo Macias, the leader of a powerful criminal organization, had been sentenced to 34 years in prison on January 7 escaped from prison on the day it was rumored that he would be transferred to a maximum security facility.
There have been simultaneous criminal attacks in cities, prison breaks and even gunmen storming into live TV studios.
As Guillhaume Long, the former Secretary of State, has done declaredEcuador may have had a crime problem for years, after being among the worst in Latin America in 2023, but after last weekend’s chaos the situation has gone ‘out of control’.
It didn’t stop there:
In a coordinated attack on January 8, just a day later, prisoners in at least six other prisons across Ecuador rebelled against authorities and seized power, taking as many as 150 guards and staff hostage. 39 prisoners escape from a prison in Riobamba alone.
The situation continues to deteriorate rapidly as on January 9, violence quickly spread to the streets, with at least five explosions in ‘several cities’.
Although no injuries or casualties have been reported among them, the overall picture is quite grim, and what’s even worse: evolving rapidly.
@bnnbreaking #BNNEcuador Reports. US diplomat expresses serious concerns about escalating violence in Ecuador. #Escalating #Violence #Concern #Ecuador #US ♬ original sound – BNN Breaking
Government officials have counted as many as 30 different attacks since Macias went missing last Sunday, but no exact links have been made and the prisoner has not yet been located.
We understand it can be confusing, and there is a lot going on, but this is clear: due to drug trafficking and gang wars, violence in Ecuador has increased dramatically compared to previous years, and even in recent weeks, and the state of unrest could increase. be extended further.
What has been the government’s response?
Based on the statements of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, civil distress could worsen as he “will not negotiate” with the parties responsible for the latest episode.
Noboa elaborated further, saying the violence is “a response” to the government’s proposal to build a high-security prison for jailed gang leaders, but that has not fully establishedor.
In response, the president declared a nationwide state of emergency on January 8, which would last forever 60 days.
Travelers in the country are subject to a nightly curfew
This includes a national curfew from 11pm to 5am which directly affects night-time services tourist destinations such as Quito, the capital and cultural heart, Cuenca, the colonial gem, Guayaquil, the gateway to the Pacific Ocean, and many more.
There is no way of knowing when or where crime will occur, or when or how armed conflict will break out, but if the president’s statement is to be trusted, it most certainly will, as military action shall take place, and anti-government forces shall Reply.
Taking this information into account, it is no surprise that the US Embassy has now issued an order emergency warning for Americans in, or who are planning to travel to Ecuador.
What does the US government say?
The US Department of State acknowledges the severity of the situation, noting that schools in Ecuador will continue to function virtually until January 12, and that even remote work is recommended “where possible.”
So far, Ecuador has yet to be relegated from level 2 to level 3 in the Travel Advice mentionmeaning the US still isn’t discouraging Americans from traveling, but it usually does some delayAnd his almost a given the country will at some point be faced with a ‘Reconsider Travel’ advisory.
Unless, of course, order is suddenly restored. For now, that looks unlikely.
Although the advisory has not been updated, the alert warns Americans to stay abreast of official communications from the government of Ecuador regarding the state of emergency, “monitor credible media sources” for information about “threats and violent activities,” and Washington’s own safety advice.
How does this affect tourists?
Ecuador is not closed and tourist services, hotels and tourist attractions continue to operate normally, except that they must adhere to the nightly curfew.
Aside from the threat of violence, the main immediate impact on tourism is the theoretical shutdown of nightlife across Ecuador.
In the medium to long term, it is impossible to predict how Ecuador will suffer from a possible decline in tourism revenues.
After all, as charming and picturesque as it is, we wouldn’t be the first to book a flight to Quito anytime soon, not until the dust settles and more information is available.
For those who would like to visit again, flights to and from Ecuador continue to operate normally with no changes in schedule or time, thus far, as the curfew provides an exception for some essential workers, as well as individuals traveling through airports during the curfew.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
