Quito
Walk through history in South America’s
best-preserved colonial city.


As the capital city closest to the equator, feel like you’re standing in the middle of the world when you’re in the colonial
center of the city.
Many of the luxurious renovated hotels embrace this concept in their designs making your stay feel nostalgic. After
exploring Quito, you will understand exactly why it was the first Latin American city to be named a World Heritage Site.
One aspect Quito does not lack is great cuisine. No matter where you stay, you will be within walking distance away from some of the best restaurants in Ecuador. Though dishes from the entire country can be found in the capital city of Quito, regional dishes from the Ecuadorian highlands such as Bolon de Verde, Llapingachos, and Fritada de Chancho are a must-try when in the city. Prepare to have your tastebuds tempted by the many delicious smells you’ll encounter walking down the beautiful streets of Quito.
Quito has the best-preserved historic center in all of Latin America. Built on an Incan city, the Spanish created the historical Baroque architecture seen in Quito in the 1530s. Due to the minimal alterations done, Quito was the first Latin American city to be named a World Heritage Site. If you’re interested in learning about the Incan civilization that once resided here, Quito offers incredible museums showcasing their history
Fantastic escapes await with many fun-filled activities located in and around Quito. Take a cable car up to Pichincha Volcano to get the best view of Quito. Or take a city tour to explore this historical site. In the mood for a nature adventure? Around Quito, you can find many great hikes including Rudy Pichincha, an amazing 6-mile hike filled with gorgeous landscapes.
Surrounded by nature, Quito is near many outdoor attractions including the Mindo Cloud Forest, the famous Cotopaxi Volcano, Baños waterfall, and Quilotoa lagoon. You can even view the incredible avenue of volcanoes from the city. Spectacular, well-maintained nature is only a drive away from this historical site.
When booking a luxury vacation to Ecuador, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind – whether you’re looking to experience
the biodiversity of the Amazon, stand in the middle of the world in Quito, or explore the wonders of the Galapagos
Islands – there is something for everyone and our travel designers are eager to craft the perfect trip for your luxury
vacation to Ecuador.
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Sitting on the equator, the temperature is fairly consistent averaging 64 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius year-
round. The best time to visit is in June-September which is the dry season.
Middle of The World At Ecuador's Middle of the World park, tourists stand on a yellow line that is said to be precisely at Earth's midpoint. The Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo) is one of Ecuador’s most popular and unmissable tourist attractions. Nowhere else on the planet is it easier to visit the Equator line or strike a pose with one foot in each hemisphere. Even Ecuador’s name was born from its location at latitude zero. Not only will you effortlessly lose weight at Mitad del Mundo, (since there is more centrifugal force at the equator to cancel gravity, your overall weight at the equator versus at the poles is even less), but you’ll also discover if water really does flow down the drain in different directions in the north and south hemispheres.
TelefériQo Quito The best way to experience Quito; a cable car up to the Mirador de Los Volcanes. Feel like you are ascending from the earth as you soar through the sky and up the mountain offering unique views of Quito. Offering a church, trails, and a large swing (great for photos), you can freely explore around with the incredible view of Quito and the volcanoes as your backdrop.
Pailon Del Diablo in Baños The Pailon del Diablo, or Devil's Cauldron, is an aptly-named waterfall hike on the Rio Pastaza, a tributary of the upper Amazon River Basin. The trail begins in a small village called Rio Verde, located about 30 minutes from the recreational haven of Baños. The trailhead for this hike is conveniently located at the end of the Ruta de las Cascadas, a popular bicycling route that begins in Baños and follows a series of impressive cascades for roughly 10 miles or 17 kilometers to Rio Verde, ending at the most spectacular waterfall of the route, the Pailon del Diablo.
La Ronda Street Located in Quito’s Old Town and known as the city’s most beautiful street, Calle La Ronda a quaint cobblestone street in Quito’s Historic Old Town, the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Take a stroll down La Ronda and see centuries-old houses, artisan shops, and bohemian cafes. After intense cultural and social promotion, this traditional neighborhood has once again become a favorite spot of the city, cherished by all of Quito’s inhabitants. Cafés, bars, chocolatiers, artisan workshops, and galleries filled with artisanal products adorn each side of the narrow street. Spend your afternoon shopping for hand-crafted toys, indigenous art, and textiles.
Termas de Papallacta Hot Springs Nestled in the majestic Andes, Papallacta is the doorway to the Ecuadorian Amazon and is only an hour away from Quito. A fabulous oasis, the hot springs are a perfect place to unwind after many jungle adventures. You can expect its clean thermal waters to provide pure relaxation and relief to your tired muscles. With a selection of pools at different temperatures, you could stay here all day and have a rejuvenating experience.
Somos Ecuador With the motto “Ecuadorian born. Globally inspired.”, Alejandra Espinoza is its well-traveled and experienced founder and chef carrying the initiative of reintroducing Ecuadorian cuisine with the use of techniques she has gained internationally. Taste fresh local ingredients transformed and unique cooking styles in their popular 8-course tasting menu. This gastronomic journey is a must for travelers eager to have a life-changing dining experience.
El Ventanal Nestled on the slopes of the Pichincha, El Ventanal offers a variety of international and Ecuadorian cuisine. With a cozy, warm ambiance, the restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows (hence the name) offering spectacular panoramic views of the traditional San Juan neighborhood. For a romantic evening out, El Ventanal is the right place to go.
Nuema Located in one of Quito’s most luxurious hotels, Nuema is not one to disappoint, offering a gastronomic experience of a lifetime. Take a journey with their extravagant 14-course menu showcasing flavors from different Ecuadorian regions allowing you to experience the diversity of the country. This incredible restaurant even accommodates diet restrictions willing and ready to prepare a special menu; vegans will certainly not feel left out.
ZFood With a commitment to responsible, fair trade fishing, this conscious restaurant is the more sustainable option to enjoy delicious seafood. Enjoy the best-tasting seafood dishes of your life minus the guilt of knowing that ZFood uses catching techniques that ensure little harm to the ecosystem. Considered the best seafood spot in Quito, this is an obvious must-try for seafood lovers.
La Gloria Offering delicious cuisine from their neighboring country, Peru, La Gloria invites guests to experience what all hype is behind Peruvian cuisine. The menu includes some traditional favorites such as ceviche, Cuy (roasted Guinea Pig), Chautauqua (popular Chinese, Peruvian fusion), and the popular cocktail, Pisco Sour. Experience two South American countries in one when you dine at La Gloria.
Casa Gangotena Experience one of Quito’s most iconic hotels overlooking the famous Plaza San Francisco. Casa Gangotena gives you the feeling of staying in a mansion with incredible taste in Art Deco furniture and elegant interior design. Serving up delicious Ecuadorian cuisine, the hotel offers three dining room options: The Crimson Room meant for intimate dinners, The Garden for a tranquil dining experience, and The Rooftop Terrace for incredible panoramic views.
Illa Experience Hotel With the intention of redefining what luxury travel entails, Illa Experience Hotel encourages guests to participate in local interactions and traditions. This 17th-century transformed home offers travelers a home away from home with welcoming hospitality and 10 very accommodations rooms each with its own individualized design. This well-preserved jewel comes with accommodations such as a shallow pool, a lovely terrace and garden, and incomparable city views.
Hacienda Rumiloma Nestled in the Andean cloud forest, Rumiloma is regarded as one of South America's finest properties. Surrounded by lush greenery, the charming home has the impression of being in a remote area but is only 10 minutes away from Quito offering views of both the city and the Amazon. Each uniquely designed room provides guests with the best accommodations including elegant mosaic tubs, large comfortable beds, and windows with excellent views.
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