Quito

A charming and historic city with one of the best preserved colonial centres in the Americas, Quito is a wonderful introduction to Ecuador!

Under the shadow of the imposing Pichincha Volcano at 2800m above sea-level, Quito is Ecuador’s attractive, bustling capital. Founded in 1534 by Sebastián de Benalcazar, much of the city’s colonial heart has survived to this day, a picturesque, white-washed maze of historic churches, cobbled plazas and traditional townhouses that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. At its heart, the government house and stunning 17th century cathedral overlook Independence square while the iconic church and monastery of San Francisco dominate the neighbouring plaza. Huge efforts have been made to regenerate the district and the old town now buzzes with hotels, restaurants, bars and galleries, all beautifully lit at night. On the small Panecillo hill overlooking the colonial centre, the Virgin of Quito gazes down on the city, a wonderful viewpoint over Quito. However, on clear days, visitors flock to the chairlift up Pichincha, for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Just north of Quito, Ecuador straddles the “Equator” at the official “Mitad del Mundo” line and museum, a tourist attraction that draws visitors from far and wide. Built in the 1980’s to replace an older monument, the site is actually out by 240m, an earlier pre-Inca marker built hundreds of years earlier had it positioned perfectly!

Quito – Luxury Collection

Casa Gangotena$$$$$

The Casa Gangotena is the height of luxury and sophistication in Quito, perfectly positioned in city’s UNESCO old town. Dating back to the days of the conquistadors and lavishly restored, the Casa Gangotena offers a slice of Ecuador’s rich history amidst an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Classic colonial elegance and antique furniture merge with eye-catching art nouveau decor from the ornate mirrors and hand-painted Italian frescoes to colourful tin ceilings. There are sweeping com...

Patio Andaluz$$$$

The Patio Andaluz sits at the heart of Quito’s UNESCO old town, an ideal location for visiting the key sites such as the “La Compania” Church and Sucre Theatre. Constructed around an elegant central courtyard, the hotel retains its old world charm throughout with beautiful lofty arches and wooden balconies awash with antique furniture and colonial art. Warm and friendly, it offers guests a splash of colonial history and is an excellent mid-range option, one of our favourites in the capi...