Best time to be there
June to September is the best time to enjoy the Andes whilst the Galapagos are best from April to August - not too warm and plenty of animals in their breeding seasons.
Fly to
Quito - LAN Airlines, daily via Madrid
flying time
13 hours
time difference
GMT -5 hours
Visas
Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an infected area
Itineraries
Classic Galapagos & Ecuador
Highlights - Spectacular views of mountain cities characterised by their colonial heritage; Explore local communities, villages and markets surrounded by volcanic peaks and lakes... Read more ...
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Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador in terms of population and is the capital of the Azuay Province. It is located in the Sierra, the highlands of Ecuador, at about 8,200ft (2,500m) above sea level. Having been one of the first cities in the Inca Empire, it is so full of historical buildings that its centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site. When the Incas arrived, they named this city "Tomebamba", which means "River Valley of Knives". Today, one of the rivers of Cuenca has kept this name.
There are some marvelous accommodations in Cuenca, including the Mansion Alcazar.
Suggested Cuenca Accommodation
Mansion Alcazar
Mansion Alcazar is in the heart of the colonial city of Cuenca and has been sumptuously restored to a turn of the century mansion. For the ultimate service, contact Abercrombie & Kent.
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Guest Testimonial
Quite simply excellent. If I could say one thing it is that Egypt is the place to go right now, as there were virtually no tourists at some of the sights and that,I should think, is quite rare!
- JW, Gloucestershire
World Travel Awards
World Travel Awards
World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2011
A&K Philanthropy
Saint Mary of the Angels
Village "Saint Mary of the Angels" is home to abandoned and orphaned children ranging in age from just a few months to 18-years-old and all living with HIV.
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