Spanish chroniclers told of grand Inca palaces built around the Plaza San Francisco in Quito's historic quarter. This part of the city was once a huge marketplace where Andeans and Amazonians traded their wares and has recently taken on a new lease of life. The beautifully restored colonial mansion Casa Gangotena has prime position overlooking the square and will open its doors mid 2011 as a chic 31 room hotel. Its sophisticated, contemporary interior embraces the building's many original features and the garden is ablaze with orchids, flowers and ornamental plants. The hotel's rooftop terrace affords wonderful panoramic views across the spires and towers of Quito's Old Town to Panecillo Hill.
Casa Gangotena
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 ...
Family Ecuador and Galapagos
Taking children to the Galapagos Islands is an immensely rewarding experience and offers the best of a classroom zoo, science centre, aviary, marine park and a cruise holiday all rolled into one. Read more ...
Classic Peru & Galapagos
Highlights - Visit the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco; Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu; Wildlife islands of the Galapagos... Read more ...
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Our consultant (Annie Jensen) really was excellent designing a great itinery minimising our time waiting around for transfers and both hotels, Four Seasons Bali and Oberoi Lombok exceeded our expections.
- SL, Hertfordshire
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