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Tucked in on the west coast of South America between Peru and Colombia, Ecuador is one of the smallest countries on the continent but has no less choice of diverse micro-climates and fascinating regions to discover. Famous of course for its off-shore island Archipelago, the Galapagos, the mainland is also worthy of more in-depth exploration for an Ecuador holiday or a combined trip.
Ecuador is one of the most striking and accessible countries of the Andes. Historic haciendas can be used as a base to explore the Andean country-side and colourful markets such as Otavalo or Saquisili, while the colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offer museums, theatres, art and beautifully restored boutique hotels in former colonial mansions.
South of Quito you can enjoy magnificent scenery along the Valley of the Volcanoes via the Cotapaxi National Park leading down towards Riobamba and Cuenca, including the famous Devil’s Nose Train journey. For a complete change during your holiday to Ecuador, a stay at a jungle lodge deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle is a must for wildlife and bird watching enthusiasts.
A visit to the Galapagos Islands is the highlight of any trip but what will make your tour to Ecuador really memorable is the encounters with warm friendly people in the small towns, villages and bio-diverse regions that will make you want to stay longer.
Cuenca:
Founded in 1557 on the site of an old Inca settlement, Cuenca is a beautiful city that retains much of its old colonial atmosphere. We think it is one of the most attractive cities in Ecuador. The historic centre contains churches dating from the 16th and 17th centuries with cobbled stoned streets and flowering plazas.
West from Cuenca is the Cajas National Park, full of glacial lakes set amongst breathtaking scenery at 10,000 feet, an excellent area for walking and birdwatching. You can explore also from here the valleys of Gualaceo and Chordeleg or relax and explore Cuenca's pretty squares and narrow streets after taking the Avenue of the Volcanoes route down from Quito through Cotopaxi and Alausi.
It is also possible to travel overland via Cajas to Guayaquil in one day to the country's principal coastal port city. Cuenca is also a perfect stepping stone over to the Galapagos Islands after exploring mainland Ecuador as all flights to the islands go via Guayaquil.
Otavalo:
Otavalo is just a few hours drive north of the country's capital, Quito and is famous for its traditional and colourful market which is at its busiest on the weekends. Ecuador has many local markets throughout the country but Otavalo is one the best places in the country to buy traditional textiles and the world-famous Panama hats.
Otavalo town may be the epicentre for the artisans and weavers to come to sell their wares but they come from small communities dotted around this pretty region close to San Pablo Lake and in the shadow of the Imbabura Volcano. Travel to Otavalo and take some time to explore these communities and see the artisans at work in towns such as Cotacachi and Ibarra, Agato and Peguche.
On your Otavalo holiday, we thoroughly recommend a relaxing stay at one of Ecuador's historic country haciendas close to the town, some dating back hundreds of years to the days of the Spanish conquistadors. Enjoy a taste of Ecuadorian rural life in comfortable surroundings with local cuisine and warm hospitality.
Quito:
Ecuador's capital city Quito is stunningly located in a narrow Andean valley, 2,850 metres above sea level, its skyline dominated by views of the snow-capped Pichincha volcano.
Quito was formerly just seen as a stepping stone en-route to rural Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands, however, in recent years considerable restoration work has been undertaken in the historic colonial centre, which has now made exploring this part of the city town a real joy.
The city was declared a UNESCO "World Heritage Site" in 1978, thanks to its historic Franciscan centre, which is one of the largest and best preserved in Latin America. This colonial quarter given a new lease of life by restoration work, is now a treasure trove of architecture which includes mansion houses, churches, monasteries and museums, and a must see on your Quito holiday.
Quito is a good base for trips to nearby haciendas and to Otovalo market for essential handicraft shopping. Keen birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will also depart from Quito to drive into the cloud forests around Papallacta, Mindo and Maquipucuna. Jungle trips into the Ecuadorian Amazon basin also start and end in the capital. Flights to the Galapagos Islands depart from Quito via Guayaquil on the coast several times daily.
Our Latin America specialists will tailor the exact requirements of your Ecuador holiday or tour of the region, so call usl today.
Some of the boutique hotels we feature in Ecuador include boutique mansion, alcazar,
casa aliso,
grand victoria boutique hotel,
hacienda abraspungo,
hacienda cusin,
hacienda leito patate,
hacienda pinsaqui,
hacienda san agustin de callo,
hacienda zuleta,
huaorini ecolodge,
hosteria abraspungo,
hosteria la cienega,
la mirage garden hotel & spa,
luna runtun,
madre tierra hotel & spa,
mantaraya lodge,
mashpi lodge,
napo wildlife centre,
patio andaluz,
plaza grande,
sacha lodge,
santa lucia.
