Signature Ecuador and Galapagos

Removed you may think, but the hotel sits quite comfortably in this characteristically Old World part of town, and being conveniently positioned at the colonial and cultural heart of Quito its thirty-one rooms have magnificent views over the square and surrounding monuments. Inside the décor is elegantly traditional, but is kept quite minimal for a contemporary twist. Downstairs is the lobby, complete with marble floors, velvet Chesterfields, and peppered with the odd antique, as is the dining room, bar and conservatory central patio. Then via the spiral stairs (or lift) are the rooms that feature all the contemporary amenities matched to the more modern soft furnishings, but the high ceilings, mouldings, wall murals and marbled bathrooms nod loyally to the mansion’s past and the opulence of a bygone era. We can arrange for a number of private city tours of Quito with our expert, local guides. Please discuss this with our consultants when planning your itinerary

One of Quito’s largest hotels, the JW Marriott Quito is perfect for those who want all the extensive infrastructure, amenities and service that only a five star business class hotel can provide. Rooms are well decorated and equipped, most with views of the city or volcano. Hotel facilities include a very large heated outdoor pool area (almost unique in Quito), four restaurants, bars, lounges and a well equipped spa.

Step back into Ecuador’s fascinating history, with a stay at this charming historical hotel in the centre of Quito, which has quite rightly been awarded UNESCO status. Situated amongst the narrow, cobbled streets and baroque architecture this hotel is located in a restored colonial mansion, with 22 beautifully decorated colourful rooms, replete with décor from the colonial era. For some peace and quiet from the bustling bohemian streets, you can sit back and relax in the hotels central patio, carefully designed to represent the importance of Quito’s historical past and the present, modern day.  Outside of the hotel you will find some of Quito’s most beautiful historical monasteries, churches and a splendid collection of art shops, cafes and restaurants. At the weekend this area is a very lively with a fantastic atmosphere, a great place to be to be immersed into Quito’s culture. 

The Isabella II is a comfortable expedition yacht and also one of the smaller vessels of this standard in the Galápagos with capacity for just 40 passengers. The 20 cabins are relatively spacious with double, twin and triple rooms available. Decor is modern and sophisticated. On the main deck you’ll find the dining room, library and bar while the boat deck is home to the fitness room, an al fresco bar and hot tub. Guiding is excellent on the Isabela and there is state-of-the-art technology for multimedia presentations and natural history lectures. There are glass-bottomed boats, kayaks and pangas for exploring as well as snorkelling equipment for getting up close to the Galápagos’ incredible marine wildlife.

The vessel has capacity for just 48 guests, striking a good balance between size and facilities. All of the twenty four staterooms are located mid-ship on the upper deck and come with spacious double or twin beds. As one of the newer boats in the Galápagos, La Pinta is kitted out with the latest equipment and has an excellent restaurant and bar, jacuzzi and a gym. All tours are conducted with small groups of just ten guests or less with expert naturalist guides. Travellers have exclusive use of snorkelling equipment, sea kayaks, wetsuits and trips in the glass bottomed boat.

Combining decades of experience with a state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed specifically for Galapagos exploration, the newly launched Santa Cruz II brings a new level of luxury and eco-credentials to the archipelago. The new boat is just over 70m long and features 50 Swedish-designed cabins and suites, with room for up to 90 guests. All enjoy sea views out of large windows and en-suite bathrooms. 36 cabins can be interconnected, ideal for families and small groups. Communal areas include the Sky Deck, overlooking the bow, where guests can enjoy the sunshine or exercise in the fitness room. The aptly named Panorama Deck has an elegant bar, lounge and an al fresco dining area to the stern. On the same deck, guests are also welcome to visit the bridge, featuring state-of-the-art electronic navigation equipment, to meet the crew and captain. Below this is the library, hot tubs, the Discovery Room and the Beagle Dining Room. Much of the food served on board is locally sourced, such as fish, sea food and organically grown produce, and is a combination of Ecuadorian specialities and international cuisine. You can choose to dine al fresco which lets you enjoy the stunning scenery as you eat. Aboard the Santa Cruz II, explore the Galapagos Islands in a range of ways, from snorkelling in its waters with reef sharks and frolicking sea lions, to glass-bottomed boat tours, kayak expeditions and expertly guided hikes on land that focus on birdlife, wildlife and geology. Cruise itineraries vary in length from four to ten nights, and encompass the entire archipelago.

The Alya ensures a relaxing, informative and fun journey through this wonderful part of the world. The 105-foot catamaran accommodates up to 16 guests in nine comfortable en-suite cabins, eight of which feature private balconies. Rooms are bright and fresh with large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in. Itineraries combine hiking, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking with expert guided tours led by naturalist guides who will take you to the best spots on each island and help you get up close to the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos. Back on board, there is a dining room, a library where you can unwind and watch a DVD, two bars and a sundeck with Jacuzzi – perfect for sinking into at the end of a day exploring, drink in hand.

Ocean Spray is a well-equipped and very reasonably priced vessel. With a capacity for only 16 guests with eight very spacious cabins (the top four are 32m² in size) all with their own private balconies, this is a cruiser that prizes an intimate and comfortable Galápagos experience for its guests. Enjoy al fresco dining on the deck to soaking in the Jacuzzi after your day’s excursions. A comprehensive schedule of land-based and boat excursions to the islands will be discussed with you before the trip and when you first board the Ocean Spray. Talk to our designers for more details.

Our favourite hacienda accommodation in Ecuador. This 17th century property was formerly the residence of a much-loved president and remains in his family to this day. The illustrious history of the property shines through in every room, many decorated with antiques dating back to the original owners. The libraries and communal areas are replete with photographs, paintings and exotic furniture, many made as gifts from abroad to the former president. Far from being a museum piece the hacienda is still very active with more than 2,000 hectares of pastureland; mainly used for cattle and horses (the stables have around 100 horses) as well as a trout farm. The estate produces its own cheese onsite and there is also an interesting program for the rehabiliation of Condors. The surrounding countryside and nearby village are beautifully picturesque and relaxing. There are fifteen well-appointed rooms and service is helpful and friendly. A great deal of care is taken to ensure that you make the most of the wonderful surrounds and there are a number of activities possible including horse-riding, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching and visits to the local community with its own weaving workshops. The hotel is located some distance from the Otavalo Market itself (just over an hour) so it makes most sense to make the visit to the market on the journey to (or from) Quito.

Set in a converted Hacienda dating back to the seventeenth century in the small town of the same name, this is a charming property conveniently close to the market town of Otavalo. Decoration is warm and very much a mix of colonial and indigenous styles with warm colourful shades and period colonial style furniture. Though this is no longer a working hacienda and the formally vast grounds are now reduced, they are still large with stables, courtyards and beautiful gardens, not to mention many off and on-site activities to choose from.