Blog
By Gretchen Reynolds Maria Branyas Morera’s life was simple. She enjoyed yogurt, gardening, sleep, books, walks, friends, playing the piano and dogs. But her lifespan was remarkable — and also […]
One of the most frequent questions for expats moving to Ecuador—aside from where to find the best cup of coffee—is how to navigate the healthcare system. Since health insurance is […]
The water level at the Mazar reservoir in eastern Azuay Province continues to drop rapidly, Ecuador’s Electric Corporation (CELEC) reports. A month ago, on November 30, the level stood at […]
By Cody C. Delistraty There’s a certain sinking feeling one gets when thinking of the perfect thing to say just a moment too late. Perhaps a witty parting word could […]
If you ever find yourself thinking the Terminal Terrestre is just a place to catch a bus, you have not been paying attention. The main bus station in Cuenca is […]
For many expats landing in the Andes, the initial “honeymoon phase” with Cuenca’s cobblestone streets and $3 lunches inevitably leads to a major crossroads: Do I commit to a deed, […]
Ecuador has closed all but two of its border crossings with Colombia and Peru for “national security reasons.” The measure was announced Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on […]
Walk through Cuenca today and you can already see the quiet signs of change. More QR codes on tables. More digital payment apps. More small shops testing online orders and […]
By Arturo Torres, Samantha Schmidt and Alex Horton The police arrived at the airport prepared to arrest a drug trafficker — a mariner whose crewmates the U.S. military had just […]
Government Minister Nataly Morillo said Thursday that President Daniel Noboa will not meet with the mayors of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, considering them “rude and disrespectful and involved in acts […]
China and Brazil have started work to open an $18.5 billion corridor linking railways to ports in Brazil and Peru, shortening the transport route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. […]
There are two kinds of conversations you can have with an AI about current affairs. One is reassuring, efficient, and faintly impressive, all things considered, but the other feels like […]
To follow the news about Ecuador from abroad is to experience a masterclass in cognitive dissonance. One headline blares, “State of Emergency Declared as Violence Surges.” The next, often on […]
Storage rooms at Ecuador’s two international airports, in Quito and Guayaquil, overflow with merchandise confiscated by customs agents from international travelers. Most of it is clothing, small electronics, cosmetics and […]
By Carolina Mella The military patrol tasked with guarding the mega-prison known as Encuentro — one of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s most ambitious projects in the coastal province of Santa […]
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, “most affordable” can mean two different things: the cheapest option today, or the option that costs the least over your lifetime. Let’s break down the […]
President Daniel Noboa’s popularity continues to decline, according to a survey by Consultora Opinion Publica. In its December poll of 10 South American presidents, Noboa ranked seventh, with a positive […]
Editor’s note: Ever wonder what Cuenca was like a 112 years ago? The following is an excerpt from “Vagabonding Down the Andes” by Harry A. Franck. Published in 1917, the […]
In my recent column about IVA refunds as they relate to expatriate retirees, I knew perfectly well that the comments section would not be a place of tame consensus. Topics […]
In January 2024, Ecuador was thrust into the international spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The headlines were terrifying. José Adolfo MacÃas Villamar, the notorious gang leader known as “Fito,” […]






















