After a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Saturday killed at least
270 people and left thousands injured, Ecuador’s Tourism Ministry reported Monday
that much of the country’s travel and tourism infrastructure remains intact.
The port city of Guayaquil has reported damage to roads,
bridges and other infrastructure. However, the airport and hotels remain open,
according to the ministry.
The airport in Quito, Mariscal Sucre International
Airport, is open, with flights operating normally into and out of the airport.
The country’s other airports may be experiencing some flight suspensions or
delays, so tourists are asked to contact their airline for information.
The earthquake affected six dwellings in Quito, stated mayor
Mauricio Rodas Espinel. Potential damage to Quito’s Historical District Center
is still being evaluated. Espinel ordered that all public events and venues be
suspended for the next 72 hours as a precautionary measure. Some museums and
tourist sites in the historical district are not currently open.
The earthquake’s epicenter was near Pedernales in the
western coastal state of Manabi. The most extensive damage was in the cities of
Manta, Pedernales, Bahia de Caraquez and Portoviejo, where several buildings
and hotels collapsed. Roads leading to these cities are currently closed, as is
the Manta airport.
The Amazon region as well the Galapagos Islands, located
847 miles off the mainland, were not impacted by the earthquake.