US Embassy Issues Demonstration Alert for Downtown Guayaquil — Protests Continue After Mayor's Arrest

The U.S. Embassy wants you to stay away from downtown Guayaquil right now.

The Alert

The U.S. Embassy in Quito, through the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), has issued demonstration alerts for downtown Guayaquil, warning American citizens about ongoing protests that could turn violent.

The alerts specifically warn:

• Avoid the areas around the Municipio de Guayaquil (City Hall) and the Malecón 2000
• Expect roadblocks and transportation disruptions in central Guayaquil
• Monitor local media for real-time updates on protest locations
• Carry valid identification at all times — police and military checkpoints are common

Why People Are Protesting

The demonstrations are connected to the February 10 arrest of Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Alvarez along with his two brothers and eight associates on money laundering and tax fraud charges.

The arrest was dramatic: heavily armed police conducted a pre-dawn raid, detaining the mayor and transferring him to Quito for processing. One of those arrested was Aquiles' brother, who also serves as president of Barcelona Sporting Club — one of Ecuador's most popular football teams.

Alvarez's supporters call the arrest political persecution, pointing out that the mayor had become one of President Noboa's most vocal critics. The government insists the charges are based on a legitimate financial investigation.

The city is now led by 25-year-old Deputy Mayor Tatiana Coronel, who assumed the role under extraordinary circumstances.

The Security Context

Guayaquil is already under a state of emergency — one of nine provinces affected by the ongoing 60-day emergency decree. This means:

• Military and police presence is heightened throughout the city
• Warrantless searches of homes and vehicles are legally authorized
• Communications surveillance is permitted under the emergency powers
• Curfew hours may be imposed in specific neighborhoods if the security situation deteriorates

Adding protests to an already tense security environment creates unpredictable conditions, particularly in the downtown core.

What This Means for Expats

• Avoid downtown Guayaquil if possible, particularly the areas around the Municipio, the Malecón, and the central market district
• If you must transit through Guayaquil, use the Metrovía (bus rapid transit) routes that bypass the protest zones, or take rideshare services (Uber, InDriver) rather than navigating independently
• José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) is operating normally, but ground transportation to and from the airport may be affected by roadblocks
• Carry your passport or cédula at all times. Military checkpoints are legal under the state of emergency and you can be detained for not having identification
• Register with the U.S. Embassy's STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) at step.state.gov if you haven't already. This ensures you receive security alerts directly
• Emergency contacts: U.S. Embassy Quito: +593-2-398-5000, ECU 911 (all emergencies), U.S. Citizens Emergency: +1-202-501-4444 (after hours)

Sources: OSAC, U.S. Embassy Quito, France24, Bloomberg