Following various prison riots and the escape of gang leaders at the start of January, Ecuador has been under a state of emergency. The U.S. Embassy has now downgraded the security alerts from level 3 (Reconsider travel) to level 2 (Exercise increased caution) for the majority of the country. Gene Tatum of Puerto Amistad Yacht Club, Bahia de Caraquez, has sent the following update.

Published 10 months ago, updated 9 months ago

Subsequent security update (February 14, 2024) from Puerto Amistad on their website.

Puerto Amistad Yacht Club – Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador
Security and Entry Update from Gene Tatum – 30 January, 2024
Security:

The U.S. Embassy has downgraded the security alerts from level 3 (Reconsider travel) to level 2 (Exercise increased caution) for the majority of the country.

The President has declared war against the crime organizations and has deployed military to strategic points around the country with orders to neutralize the gangs and cartels.

There are areas which are dangerous for tourists to enter. These zones are along the Colombian border and the border with Peru. Additional areas are located in the bad zones of Guayaquil.

In Bahia de Caraquez, we have a curfew from 2am to 5am.

We have not experienced problems along the coast with pirates invading private yachts. Nor do we have issues with theft or crime at Puerto Amistad. We provide 24/7 security to our mooring field and anchorage.

If you are planning to travel to Ecuador, my advice is to travel to national destinations during the day, because some areas have earlier curfews.

You may read many stories about the security situation in Ecuador, but with the new President the situation is calming quickly.

I just flew into Guayaquil from Florida. I spent several days buying equipment for our boats and visited the restaurant at Puerto Amistad. I traveled by Bus to Bahia de Caraquez (4.5 hours). Friends took the bus to Montanita and visited the coast. All in all not one security issue exists at Puerto Amistad.

The violence in Ecuador is targeted against the government and gang against gang for control of territories. A lot like in Colombia.

The normal personal security advice is still valid:

• Don’t go out at night alone
• Protect your valuables when on public transportation
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Do not travel to the Colombian border or Peruvian border

Sailing the coast of Ecuador to enjoy the beauty and wonders of Ecuador is safe and travel to the Amazon is safe. Quito is safe for tourism, but like all large cities exercise caution.

Ecuador Entry Procedures:

All foreign-flagged vessels need a sailing permit called an Autografo. There are two types, one type for the Galapagos and one for the Mainland ports. The Galapagos Autografo is acceptable for the Mainland ports if you decide to leave the Galapagos and come to the mainland coast. However, the Mainland Autografo is not valid for the Galapagos.

The Mainland Autografo cost is US$250 and is issued through a marine agency. Vessel captains may not represent themselves for this document. For check-in, on the other hand, the Captain may represent him/herself at three ports if the port captain allows it. Those ports are Esmeraldas (very dangerous), Manta and Salinas. If you wish to check in at Puerto Amistad the cost is US$180 for all documentation, as assistance is needed as we are a sub-port and require assistance to check-in.

Tourist vessels may stay in Ecuador for a maximum of one year. When you request your Autografo we suggest that in your letter requesting entry and plans for your Ecuador stay, you request the one year stay. You can leave earlier with no issues, but if you request a shorter stay and want to extend for some reason, it may require a new Autografo.

Puerto Amistad work with the Marnizam Maritime Agency (see Noonsite Clearance Agents). They require 30 days to process your Autografo for the mainland. Again the cost is $250.

If you stay at Puerto Amistad three months or more, we will give you one month free ($300 value) on our mooring buoys to offset your cost of the Autografo.

Any questions you may feel free to contact me at Puerto Amistad.

Gene Tatum
dockmaster@puertoamistad.com
whatsapp – +5930993488519
USA – 7272767062
website: www.puertoamistad.com

Noonsite Ecuador Formalities

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising.

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