Huaquillas, Border town in El Oro Province, Ecuador.
Huaquillas is a border city in Ecuador where the commercial center extends along an international bridge spanning the Zarumilla River. The city connects directly to the Peruvian town of Aguas Verdes and functions as a key trading hub between the two nations.
The city was marked by border conflict when Peruvian forces occupied it during the 1941 war. This event left deep impressions on Ecuador-Peru relations and continues to shape the cross-border history of the region.
The people of Huaquillas live in constant contact with their Peruvian neighbors, sharing traditions and products from both countries. This cross-border closeness shapes daily life and creates a strong sense of community that extends across the river.
Transactions in Huaquillas happen in both US dollars and Peruvian soles, making trade easier for visitors from either country. If you plan to shop or do business here, be prepared to work with both currencies.
The border area of Huaquillas operates as a free trade zone where vendors openly display products from both Ecuador and Peru with minimal border restrictions. This unusual arrangement makes it a fascinating place to find goods from either side.
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