Ecuador Curfew Day 3: Over 500 Detained, Military Operations Expanding

Ecuador's curfew — running 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM through May 18 across nine provinces and four cantons — entered its third day on May 6 with enforcement operations intensifying.

The Numbers So Far

Over the first two days of enforcement:

• 500+ people detained for violating curfew restrictions
• 80+ of those arrested were already wanted individuals captured during operations
• National Police and Armed Forces are conducting coordinated patrols, searches, and raids across all affected zones

In Guayas province, the military launched Operation IAD covering Daule, Salitre, and Pedro Carbo — targeting what authorities describe as criminal structures operating in those cantons.

Police issued a statement that they are "reinforcing strategic operations during restricted hours, to prevent criminal acts and protect citizens."

What's Different From Day 1

When we published our initial curfew guide, the first-night numbers showed 124 detentions. Three days in, the pace has accelerated — enforcement is getting more aggressive, not less.

The military operations in Guayas signal this is being treated as a security sweep, not just a mobility restriction. If you're in Guayaquil or surrounding areas, expect visible military presence and roadside checkpoints during curfew hours.

Reminder: Where It Applies

Nine provinces: Guayas, Pichincha, Manabí, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo, and Sucumbíos.

Four cantons: La Maná, Las Naves, Echeandía, and La Troncal.

Not affected: Azuay (Cuenca), Loja (Vilcabamba), Imbabura (Cotacachi), Tungurahua, Chimborazo, and Galápagos.

What This Means for Expats

The enforcement is real and escalating. This is not a paper restriction. If you are in any affected province, being on the street after 11 PM risks detention — no exceptions, no safe-conduct passes.

If you're traveling to the coast this week: La Troncal remains under curfew. Time your Cuenca-to-Guayaquil drives to arrive well before 11 PM. The same applies to travel from Quito to the coast.

The curfew runs through May 18. No extension has been announced, but the government has not ruled one out either.

Sources: El Universo