Cuenca-Molleturo Highway Reopened at Km 92 — But Drive Carefully, Multiple Sections Still Risky
Cuenca Expat Staff
What's Open Again
The Cuenca-Molleturo-El Empalme highway — Cuenca's main route to the coast — reopened at kilometer 92 on Sunday, April 19, 2026, per an announcement from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (source).
From El Mercurio: "se habilitó este domingo 19 de abril de 2026."
The closure that triggered this had started three days earlier: "El cierre vial se presentó el jueves 16 de abril" — Thursday April 16 — after a landslide closed traffic at the same kilometer marker.
What the Ministry Actually Said
The Ministry's guidance is cautious, not triumphant. Per the source: "se recomienda circular con precaución debido a la presencia de lluvia y caída de material pétreo en distintos puntos" — drive with caution due to rain and falling rock at various points.
And this isn't just about km 92. The corridor "está parcialmente habilitada en los kilómetros 53, 92 y 96" — partially open at km 53, 92, and 96 — with caution advised at km 49, 57, 85, and 91 as well.
In other words: the road is usable, but it's far from normal.
What This Means for You
If you're driving to Guayaquil, the airport, or the coast this week:
- "Partially open" means one lane or controlled traffic at those points. Expect stops, possibly long ones, and don't count on making your normal time.
- Rain is still the risk factor. The same conditions that caused the April 16 closure at km 92 haven't gone anywhere. Another slide could happen.
- Km 57 is on the caution list too — that's where the April 15 bus crash happened. It's a known problem stretch regardless of landslides.
- If you have a flight out of Guayaquil, pad your drive time aggressively. What's normally a 3.5-4 hour drive could easily be 5-6 right now.
- The southern alternative via Girón, Santa Isabel, and Pasaje adds hours but is an option if Molleturo is restricted or shut again.
- Check road conditions the day of. El Mercurio, Ecuavisa, and the MTOP's social feeds post closure updates in real time. Don't assume what was open this morning is open this afternoon.
The rainy season isn't quite done. Drive like it.
Source: El Mercurio
