Possible Coup In Ecuador, Border With Peru Closed
 

"A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador after President Rafael Correa accused the opposition and security forces of a coup attempt."

"...while Peruvian President Alan Garcia ordered his nation's border with Ecuador closed until Mr Correa's "democratic authority" was re-established."

Link to BBC story

On the one hand doesn't sound like any of our fellow riders will be in danger from this so "ooh drama, and extra stories to tell!"

On the other hand, why couldn't they wait for winter?! ;)

Just hope they get their act straightened out soon. I'd like to see Equador.

Just an update to anyone nearing the area

According to USA Today as of Oct 1 2010 9:41AM
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A nationwide police strike on Thursday blocked highways and shuttered airports in Quito and Guayaquil...

Hotel rooms are still available in Quito, but as more flights are canceled, they are likely to fill up quickly. Very few rooms are available in Guayaquil." Britain has issued a similar travel alert, noting that Ecuador's "security situation has deteriorated significantly."
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Also, the border with Colombia has closed too:
"President Santos said he had spoken with Peru's President Alan Garcia, with whom it was decided to seal off both nations' borders with Ecuador as a sign of solidarity with President Correa. The leader also expressed his solidarity with his Ecuadoran counterpart. "Colombia, faithful to its democratic traditions, condemns any attempt to change or put at risk democratic order, any nation's institutional order. In this case, we energetically, clearly, emphatically condemn the attempt at a coup d'etat in Ecuador," Santos said."
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Hope no-one's stuck in Ecuador at the moment, or at least having a good time in the parts less affected by this.

No problem - it´s all back to normal
 

Hi,

I crossed from Peru into Ecuador yesterday (i.e. one day after all this turmoil happened). I took the ´middle´border at Macara, which apparently was closed Thursday and Friday morning. As of 1pm it was open again, and because of the rumors of it being closed, I was the only person crossing. Fastest border-crossing ever :mchappy:

At the border, I specifically asked if there was any problems to expect in the future. Both customs and immigration told me that everything is back to normal, even the airport is open again for international flights.

On the road to Loja everything is calm. I didn´t see a single police car or military.