Articles

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.

ETAPA just graduated 350 community forest brigaders trained to defend the páramos and watersheds that supply every drop of Cuenca's tap water. After last year's fires scorched thousands of hectares, this volunteer army could be the difference between clean water and crisis.

After the devastating 2024 blackouts that hit Cuenca with up to 14 hours without power daily, the government unveiled its 2025–2030 energy expansion plan. The headline number: 1,471 megawatts of new capacity from solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. The real question: will it get built?

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.

The government just updated its rainy season alert map. Azuay is at orange (moderate risk), three provinces are at red, and if you're driving anywhere this holiday weekend, you need to pay attention.

From this morning's Mote Pata workshop to Saturday night's Nicky Jam concert, here's everything happening in Cuenca for Carnival 2026 — plus Tranvía schedule changes, road patrol info, and what to know before you head out.

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.

The Municipal Council unanimously approved an ordinance creating seed capital funds for local entrepreneurs — with a two-year grace period and zero interest. Here’s what it means if you’re thinking about launching something in Cuenca.