Ecuador Just Declared a Curfew — But Not in Cuenca (Here's What to Know)

Ecuador has a nationwide curfew running from May 3 through May 18 — but Cuenca isn't on the list.

The curfew runs from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM across nine provinces: Guayas, Pichincha, Manabí, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Sucumbíos, El Oro, and Esmeraldas. Four additional cantons — Las Naves, Echendía, La Maná, and La Troncal — are also under restrictions.

Why This Matters for Cuenca Expats

If you're planning a trip to the coast, Quito, or anywhere in the affected zones, you need to be back at your hotel by 11 PM through May 18. Police Commander Pablo Dávila confirmed 124 people were detained on the first night alone — 119 for violating the curfew, 5 for other offenses.

The enforcement is real. Reports from Quito and Guayaquil described chaotic scenes as travelers rushed to beat the deadline on Saturday night. In Guayaquil, police conducted residential operations in multiple neighborhoods.

What About La Troncal?

Here's the one that might catch some of you: La Troncal is under curfew. If you've ever driven to the coast via the Cuenca–Guayaquil highway, you've passed through it. Plan your timing accordingly if you're headed that direction.

The Bottom Line

Cuenca itself is unaffected. Azuay province is not on the list. Your nightly walks along the Tomebamba and late dinners in El Centro are fine. But if you're traveling to any of the listed provinces through May 18, keep your evenings short.

Sources: Primicias, El Universo