Warden Message

The U.S. Embassy Ecuador wishes to inform American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador that political demonstrations will take place in Guayaquil on Saturday, January 19 and Thursday, January 24. American citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstration if possible and to exercise caution if within the surrounding areas of the demonstrations.

On Saturday, January 19, 2008, a demonstration marking President Correa's first anniversary in office is scheduled to take place in the vicinity of Parque Centenario and the Malecon 2000, in central Guayaquil.  Police officials are expecting a large Correa turnout, with buses bringing in participants from throughout the country.  Local police are concerned about heavy congestion and possible confrontations with local individuals or groups.  Avenida 9 de Octubre will be closed from the Parque Centenario all the way to the Malecon.  American citizens should expect heavy congestion on adjoining streets due to parked cars and buses. 

On Thursday, January 24, 2008, a rally in support of Guayaquil's autonomy will take place in the same location, between Parque Centenario and Malecon 2000.  At this time, city officials have provided no estimates of the number of people expected to participate in the rally, however one should expect heavy congestion on adjoining streets due to parked cars and buses. 

The U.S. Embassy Ecuador would like to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Please note that foreigners participating in political demonstrations or protests of any kind may be subject to arrest and deportation under Ecuadorian law.

Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  Please see the following links for local warden message information in Quito and Guayaquil, respectively, http://ecuador.usembassy.gov and http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov.

The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at the corner of Avenida 12 de Octubre and Avenida Patria (across from the Casa de la Cultura).  The telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is (011) 593 2 256 2890 X4561.  For after-hours emergencies use (011) 593 2 256 1749.  The fax is (011) 593 2 256 1-524.  Within the same city use the last seven digits.  Add the city code for intercity telephone calls.  See also the Embassy web site at http://ecuador.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at the corner of Avenida 9 de Octubre and Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde); telephone (011-593-4) 232-3570 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or 232-1152 for after-hours emergencies; fax (011-593-4) 232-0904.  See the Consulate General web site at http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov. 

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).