Articles

Ecuador received a record $7.9 billion in remittances last year — more than bananas, shrimp, or cacao exports. Now a combination of ICE enforcement, deportation fears, and a new US tax on cash remittances is cutting those flows. In Cuenca, families report receiving half what they used to.

If Cuenca felt unusually packed this weekend, you weren't imagining it. Hotels hit 90% occupancy, 1.3 million Ecuadorians hit the road, and the government estimates the four-day feriado will generate up to $100 million in tourism spending. Here's what the Carnival boom actually looked like.

What started as a festive Carnival Saturday turned dangerous fast. Intense afternoon rains on February 14 and 15 flooded at least 15 neighborhoods, damaged homes in Barabón Chico, and sent emergency crews scrambling across western Cuenca. Meanwhile, in Cajas National Park, lightning struck four hikers on Cerro San Luis.

On February 13, the US and Ecuador announced they've 'substantially concluded' a new trade agreement. Ecuador is dropping tariffs on American wine, nuts, fruit, and wheat. Here's what might actually change for expats shopping at Supermaxi.

The city's security director admitted that most cameras you see in El Centro are just traffic counters, not crime-prevention tools. A new 'Cuenca Segura' project will install 63 cameras at 29 strategic points. Here's what's changing and what it means for safety in the neighborhoods you walk every day.

From Cuenca's first full wastewater treatment plant to potable water expansion in Santa Ana, ETAPA's 2026 plan includes 200 contracts worth $58.4 million. Here's what's actually in the pipeline and why it matters for the city's future.

If your lease is up soon, brace yourself. One-bedroom apartments in Cuenca now run $550–750/month, two-bedrooms hit $750–1,100, and the days of the mythical $400 rental are mostly over. Here's what's driving it and where to look.

If you see people in teal blue uniforms patrolling El Centro and don't recognize them — relax, it's still the Guardia Ciudadana. Cuenca's municipal security force ditched the old red look for a full rebrand in 2026. Here's what changed and what they actually do.

For years, the 35 rangers protecting Parque Nacional Cajas and Cuenca's critical watersheds fought wildfires with inadequate gear. ETAPA just changed that with a $215,000 equipment delivery — helmets, fire suits, chainsaws, and portable pumps. After 11,000 hectares burned in 2024, it was overdue.