Ecuador has renewed a 60-day state of emergency due to "internal disturbance and armed violence", the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed.
The emergency measures, which came into effect on April 12, will remain in place for two months in the South American nation.
As the popular tourist spot continues to be gripped by conflict, British tourists are advised to "always follow the instructions of police and local authorities".
The FCDO named the specific provinces affected by the state of emergency, plus the areas that have been placed under a curfew.
Ecuador has renewed a 60-day state of emergency
GETTY IMAGESProvinces where the state of emergency applies
- Guayas
- El Oro
- Santa Elena
- Manabí
- Orellana
- Sucumbios
- Los Ríos
- Quito Metropolitan District (Pichincha province)
- Camilo Ponce Enríquez district (Azuay province)
Districts and/or parishes where the curfew is in place
Azuay province
- Camilo Ponce Enríquez
Los Ríos province
- Slime
- Babahoyo
- Good faith
- Mocache
- Montalvo
- Palenque
- Old Town
- Quevedo
- Quinsaloma
- Urdaneta
- Valencia
- Windows
- Vinces
Guayas province
- Balao
- Durán
- Tenguel Parish
Orellana province
- The Jewel of the Sachas
- Puerto Francisco de Orellana
- Loreto
Sucumbios province
- Shushufindi
- Agrio Lake
Ecuador, which is home to the Galápagos Islands and a small part of the Amazon rainforest, is known for its exceptional natural beauty.
One visitor to Tortuga Bay Beach, Santa Cruz, gave it the ultimate praise, calling it "one of the best beaches in the world".
Indeed, the tourist said on Tripadvisor: "Huge white sand beach, finally a beautiful coastal lagoon; an amazing experience worth visiting."
A visitor to Isla Lobos stated: "Rocky terrain but absolutely worth it, traversing to see magnificent wildlife. Blue-footed boobies, iguanas and more fowl life. It also offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding waters. I would call this a must-see."
Quito, Ecuador's capital, has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. Its rich history has been preserved, and visitors can see churches, monasteries, and other historic buildings that look nearly the same as they did when they were first constructed, even after earthquake damage in 1917.
But despite its immeasurable beauty, holidaymakers were recently warned that the tourist destination is gripped by violence.
The decline in safety comes as Ecuador records the largest drop in its Peace Index score globally.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Quito is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site
GETTY IMAGESResearch by international health insurance experts William Russell revealed a dramatic 47.7-point change from 2023 to 2024.
The deterioration was "attributed to a lot of gang and drug-related violent crime in the region".
A concerning 70 per cent of Ecuadorians admit to not feeling safe in their city or neighbourhood at night.
President Daniel Noboa has taken strong measures against criminal organisations, officially branding 22 gangs as terrorist organisations.
Holidaymakers can still enjoy trips to the South American country but should remain vigilant, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the FCDO's latest guidance.
This will include the most recent information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Ecuador. Before booking a trip, Britons must be aware of these areas.
