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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.

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?

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.

While the headlines scream about Ecuador's coastal violence, a quieter story is being missed: dozens of cantons across the Sierra recorded no homicides at all last year. Cuenca's among the safest cities in the country, and the data backs it up.

The first Mercado de las Industrias Escénicas del Ecuador brings 38 international festival programmers to Cuenca this week. Theater, dance, circus, puppetry, and music showcases open to the public.