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Welcome to Ecuador!

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Ecuador's Country Inns and Indian Markets
Tread the narrow, cobblestone streets of colonial Quito. Wander through the sprawling, colorful marketplace at Otavalo. Explore the charming, rural countryside of the Valley of the Volcanoes, and take a thrilling train ride through the Andes Mountains via the Devil's Nose to Cuenca in the southern highlands. Roam the market stalls in colonial Cuenca, and all along the way, stay in quaint, historic hostelries. Now you will have an understanding of Ecuador's rich colonial past and vibrant present. EcoAdventures' innovative routing in Ecuador combines these unique elements into ten fabulous days of history, handicrafts, country inns and memories!
Imbabura Volcano, Ecuador, part of the Southern Ring of Fire
Imbabura Volcano, part of the Southern Ring of Fire


Quito for Starters
Quito is scenically located in the Andes Mountains 9,000 feet above sea level, nestled in a long, narrow valley surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The city is divided into roughly two parts. The Old Colonial City to the south, clustered around the foot of Panecillo Hill, and the more modern city to the north, with the even more recent neighborhoods sprawling further north towards the airport. The two sectors are divided by Alameda Park. Quito's new image delights all visitors. The Colonial area, largest and best preserved architectural space in all of the Americas, has been completely restored and has just celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its declaration as a World Cultural Heritage Site. The colonial quarter is particularly splendid in the evening when illumination adds a special drama and mystery to its baroque architecture and gives the city a unique atmosphere that takes you back to the time of many legends and stories.

Plaza de la Independencia, colloquially known as Plaza Grande, Quito, Ecuador
Plaza de la Independencia, colloquially known as Plaza Grande, Quito, Ecuador

The travelers who are staying in Quito for more than the minimum one night before and after a Galapagos program are in for a surprise. We encourage all travelers to linger awhile, and discover the treasures on the Ecuadorian mainland!

We have excellent hotels in modern Quito, but the real treat is to stay two or more nights in one of the boutique hotels in the old colonial sector of Quito. Since year 2000, the city of Quito, in partnership with UNESCO, has spent over $200 million to restore Quito's historic district and it is now a city reborn. Lofty ceilings, polished wooden floors and antique furnishings add an air of elegance to these hotels, situated within the historic colonial center of Quito.

Our Featured Hotels

MODERN QUITO

Swissotel
The five-star Swissotel offers 250 beautifully decorated, large rooms and suites with a touch of European elegance.

Swissotel is centrally located in the excellent residential and commercial area of “La Floresta”.

Four restaurants offer Japanese, French, Italian, Ecuadorian and International cuisine. Leisure facilities include indoor/outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and a fully equipped fitness center, including a squash and racquet court.

All rooms have individual air conditioning and heating controls, cable TV, high-speed computer data lines, minibar, in-room digital safe, telephone with voice mail, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, bath robe, make-up mirror, anti-allergic pillows and blankets, and Swiss-style bed with anti-allergic duvet.

Exterior, Swissotel, Quito, Ecuador
Standard room, Swissotel, Quito, Ecuador
Swimming pool, Swissotel, Quito, Ecuador
COLONIAL QUITO
Casa Gangotena
Casa Gangotena The ultra-deluxe Casa Gangotena is situated in a newly restored historic mansion in Old Quito, in a choice spot on Plaza San Francisco, a cobbled square rich with history stretching back to the days of the Inca. This mansion was rebuilt in 1926 following a fire. Beautifully and eclectically appointed, the hotel's newly restored interiors draw the eye with Art Nouveau and contemporary touches combined with original Neo-Classical architecture. Indeed, huge efforts have been made to preserve and restore the mansion's original details, assuring an air of history and sophistication dressed up with understated luxury. Each of the 31 suites is thoughtfully arrayed for utmost comfort beneath towering ceilings and tall windows, with king beds or twin beds. Full luxury amenities are standard. The hotel's cozy glass-roofed patio is perfect for relaxing with a patio-garden planted with orchids, flowers and ornamentals just beyond. The cuisine is a modern, international take on traditional Andean and coastal ingredients, prepared with verve and passion by the hotel's experienced kitchen staff.
Casa Gangotena Hotel, Quito, Ecuador
Suite, Casa Gangotena Hotel, Quito, Ecuador
Patio Andaluz
The four-star Hotel Patio Andaluz is a national treasure in the heart of the historic Old City of Quito. The hotel is surrounded by churches, museums, and national monuments. It is a marvelous colonial building dating back to the foundation of Quito, and has been beautifully and meticulously restored. Enjoy the enchantment of this elegant, 31-room boutique hotel, with wide corridors, expansive stairways, large arches, balconies, and anatrium-style patio. Hotel amenities include a coffee shop, full gourmet restaurant, a Tapas wine bar, spa with massage therapist and aroma- therapy, gym and solarium. The spacious rooms are luxuriously appointed with colonial style furnishings, complete with all of the comforts of a world class hotel: hair dryers, minibar, safety boxes, central air conditioning/ heat, and full tub bathrooms. KEEP
Patio Andaluz Hotel, Quito, Ecuador
King Room, Patio Andaluz Hotel, Quito, Ecuador


Basic Quito

Itinerary

Altar of the Church of La Compania, Quito, Ecuador, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque art in the Americas.Men at the daily market, Otavalo, EcuadorDay 1: Arrive Quito, capital of Ecuador. Meeting service at the airport and transfer to your selected hotel.

Day 2: Quito City & Equator Monument Tour. The first part of this tour focuses on the old city of Quito. Walking through the colonial streets you will stop at the Independence Plaza admiring the Cathedral, the Government's Palace, and the archbishop's palace. Further along, you will visit La Compañia Church with its adornments and gold altars, the Sagrario Church and San Francisco that was built in the XVII century (entrance fee is not included). Then you will be heading to the Panecillo Overlook (entrance included) where beautiful photos of colonial and modern Quito will be taken.

