Journeys in Ecuador
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Ecuador Tours and Cruises
Ecuador is divided into four district regions where the four seasons can occur in a single day. Tour Ecuador and explore the snow-capped Andes, the humidity of the Amazon, the Pacific coast’s sunny beaches and of course the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador mainland is often overshadowed by the Galapagos Islands but it has a diverse and unique charm of its own. Due to its small size, the second smallest country in South America, destinations throughout Ecuador can be reached in very little time which means you can cram an enormous amount of variety even into the shortest of visits. There is no shortage of beautiful colonial cities many of which offer delightful haciendas, dating back several centuries and some of the finest boutique hotels in all of the Americas.
"Ecuador is a Beautiful country which is sometimes over looked for the Galapagos, but with a rich culture and amazing landscape it really is a must."
Hannah Coughlan
one of our Latin America Experts
Call our Latin America team on 0844 488 1123 or send us an enquiry
Things to do and see
BOUTIQUE MANSION ALCAZAR CUENCA
Beautifully restored with 14 uniquely furnished rooms, the Mansion Alcazar lies in the heart of old colonial Cuenca. Each room is delightfully appointed, with antique furniture and distinctive décor, and with a beautiful relaxing reading room, a full range of facilities and superb gourmet dishes to tempt even the most refined of palates, the hotel assures the finest in elegant comfort.....
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CUENCA
Blessed with a climate of perpetual Spring, Ecuador’s third city is one of its prettiest and lies at the heart of the indian communities in the High Andes. Its picturesque cobbled streets and graceful ironwork balconies adorned with flowers recall the long association with Spain. Cuenca has some excellent small museums and colourful markets; in the surrounding countryside are several interesting villages, and within easy reach is Las Cajas National Park, with its wide diversity of flora and fauna. Cuenca is (despite the name) the centre of the Panama hatmaking industry, and you may wish to purchase one of the top quality hats available at very reasonable prices. The city merits a stay of 2 or 3 nights and our recommended hotel is the charming <b>Mansion Alcazar</b> (pictured), a beautifully restored mansion located in the heart of the old colonial centre offering 14 uniquely furnished rooms with antique furniture and traditional décor. The hotel also features a restaura....
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EXPLORER II
Built in 1990, the M/V Explorer II accommodates a maximum of 100 passengers in 50 spacious cabins offering either queen or twin beds – all are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar and television. The ship has an experienced crew of seventy, including 8 bilingual Naturalist Guides. Onboard facilities include a piano bar, coffee/tea station, card/game room, naturalist and research centre, solarium, wildlife observation deck, pool bar, boutique, elevator, medical centre, swimming pool and jacuzzi. A library offers a wide variety of books and games. The conference room is used for daily briefings. <BR> The Explorer II cruise operates every Saturday or Wednesday throughout the year. Departures from the UK every Thursday or Monday on Iberia via Madrid.A 12 day itinerary including 7 nights on board the Explorer II costs from £3325 per person.....
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FINCH BAY ECO HOTEL
This environmentally friendly hotel occupies the only beachfront location in the Galapagos. Its 21 rooms and 6 suites combine a mix of modern design and natural elements.....
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GALAPAGOS SKY
Aboard the M/V Galapagos Sky, you can explore Darwin’s living laboratory while luxuriating in all the creature comforts of a custom-built dive vessel for up to 16 divers. Accommodations include eight private en-suite cabins with two twin or one king size bed. The elegant M/V Galapagos Sky features a spacious lounge area and fine dining. Two dive masters and up to four dives a day ensure that your voyage transcends into a treasured adventure.....
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HACIENDA CUSIN
The oldest hacienda in Ecuador, dating from 1602,whose historic ambience has been carefully preserved by the English owner. The Hacienda Cusin has 24 individually styled guestrooms, suites and garden cottages.All have private bathrooms. Most have logburning fireplaces, beamed ceilings, king-size beds and fine Andean craft furnishings. The beautiful maintained gardens with different species of plants attract many species of birds. The hotel has its own stables (charges apply for horse riding), games room, bar and library. Located close to Otavalo, with the Volcano Imbabura and Lake San Pablo within easy reach.....
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HACIENDA SAN AGUSTIN DE CALLO
Hacienda San Agustin de Callo has stunning views of the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi. Dating back from the 1400’s this hacienda was built on the site of an Inca Palace and offers guests an unrivalled glimpse into Ecuador’s rich and colourful past. The six individually styled rooms have log fires and a warm and romantic atmosphere. The Hacienda’s Inca dining room is the perfect setting to enjoy the delicious home cooked Ecuadorian cuisine.....
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ISABELLA II
Capable of accommodating up to 40 guests in 20 outside facing cabins, the Isabella II is considered to be one of the most luxurious yacht currently sailing the waters of the Galapagos on either a 3, 4 or 7 night cruise.....
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LA MIRAGE GARDEN HOTEL & SPA
A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel association, La Mirage is a deluxe resort built on the grounds of a 200-year old hacienda, in the village of Cotacachi, close to Otavalo. The resort features 22 deluxe rooms, all uniquely decorated. There are five acres of landscaped gardens, a tennis court, spa facilities and a solar heated pool. Horse riding, bird watching, mountain biking can be arranged (payable locally). Enjoy the fine dining restaurant and relax in the unique and elegant spa offering a variety of 11 different treatments. 2 nights from £365 per person, including all meals and return transport from Quito....
