At least 400 people have been evacuated amid increasing activity in Cotopaxi volcano, near the capital Quito.
Two minor explosions on Friday at Cotopaxi led to a precautionary evacuation. The volcanic eruptions have shot ash more than five kilometres into the sky.
Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa declared a state of emergency. It allows the president to immediately mobilize security forces throughout the country and lets the government block publication of information related to Cotopaxi, Reuters reported.
A yellow alert has been maintained in the region and would remain as long as Cotopaxi continued to stir.
Cotopaxi volcano, snow-capped and one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes, is close to heavily populated area around Quito.