Then continue to the northern part of the city heading up to the Middle of the World Monument (entrance included) that divides the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere. It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line. The Ethnographic Museum can also be visited.

NOTE: Museums are closed on Mondays, churches are closed to tours on Sundays. (B)

Day 3: Depart Quito - Transfer to the airport, or extend your stay in Ecuador with additional optional destinations to the Galapagos Islands and/or rainforest expeditions into the Napo River. (B)

Rates include: Transfers and tour via private vehicle with a driver & guide, hotel tax, service & breakfast.

Hotel Selections

2 Days/1 Night from $125*

Airport Hotels

Tour Rates 2023-2024*
Rates Per Person basis sharing a twin/double room.
Triple and Single rates on request.
Year
Dbl
Extra Nights
Rincon de Puembo Hotel Superior (First Class - Airport)
Rates include round trip transfers via hotel van with driver only, hotel tax, service and breakfast
2023-2024
125
75
Wyndham Hotel
Rates include meeting & assistance at the airport, tax, hotel service and breakfast
2023-2024
152
99
*Rates subject to change without notice.


Hotel Selections

3 Days/2 Nights from $599*

Tour Rates 2023-2024*
Rates Per Person basis sharing a twin/double room.
Triple and Single rates on request.
Year
Dbl
Extra
Nights
Plaza Grande Hotel, Quito, Ecuador
Plaza Grande Hotel
on Plaza de Independencia Square
Grand Mercure (Alameda Real) (Superior Tourist - Downtown)
2023-2024
599
97
Hilton Colon (Deluxe - Downtown)
2023-2024
670
132
Patio Andaluz - Standard (First Class - Old City)
2023-2024
715
155
Patio Andaluz - Duplex (First Class - Old City)
2023-2024
725
160
Swissotel Quito (Deluxe+ - Downtown)
2023-2024
660
127
JW Marriott** (Deluxe - Downtown)
2023-2024
370
132
Plaza Grande - Back Suite (Deluxe+ - Old City)
2023-2024
945
270
Plaza Grande - Front Suite (Deluxe+ - Old City)
2023-2024
1035
310
Casa Gangotena - LUX Room (Deluxe+ - Old City)
2023-2024
1155
375
Grand Mercure Hotel, Quito, Ecuador
Grand Mercure Hotel
(formerly Alameda Real)
Casa Gangotena - Plaza View or Balcony Jr. Suite (Deluxe+ - Old City)
2023-2024
1085
485
*Special discounts if booked in conjunction with Galapagos:
M/V Santa Cruz II, M/Y Isabela II or M/Y La Pinta.
*Casa Gangotena - Deluxe View or Balcony Jr. Suite
(Deluxe+ - Old City)
2023-2024
 960
325
*Special discounts if booked in conjunction with Galapagos:
M/V Santa Cruz II, M/Y Isabela II or M/Y La Pinta.
*Casa Gangotena - Plaza View View or Balcony Jr. Suite (Deluxe+ - Old City)
2023-2024
1055
375
*Special discounts if booked in conjunction with Mashpi Lodge:
*Casa Gangotena - Deluxe View or Balcony Jr. Suite
(Deluxe+ - Old City)
2023-2024
1065
325
*Special discounts if booked in conjunction with Mashpi Lodge:
*Casa Gangotena - Plaza View or Balcony Jr. Suite (Deluxe+ - Old City)
2023-2024
1150
375
Rates include: Transfers and tour via private vehicle with a driver & guide, hotel tax, service & breakfast.
*Rates subject to change without notice.

Suggested Optional Quito Tours

Rates Per Person*
Otavalo Indian girl
Otavalo Indian Girl

Full-Day Otavalo Market tour with lunch (Saturday)
Via shared vehicle with guide.

Year
1-4 Pax
2023-2024
195
Full-Day Otavalo Market tour with lunch (Daily)
Via private car/van with guide.
Year
1 pax
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
2023-2024
497
288
220
185
Otavalo Overnight tour with Hacienda Pinsaqui or Hosteria Cusin via private car/van with guide, 1 breakfast, 2 lunches & 1 dinner
2023-2024
N/A
1050
850
795
Mindo Valley & Bellavista Cloud Forest Overnight tour
(1 breakfast, 2 lunches & 1 dinner)
Call 1-800-326-5025
*Rates subject to change without notice.



D
iscover the fun and shopping bargains at the Otavalo Market, and the charm and hospitality of Ecuador at one of EcoAdventures featured Hacienda and Indian Market Tours.

Otavalo Overnight Tour

2-Day Extension - Daily Departures

Pinsaqui Hacienda groundsDay 1: Quito to Otavalo - Drive north through the Awakening Valley to Ibarra, noted for wood carvers and artisans. Stops will be made en route at the bread-doll factories of Calderon and San Pablo Lake. Otavalo IndiansTake time to explore and shop, and by all means, bargain! Overnight at the 16th century Pinsaqui Hacienda. This colonial gem is complete with its own quiet chapel, library with fireplace and more than a dozen comfortable, antique colonial rooms. Upgrade is quoted for La Mirage. Lunch and dinner are included. (B, L, D)

Day 2: Otavalo Market/Return to Quito - After an early breakfast, head to the renowned market at Otavalo. Woven textiles, embroidery, ceramic pots, jewelry, leather goods, belts, bread dough figurines, ponchos, hammocks and hand-knit wool sweaters are only a hint of what you’ll find. Bargain, bargain, bargain! Enjoy a delicious lunch before your return drive to Quito. Overnight in selected hotel in Quito is NOT included. (B, L)