Ecuador Travel Update 2025:

Protests in Imbabura Have Officially Ended — Ecuador Eco Adventure Operations Continue Safely

National Situation and Context

In September and October 2025, Ecuador faced a wave of nationwide protests and road blockades, mainly led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE). The demonstrations began after the government announced the gradual elimination of fuel subsidies, which sparked a reaction across several provinces. Among the affected regions, Imbabura Province, located in the northern Andes and home to the popular artisan town of Otavalo, was one of the epicenters of unrest. Roads were blocked, public transport was interrupted, and tensions grew between demonstrators and security forces. Despite isolated incidents of violence and reported casualties, dialogue between Indigenous leaders and the government has finally led to an agreement. On October 22, 2025, CONAIE officially announced the end of the national strike and highway blockades, marking the conclusion of one of the most significant social movements of recent years in Ecuador.

Current Status: Protests Officially Ended

According to local and international media, including AP News and El País, the riots and blockades have been officially lifted. The Ecuadorian government has now restored order, and the state of emergency in key provinces has been lifted. At Ecuador Eco Adventure, we want to inform all our guests and international partners that our operations across Ecuador remain fully open and unaffected. Our adventure programs in the Andes, Amazon, and Galápagos Islands continue running safely and on schedule. Our teams in Quito, Riobamba, Baños, and Chimborazo Basecamp have reported normal conditions, with roads and logistics functioning without disruptions. Travelers arriving in Ecuador can continue their journeys confidently, as the main highways connecting Quito, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Cuenca remain open.

Travel Advisory: Avoid Imbabura for the Time Being

Although the national strike has ended, we strongly advise travelers to postpone visits to Imbabura Province and the Otavalo area for the next two to three months. Some rural communities around Otavalo, Cotacachi, and San Pablo Lake remain cautious and have not fully reopened to tourism. A few routes may still experience occasional closures or checkpoints. For your safety and comfort, we recommend focusing your travel plans on other destinations while the region stabilizes completely. Our team will continue monitoring the situation in real time, maintaining communication with local authorities and community partners. Once conditions return to normal, we’ll resume all tours and market visits in Imbabura, including our traditional Otavalo Market Day excursions and cultural experiences.

Where It’s Safe to Travel in Ecuador Now

Despite recent unrest, Ecuador remains one of South America’s safest and most diverse destinations for adventure and eco-tourism. All other regions are operating normally, and tourism activity continues to thrive. Quito, the capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains fully open. Visitors can explore its historic center, museums, and cable car to Rucu Pichincha. Cotopaxi National Park is open for all trekking, climbing, and biking tours, including Cotopaxi Volcano, Limpiopungo Lagoon, and Tambo Paxi Lodge. The Chimborazo Reserve, home to our Chimborazo Basecamp Lodge at 3,900 meters and the high camp domes at 5,300 meters, is open for climbers and trekkers. Baños de Agua Santa, the gateway to the Amazon, remains calm and ideal for canyoning, rafting, and hot springs. The Galápagos Islands, including Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal, continue operating normally with daily flights and island-hopping tours. The Amazon Rainforest, including Yasuní, Cuyabeno, and Pilchi Lodge, is also open and at its seasonal best for wildlife observation. Ecuador Eco Adventure maintains full operational capacity, supported by our network of certified guides, private transport providers, and local lodges.

Safety First: Our Commitment to Responsible Travel

At Ecuador Eco Adventure, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We work exclusively with ASEGUIM-certified mountain guides, licensed drivers, and registered accommodations. Our adventure insurance is included in all expedition packages, and our team monitors all government and local travel advisories daily. We encourage all travelers to stay informed about official travel updates from local authorities and embassies, avoid joining any demonstrations or large public gatherings, and travel with registered tour operators who maintain real-time communication and contingency plans. By choosing a responsible and certified operator, you help ensure both your safety and the continued support of local communities across Ecuador’s highlands.

Plan Your Adventure with Confidence

The recent events have shown the resilience of Ecuador’s people and the importance of supporting sustainable tourism in times of recovery. Ecuador Eco Adventure has successfully led hundreds of expeditions across the Andes, from Cotopaxi and Cayambe to Chimborazo, as well as multi-day treks such as the Condor Trek, El Altar Lagoon, and the Quilotoa Loop. We remain open, operational, and ready to host travelers who wish to experience Ecuador’s natural beauty and rich culture safely and responsibly