ECUADOR: Visiting Ecuador After The 7.8 Earthquake

According to the Minister of Tourism, tourists can visit unaffected areas of the country with no concerns over security

A 7.8 Richter scale earthquake occurred on April 16 near the northwest coast of Ecuador, in the Manabí state region.

According to a release by the Ministry of Tourism, areas like Amazon, Andes, and Galapagos – airports, hotels, travel agencies and ground transportation – “remain open and fully operational.”

“Visitors traveling to Ecuador or planning a visit to unaffected areas can feel confident that their trip will not be impacted, and can feel secure to continue with their plans to visit the country,” Fernando Alvarado, Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism declared.

Infrastructure and services across the four main regions of the country after the shake are fully or partially operational, as follows:
Amazon – no changes, as all travel related features operate normally.

Andes – airports, ground transportation and hotels are fully operational. No major damage was reported in the area.
Coast – The airport and hotels in the city of Guayaquil remain open and fully operational.

The cities of Manta, Pedernales, Bahia de Caraquez, and Portoviejo were severely affected by the earthquake and have closed main roads and airports. It is recommended that tourists avoid this regions.

Galapagos Islands – not affected by the quake; tsunami alert was lifted. The area is considered to be safe.