Holidaymakers in popular destination told to expect power outages and compulsory curfew

The FCDO advised Britons: "There will be nationwide power outages on Wednesday, September 18, as well as Monday, September 23 to Thursday, September 26 inclusive, from 10pm until 6am the following day.

"Correspondingly, on Wednesday, September 18, there will also be a curfew at the same time in the following provinces: Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, Satna Elena, El Oro and the district of Camilo Ponce Enriquez in Azuay province.

"We anticipate the curfew to be repeated for the period 23 to 26 September in the same areas but await confirmation.

"There will be heightened presence of police and armed forces to guarantee public security. If you need to travel to the airport during curfew hours, please have a copy of your flight itinerary to hand."

Britons were also informed that water rationing would take effect. The FCDO warned: "There will be water cuts as a result of rationing in several areas part of the country (principally in the provinces of Guayas and Pichincha).

"Please check with your local water supplier for the hours and dates of these water cuts."

With regards to power outages, the FCDO explained: "On April 15, the government announced plans for energy rationing across the country, occurring at sporadic intervals.

"For more information on power cut times in your location, please check your local power provider’s official website or social media channels."

This comes as British holidaymakers were given a South America travel warning as several areas imposed a curfew following a "state of emergency".

Holidaymakers flock to Ecuador in their masses for idyllic beaches, incredible biodiversity - including 1,640 recorded bird species - the Amazon rainforest, and of course, the enchanting Galapagos Islands.

But before visiting, it's important to consult the FCDO's up-to-date travel guidance, which covers warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.

There are some parts of Ecuador that the FCDO's advises against all but essential travel to.

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Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Coastal Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Coastal Region provinces of:

• Esmeraldas
• Manabí
• Santa Elena
• Guayas
• El Oro
• Los Ríos
• Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas

This does not apply to airside transit within Guayaquil Airport in Guayas province, including onward or return travel to the Galapagos Islands.

Within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border, except for these areas in Carchi province:

• El Ángel Ecological Reserve
• Rumichaca border crossing
• the town of Tulcán
• the Pan-American Highway