Travel Advisory · Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador Curfew 2026: Why Quito Remains Completely Safe for Travelers
Recent security measures in Ecuador do not affect Quito. The city's hotels, airport, restaurants, and tourist sites continue operating normally — and Hotel Boutique Casona 1914 is ready to welcome you.
President Daniel Noboa has announced a temporary curfew in four Ecuadorian provinces as part of a new phase in the government's strategy against organized crime, in effect from March 15 to March 30, 2026. While this news may raise questions among travelers planning a visit, it is essential to understand exactly which areas are affected — and which are not.
The short answer for anyone planning to visit Quito: the capital city is fully unaffected. Tourism continues as usual, and the Historic Center remains one of the safest and most vibrant destinations in Latin America.
Which Provinces Are Under Curfew?
From March 15 to March 30, 2026, the curfew applies exclusively to the following provinces:
Guayas
Los Ríos
El Oro
Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas
Curfew Hours — Every Day
🌙 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
⚠ Legal Notice
Violating the curfew constitutes a criminal offense under Article 282 of Ecuador's COIP (Organic Comprehensive Criminal Code) and carries prison sentences. All civilian movement is prohibited during curfew hours in the listed provinces. Limited exceptions apply for strategic sectors and essential activities, provided the activity can be duly justified. Travelers are advised to avoid these provinces or plan accordingly if transit is strictly necessary.
Quito Is NOT Affected — Travel Freely
✓ Quito Status: Normal Operations
Quito, Ecuador's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city, is not included in any curfew measure. All services, infrastructure, and tourism activities are operating with complete normalcy.
Here is what travelers can expect in Quito right now:
- No curfew — movement is unrestricted at all hours throughout the city
- Mariscal Sucre International Airport operates on its full normal schedule
- Highways and inter-city transportation remain open and accessible
- Restaurants, hotels, and tourism services continue operating as usual
- Tourist sites, museums, and markets are fully open to visitors
Travelers arriving in Quito — whether as a stopover en route to the Galápagos Islands or for a dedicated visit — can move freely throughout the city and its surroundings at any time of day or night.
Visit Quito with Confidence
Quito remains one of the most extraordinary destinations in Latin America — a city where Andean culture, colonial grandeur, and contemporary life converge in one of the world's most stunning settings. Travelers can safely explore:
- The Historic Center of Quito — the largest and best-preserved in South America
- UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture and plazas
- Museums, baroque churches, and La Compañía de Jesús
- Local markets and vibrant Ecuadorian gastronomy
- Cotopaxi National Park and the Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Mindo Cloud Forest and birdwatching trails
- Otavalo indigenous market — one of the largest in South America
- Quilotoa crater lake and the Andes highlands
- Baños de Agua Santa and adventure activities
- Galápagos Islands — Quito as gateway hub
Quito consistently ranks among the top destinations in South America for cultural tourism, culinary experiences, and accessibility. Its compact, walkable Historic Center — built by the Spaniards atop an Incan city — offers travelers an incomparable immersion into living heritage.
Hotel Boutique · Historic Center · Quito, Ecuador
Hotel Boutique Casona 1914 — Your Home in Quito
Located in the heart of Quito's Historic Center, Hotel Boutique Casona 1914 is an intimate nine-room property built within a beautifully restored early-20th-century mansion. We are ready to welcome you and help you experience the beauty, culture, and history of Quito — safely, comfortably, and with genuine hospitality.
Come, explore, and enjoy one of the most beautiful historic cities in the world.
