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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At 10,000 ft, Quito is breathtaking in more ways than one. You might expect extremely hot weather due to its location 22 miles from the Equator. But because of its high altitude, temperatures feel spring-like all year round. Two seasons - one wet ( termed "winter" for convenience) and one dry - mean Quito is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Quito is capital of the province of Pichincha. The city is circled by snow-capped peaks, lush forested hills and a fertile valley. Some of the mountains are volcanic; one of which threatened to erupt on a daily basis during the latter part of 1999 but something the Quiteños have been living with for centuries.
North of Quito, a trip to the Mitad del Mundo allows you to straddle both hemispheres, visit the pre-Inca site of Rumicucho and the volcanic crater of Pululahua. There are some fantastic haciendas and accommodations you can visit in the surrounding areas of Cotopaxi and Otavalo.
Suggested Quito Accommodation
Casa Gangotena
The colonial mansion Casona De San Miguel has prime location and has been beautifully restored. For the ultimate in service, contact Abercrombie & Kent.
Plaza Grande
The Plaza Grande represents the first luxury hotel to be located in Quito’s old colonial district, also known as the ‘Reliquary of American Art’ and a World Heritage Site...
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Guest Testimonial
First experience with A&K. Intended to ask various travel companies for quotes but Vicky (Agnew) was so good with her suggestions that we did not seek alternative quotations the suggested itinerary was excellent and helped us decide on a balanced and interesting holiday.
- GD, Windermere
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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