Intel Overview: Protests in Latin America in the past week

alessia988
Sep 19
5 min read

Date: 19/09/2025, 17:00 UTC+2

Where?

Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Mexico

Timeline

On 12/09/2025, the Ecuadorian government announced the immediate removal of the diesel subsidy, aiming to redirect funds to social programs. The announcement triggered widespread protests across seven provinces, including the capital city Quito.
On 14/09/2025, hundreds protested against gentrification and rising rents in Mexico City’s centro historico, demanding housing access and an end to evictions. The U.S. embassy issued a security alert advising caution near demonstrations.
On 14/09/2025, the demonstrations in Peru began following the expiration of the tourist bus operator Consettur's 30-year concession.
On 16/09/2025 President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency in Ecuador, aiming to reduce disruptive gatherings in affected provinces.
On 16/09/2025, residents in Peru blocked train tracks to Machu Picchu, stranding about 900 tourists, to protest the bus service contract for the site.
On 17/09/2025, tens of thousands of Argentines filled the streets of downtown Buenos Aires to demand increased funding for universities and pediatric care, which have suffered cuts under libertarian President Javier Milei's austerity measures.

Scheduled

On 20/09/2025, a pro-Palestine protest is scheduled in Mexico City.
The United Workers Front (FUT) has announced a nationwide protest in Ecuador scheduled for 23/09/2025.

Mexico city, Mexico

On 14/09/2025, hundreds gathered in Mexico City’s centro historico to protest gentrification and rising rents. Similar protests have taken place in the capital since July 2025. Demonstrators demanded housing access and an end to forced evictions, blaming luxury developments and short-term rentals for displacing long-term residents. Some protests involved vandalism and anti-foreigner slogans against tourists and expatriates, as the sharp rise in property value has been partially driven by an influx of foreign residents. The U.S. embassy issued a security alert warning to avoid demonstrations, highlighting risks of property damage and possible arrests for political involvement under Mexican law.

For years, residents, especially in popular neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, have been priced out of their homes. Rent in some areas has more than doubled, while the average local monthly wage remains significantly lower than the cost of a two-bedroom apartment. The protests are expressing growing inequality and community frustration with urban policies favoring real estate speculation over affordable housing. These tensions complicate Mexico City's social cohesion and urban planning.

What happens now? City officials have proposed regulations to limit rent increases and control short term rentals to address housing affordability. However, protestors remain skeptical of these measures. Protests are likely to continue as community groups push for more comprehensive policies to prevent displacement and ensure affordable housing access. Authorities are closely monitoring demonstrations to manage public safety.

Ecuador

On 12/09/2025, President Daniel Noboa’s government announced the immediate removal of the diesel subsidy, aiming to redirect funds to social programs. This decision triggered widespread protests across 7 of the 24 provinces, including Quito, where fuel prices surged from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon. Clashes erupted between security forces and civil society, with police deploying tear gas and riot control tactics to disperse demonstrators. In response to escalating unrest, President Noboa declared a 60-day state of exception on 16/09/2025, later updated to a state of emergency, granting security forces expanded powers to suppress disruptive gatherings while maintaining general movement. Simultaneously, in Cuenca, around 90,000 people marched against the environmental license for the Loma Larga gold mining project, fearing threats to the city’s main water source.

The diesel subsidy, instituted in the 1970s after the discovery of Amazonian oil reserves, was designed to share national wealth and keep automotive fuel prices low, especially for sectors reliant on fuel like agriculture and transport. While it provided economic relief, the subsidy placed a $1.1 billion annual burden on fiscal accounts and was divided among Super, Extra, and Ecopais fuels. Past attempts to reduce subsidies have repeatedly led to unrest: the Moreno government’s 2019 reforms triggered nationwide riots and lockdowns, while the Lasso administration faced an 18-day strike in 2022.

What happens now? Historical precedents show that subsidy cuts and fuel price hikes have often led to large-scale protests and forced government reversals most notably in 2019 and 2022. If the subsidy cuts are not addressed or revoked, the protests are likely to continue in the upcoming days. Travellers may experience disruptions and should exercise caution, especially in provinces currently under state of emergency: Carchi, Imbabura, Pinchincha, Azuay, Bolívar, Cotopaxi and Santo Domingo.

Machupicchu, Peru

On 16/09/2025, Machu Picchu faced major operational disruptions due to protests by local residents in Aguas Calientes. Demonstrators blocked railway tracks that connect the town to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, halting passenger train services operated by Perurail. The protests arose from dissatisfaction with the government's selection of new bus operators to replace the previous company whose 30-year concession had expired. Residents demanded a transparent bidding process to ensure local business participation. As a result, approximately 900 tourists were stranded at the site and 1400 tourists were evacuated overnight in a coordinated effort by Peruvian authorities. Protestors also caused physical damage to railway infrastructure, complicating transportation logistics and evacuation efforts.

The protests significantly interrupted tourism, one of Peru's critical economic sectors, causing strain on emergency services and transportation infrastructure. The U.S. embassy issued travel warnings due to risks of being stranded or caught in further unrest. A global heritage group warned that ongoing conflict threatens the site's reputation. This highlights systemic governance and tourist management challenges in Peru, including opaque concession processes and lack of local community inclusion factors that drive unrest and threaten long-term stability.

What happens now? Authorities and local stakeholders agreed on a temporary halt to resume transit services and began discussions to resolve the bus operator dispute. Travelers should anticipate possible disruptions in the near term, prepare carefully and stay updated through official channels.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

On 17/09/2025, tens of thousands of Argentines marched near the national congress and through the downtown of Buenos Aires to protest President Milei’s vetoes of bills that would increase funding for public universities and healthcare. Demonstrators, including students, teachers and healthcare workers called for rejecting the vetoes and restoring funding cuts that have severely impacted education and health services. The demonstrations coincided with significant political challenges for Milei, including declining approval ratings and upcoming midterm elections.

The protest, which have occurred at various times and locations in the past two years, highlights widespread dissatisfaction with austerity policies that threaten essential social services, including public education, healthcare, and pensions. Milei’s government has also devalued the Argentine peso and privatized state-owned companies. The sustained unrest reflects risks further destabilizing the country's governance amid economic pressures.

What happens now? In response, the lower house of Congress overturned the vetoes, although the Senate’s approval is still needed. Continued political negotiations and potential protests are expected to continue, especially in the capital, as discontent with President Milei’s policies continues. Travelers should monitor official websites for strikes and demonstrations announcements and avoid protest areas.

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