The bridge, according to Spanish chroniclers, was the northernmost outpost of the Inca Empire, wrested from the Pasto people in the early 16th century.

In 2013, 57.9 percent (about US$ one billion) of Colombia's exports to Ecuador crossed the border on the Rumichaca Bridge.

In the same year, 77 percent (about US$ 650 million) of Ecuador's exports to Colombia crossed the Rumichaca bridge.

[6] The Venezuelan refugees and migrants were fleeing hunger and hyperinflation occurring in their country.

Four hundred thousand remained in Ecuador and the others continued on to Peru, Chile, and Argentina.