Between two of Ecuador's three largest cities, instability in the mountainside has caused the indefinite closure of the Cuenca-Molleturo-Guayaquil road -- adding two hours driving time between Cuenca and the Big G.
Due to persistent landslides, a stretch of road has been closed to vehicular traffic until further notice.
The closure of this highway through the Cajas mountains was prompted by rockfall last Wednesday when rocks smashed into a tourist van and a private car. No injuries were reported.
Rocks up to 20 feet in diameter have fallen onto the highway this year.
According to a director of the national transportation ministry, it would take a massive engineering project to resolve the problem 49 kilometers (31 miles) west-northwest of Cuenca.
Local foot traffic near the town of Molleturo remains permissible, although officials say that pedestrian safety cannot be assured.
You can find more details at the source of this post, www.cuencahighlife.com .. including discussion of alternate routes.
Between Two of Ecuador's Main Cities a Mountain Is Falling Down
Sounds like if you want to visit Cuenca (& vice versa), it is time to look into flying. I am waiting for when the Manta airport opens flights to Cuenca (they just opened a flight to Quito).
Damon.
The falling-rock-zone area has been reopened with restrictions during daylight hours, according to www.cuencahighlife.com ...
Some unauthorized freelance toll-takers are bothering motorists who are trying to drive through the area. One vehicle was reported damaged by a rock when the driver refused to pay the ersatz toll. Some other drivers paid $1 to $5 in illegally-collected "tolls."
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