Articles

Alexandra Quintanilla, the second-highest elected official in Azuay province, was caught driving drunk at a Cuenca checkpoint, refused the breathalyzer, and showed a photo of someone else's license. A judge sentenced her to 30 days in prison and a $1,446 fine. Here's the full story.

For the first time ever, U.S. Special Forces conducted ground operations alongside Ecuadorian commandos, seizing 6 tons of cocaine and sinking a 115-foot narco submarine near the Colombian border. Here's what this unprecedented military operation means for Ecuador — and for expats living here.

A group of protesters stormed an Iranian cultural center in Quito during Ramadan prayers, injuring one person. Here's what happened and why it matters in Ecuador's current political climate.

GDP growing at 2%, inflation at just 1.5%, a new US trade deal boosting exports, and the basic salary up to $482/month. Here's what Ecuador's 2026 economy actually looks like — and why it matters if you live here.

Ecuador's National Assembly just passed a law requiring cities to spend 70% of their budgets on infrastructure, capping payroll at 30%. Cuenca's mayor says it's a backdoor to erase $1 billion the national government owes local cities. Here's what it means for services you use.

In a rare move that's raising eyebrows in the expat community, Cuenca's alcalde has taken legal action against foreigners who accused him of leaking sensitive information. Details are still emerging, but here's what we know so far.

A proposed emergency economic law would force municipalities to spend 70% of their budgets on infrastructure, slashing funding for social services. Azuay's prefecture is among those pushing back hard.

Ramón Pucha spends days alone in the jungle collecting seeds from endangered trees. His wife plants them. His son gives tours. The government calls their farm a 'living laboratory' — but won't fund it. Their story says a lot about Ecuador right now.

Interior Minister John Reinberg wants to recentralize traffic management, citing corruption in some local agencies. Cuenca's EMOV says the city shouldn't be punished for problems elsewhere.