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LA PINTA
Sailing in the Galapagos since being extensively refurbished in March 2008, Yacht La Pinta carries 48 passengers in 24 large outside stateroom cabins. Combining modern comfort with informal ambience, the yacht offers luxury on the open sea.....
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MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER
Located in the Amazon region, the Manatee Amazon Explorer riverboat accommodates 26 guests in 13 double cabins with individual air conditioning and running hot water (4 of the cabins can be comfortably used as triples if needed). There is a large dining room and separate bar and lounge area on the upper deck adjacent to a sun deck. The 3-decker vessel has an experienced crew of 11 including an expert English speaking naturalist guide. A laundry service is also available. Shore visits are made to local indian communities and there is a veritable feast for nature lovers with some 478 species of birds and thousands of botanical species recorded in the region. The cruise departs from the town of Francisco de Orellana (a short flight from Quito) on Mondays, and returns on Fridays. During the cruise, for those who wish, there is the option of spending one night at an Indian camp in the jungle.....
Back to top >Places to stay
Anahi Boutique Hotel
The Anahi Boutique Hotel is located in the pleasant La Mariscal area of Quito. Each of the 15 unique rooms is themed around various characteristics of Ecuador such as its history and landscape, and all are equipped with modern amenities, including free internet and plasma televisions. ‘La Piedra’ restaurant serves local and international cuisine, and the ‘Cava’ bar offers a range of wines and cocktails. The Nidra Spa offers a wide selection of treatments and therapies, while use of the Jacuzzi and sauna is included with all stays. ....
El Patio Andaluz
The Hotel El Patio Andaluz is located in the heart of “Quito Antiguo”, (the old town), declared as the first cultural heritage of the world by UNESCO in 1978. The building was constructed during the republican period in colonial style and its restoration has maintained many of its original features. There are 11 suites and 20 standard rooms, a restaurant and bar.....
Grand Hotel Mercure Quito
The Grand Hotel Mercure Quito has 147 rooms and is centrally located in Quito. The hotel has one restaurant which is open from 5am until 11pm and serves local and international dishes. The hotel also has a bar.....
Hacienda Leito
The 300 year old Hacienda Leito is a first class mountain lodge located at the edge of the Llanganates National park near Patate in the southern Andes of Ecuador. The 24 rooms and 4 family suites all have private balconies, with views of the mountains or gardens. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and a spa with Jacuzzi and massage therapies. ....
Hacienda Pinsqui
First built in 1790 this restored colonial hacienda was originally a textile workshop. It is located approximately 5 km from Otavalo near Cotacachi, the leather capital of Ecuador and in the heart of the Lake Province. There are 23 suites, each with fireplace and some having views over the attractive gardens. All suites are decorated individually with pieces of traditional art. Within the grounds is a historical chapel, ponds and areas to enjoy walking along. Outdoor activities like horse riding, mountain biking can be arranged. This is a charming place to stay.....
Hilton Colon Hotel
The Hilton Colon is located in the financial and commercial district of Quito. It has 399 air-conditioned rooms and suites all with mini-bar, hairdryer, safety deposit box and cable TV. There are two restaurants; 'Café Colon' and 'Portofino', a fine dining experience. Leisure facilities include a gym and a heated outdoor pool.....
Hosteria Abraspungu
The Hosteria Abraspungu is a superior tourist class Hostel located on the outskirts of Riobamba. All 20 rooms have private bathrooms and additional facilities include an atmospheric restaurant, bar and laundry service.....
Hotel Abraspungo
Set in a peaceful countryside location, outside the centre of Riobamba, the Hotel Abraspungo has 20 guestrooms. This is a modest property based on an Ecuadorian style, with one restaurant, bar and laundry service. All guestrooms have en suite bathroom with hot water, telephone and television.....
Hotel Santa Lucía
The Hotel Santa Lucía was originally the house built by the first governor of Azuay province (where Cuenca is located), Don Manuel Vega Davila, in 1859 and remained in the Vega family for over a century. In 1999, and for the following 2½ years, the house was restored and opened as the Santa Lucia Hotel. Naturally, the hotel has preserved the architectural style of the last part of 19th century Ecuador, but offers guests modern comforts. Each guestroom has a mini-bar, TV and hairdryer. The hotel also has a restaurant and a café.....
Mansion del Alcazar Hotel
The Mansion del Alcazar Hotel in centrally located in historical Cuenca. The period property was tastefully restored in 2000/1. The property has 14 en-suite rooms, an intimate bar, a restaurant and a very pleasant courtyard where one can relax. Please note that the size of the bathrooms here does vary and most of them only have showers. Dinner usually features a set menu.....
Mercure Grand Hotel Alameda Quito
The Mercure Grand Hotel Alameda Quito is centrally located in Quito and has 148 air-conditioned rooms. In-room amenities include hairdryer, mini-bar, safety deposit box and TV. The hotel has one restaurant serving local and international dishes, a bar and fitness centre.....
Staff Favourites
The Avenue of the Volcanoes
Extending for 325 km through the central highlands, the breathtaking Avenue of the Volcanoes provides visitors with some of the most inspiring landscapes in the Americas. Superb for photography and walking, the national park includes no fewer than 11 major peaks, including the snow covered summits of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.
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