Quito is a common stopover point en route to the Galapagos Islands, but the city itself also has a lot to offer. When searching for a place to stay in Quito before or after your Galapagos adventure, there is no need to sacrifice luxury. The city has many incredible options ,but one of my favorites is Casa Gangotena, which offers the perfect blend of classic cosmopolitan luxury and Ecuadorian culture. When in opened, Conde Nast Traveler listed Casa Cangotena on its 2012 Hot List as a fantastic new accommodation, and it certainly lives up to that reputation. The Casa Gangotena is Quito’s top hotel, located overlooking the quiet Plaza San Francisco about 3 blocks from the Plaza Grande. I admittedly had previously thought that the hotel was in Plaza Grande, but it is still easy to find and within walking distance to the center of the city. The building’s white facade is crisp and modern with a hint of colonial panache in the detailing. Inside is spacious and light in comparison to many of the historical hotels in the city, which tend to suffer from perpetual stuffiness. The hotels 31 rooms are beautifully appointed, with light-colored décor, large windows, and bathrooms featuring separate showers and bathtubs. Plus, all were equipped with luxurious L’Occitane amenities, rather than generic hotel branded soaps. Casa Gangotena’s public areas include a rooftop terrace, a spacious lounge, and garden. Guests can sit in these lovely open spaces and enjoy complimentary tea, served daily. The roof overlooks the Plaza San Francisco, a charming little square bustling with the happenings of daily Quito life. There is an elegant on-site restaurant, Cedrón, inspired by Ecuador’s diverse flavors from the highlands to the coast. Casa Gangotena is the best choice for clients looking for sheer luxury with a splash of Ecuadorian culture
Quito is a common stopover point en route to the Galapagos Islands, but the city itself also has a lot to offer. When searching for a place to stay in Quito before or after your Galapagos adventure, there is no need to sacrifice luxury. The city has many incredible options…
Aracari's favorite Ecuadorian Haciendas National Geographic Traveler's April 2009 edition places a spotlight on our two favorite Ecuadorian Haciendas: San Augustin de Callo ("There's enough historical wattage around this hacienda to send a few shivers up my spine") and Zuleta ("The feeling? As though I had ridden right into a fable, to a time-honored hacienda that now seems like home") in its feature "Avenue of the Volcanoes". Antisana Volcano Last September we revisited Quito and the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the capital's surrounding highlands. The mission was to scope out the optimal travel experiences for the Aracari client in this stunning region, and after spending a few nights at both Zuleta and San Augustin de Callo we came to the same conclusion as Charles Kulander: "Still owned by Ecuador's former aristocracy and known for their ranch-style hospitality, they offer a glimpse of authentic hacienda life, a lifestyle that includes fine horses, regal accommodations, and bountiful meals." As seekers of the truly "authentic", we consider these properties to be ideal components of Aracari's portofolio of Andean travel experiences. Sights and sounds of Zuleta Since we have a wonderful relationship with the owners of both haciendas and our clients have consistently given rave reviews on both properties, it's always a pleasure to incorporate stays at Zuleta and San Augustin into any Aracari journey. For instance a hacienda stay at the beginning or end of a Galapagos cruise is one of our top Ecuador travel recommendations. Check out the Ecuador Photo Gallery on National Geographic Traveler's website. It gives a colorful glimpse of Hacienda life at these unique properties.
Aracari’s favorite Ecuadorian Haciendas National Geographic Traveler’s April 2009 edition places a spotlight on our two favorite Ecuadorian Haciendas: San Augustin de Callo (“There’s enough historical wattage around this hacienda to send a few shivers up my spine”) and Zuleta (“The feeling? As though I had ridden right into a…
One of the smallest countries in South America is having something of a renaissance in 2008, with the New York Times declaring it one of the top 53 places to go to this year, and Condé Nast Traveller magazine dedicating a sizeable chunk of editorial to Ecuador in its December issue. So what is the appeal and why now? Well, Ecuador may be small, but it makes up for its size in an awe-inspiring display of biodiversity, history and culture. In fact it has the largest biodiversity per area in the world with dense rainforest and a number of national parks, including the Galápagos Islands, 600 miles off the Pacific coast. The capital of Quito, perched 9,200 ft high in the Andes, has been reborn after a seven year, $200 million renovation project of its historic colonial centre, which was already considered to be ‘the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America,’ by UNESCO. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Ecuador's capital has, as Condé Nast Traveller points out, enough attractions to keep visitors busy for days. But when you tire of the churches, museums and culture, a walk around the streets admiring the colourful attire and bustling lives of the indigenous people will give you a delightful sense of the unique character of the place. In keeping with the vibrant character of this spectacular country, accommodation takes on a special hue. Of course, there are upscale hotel chains, but Ecuador is famous for its beautifully preserved haciendas which have been converted into luxury boltholes. At Aracari, we offer five of the best haciendas, each with its own unique style and offering. One hacienda is built on an Inca Temple and overlooks the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, another one is Moorish in inspiration. Some are working farms, others grand estates. A few
One of the smallest countries in South America is having something of a renaissance in 2008, with the New York Times declaring it one of the top 53 places to go to this year, and Condé Nast Traveller magazine dedicating a sizeable chunk of editorial to Ecuador in its December…
