Ecuador & Galapagos Island Locations & Hotels

Quito

Quito is approximately 25 kilometres from the equator and due to its high altitude of over 9,000 feet, we recommend 24 hours to acclimatise whilst enjoying this beautiful city. Old Quito was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 and abounds with cobblestone streets, parks, plazas, churches (the church of San Francisco being the oldest in South America) and all its wonderful old colonial architecture.

The historic area of this fabulous city is easily explored on foot and is safe day and night, with no traffic allowed on Sundays. There is a theatre featuring opera, a church holding concerts in the evenings and other cultural events which can be found at the plazas. Few cities have a setting to match that of Quito, the second highest capital in Latin America (after La Paz, Bolivia).

The city is set in a hollow some 19 miles long and only two miles wide, at the foot of the Pichincha Volcano. Ideally situated for exploring the highlights of Ecuador, you can head north to Otavalo, west to the Cloud Forests of Mindo, east to the Amazon, and south to the Avenue of Volcanoes. Ecuador is a gateway to the beautiful coastal areas and the infamous Galapagos Islands. A must during your stay in Quito is a visit to The Equatorial Line - where you stand with one foot in the Southern and the other in the Northern Hemispheres.

Café Cultura

On arrival you may be welcomed by the hotel's 'pet' peacocks. Situated in the midst of downtown Quito this hotel is located at the point where the modern city begins, an inner city retreat with lots of personality and wonderful food. The hotel was actually the former home of one of Quito's older families and subsequently became the French cultural centre. The building has been carefully restored and offers 26 rooms, six of which are larger suites.

Mercure Alamera

This is an international hotel that has been designed to highlight the beauty of Ecuador. Throughout the communal areas you will find fabulous pictures of Ecuador and an amazing glass reception desk filled with bright red beans from the rainforest.

La Mansion del Angel

This was an old mansion house which has been converted into an 11 room hotel and is filled with lots of character. It is extremely comfortable and perfect for an authentic residency in the heart of the city.

La Vieja Cuba

A new Cuban owned hotel which opened in 2003. This offers a flavour of Cuba with contemporary wooden styled rooms, bar and restaurant. Breakfast can be taken on the sun terrace.

The Swiss Hotel

This is a large modern international hotel offering all the facilities you would expect from a five star city hotel. There is a great swimming pool inside and out, and an extensive spa offering 80 therapies. On arrival you will be stunned by the displays of Ecuadorian produced roses.

Patio Andaluz

This is the best hotel in the historic area, just five minutes walk from the Presidential Palace and therefore ideally situated for exploring all the city has to offer. This is a Colonial style hotel on two floors with a Tapas bar in the cellar. Just 31 rooms all comfortably furnished with doubles, twin and duplex rooms perfect for families.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands with their extraordinary wildlife are an experience of a lifetime. This collection of Pacific Ocean islands lies 1000 kilometres west of Ecuador, which were created from the solidified lava from erupting undersea volcanoes. The Galapagos are arid, volcanic outcrops patterned with moon-like lava flows and twisted rock formations.

Finch Bay Hotel

If you do not fancy sleeping on board a boat or would like a combination trip to the Galapagos including a cruise and a land based trip then the Finch bay Hotel is ideal for your land-based adventure.

Located on Santa Cruz Island, they have 21 contemporary designed rooms, immaculately clean with either a balcony or verandas with a private double hammock. Whilst staying here, apart from enjoying the pool, relaxing on the beach and eating fabulous food you can kayak, mountain bike, horseback ride, snorkel, scuba dive, visit the Darwin centre and take day boat tours to the various islands. Whatever you decide to do you will easily view an abundance of nature and wildlife all around you.

For more information on the Finch Bay Hotel and Packages visit www.finchbaygalapagos.com

The Galapagos Island Yachts and Cruises

Early booking for cruises around the islands is essential as numbers are limited to a maximum of 100,000 a year. There are a variety of sizes, standards, budgets and cruise durations available.

Boats only operate on certain days so it is important to note that we would need to build your Ecuador itinerary around your preferences for visiting the Galapagos - another reason to plan and book as early as possible. Some of our recommended yachts and cruise boats include:

La Pinta

Galapagos explorers can now enjoy an expedition adventure with comfort and safety aboard the 48-guest yacht La Pinta, scheduled to start operations on March 7, 2008 --with 7-night voyages. Yacht La Pinta offers a relaxed yet lavish expedition atmosphere, with plush outside cabins; the highest standards of service; international cuisine plus celebrated Ecuadorian dishes, and all the amenities that make the Galapagos Expedition a trip of a lifetime.

A discovery trip to the Galapagos Islands allows guests the chance to see unique fauna, like the giant tortoises in the wild, land and marine iguanas, flamingos, penguins, blue-footed boobies and the famous Darwin¡¦s finches. After days of wildlife exploration, yacht La Pinta provides a haven of relaxation and tranquility with tastefully appointed accommodations and all the facilities for a stylish yet informal ambiance.

Guest will also enjoy the Galapagos Marine Reserve ¡V the second largest in the world ¡V with various snorkeling outings, swimming, chances for whale and dolphin watching and sea kayaks.

For more information on the Yacht Isabela II ship and programmes visit www.yachtlapinta.com

The Eric, Flamngo I and Letty yachts

The fleet includes three identical yachts custom-designed for Galapagos cruising: the M/Y Eric, Flamingo I and Letty. Built in 1991 and refurbished annually, these superior first-class sister yachts accommodate no more than 20 guests and feature three decks of spacious staterooms with polished teak interiors trimmed with shiny brass fittings.

Accommodations include ten double outside-facing cabins with a window or port hole view, one double bed or two twin lower beds, fully air-conditioned with private bath (hot and cold water showers). There's a dining room, well-stocked bar and conference area with a flat screen TV and panoramic picture windows. Or you can relax in a lounge chair on the sun deck, enjoying sea breezes, sunshine or a sky full of stars.

For more information on the Yacht Isabela II ship and programmes visit www.cruise-galapagos.com

Parranda

A small (38m) and exclusive four star motor yacht, carrying 16 people in eight comfortable cabins. It offers a lounge and dining area outside. The Parranda provides three, four and seven night cruises. Parranda is an elegant and spacious motor yacht, ideal for those who wish to experience the Galapagos in comfort and refinement. American built, Parranda is a very stable vessel and is outfitted with stabilizers, and there are two double kayaks onboard.

Santa Cruz

The 46 cabin M/V Santa Cruz, built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising. The Santa Cruz has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent standards, including superb service, expert crew, the most knowledgeable multilingual naturalist/guides and menus that feature the very best international cuisine and celebrated Ecuadorian dishes. Its capacity is for ninety guests.

The Expedition Team consists of a Chief Naturalist and five Naturalists. All will delight guests with diverse natural history explanations, superb on-deck talks, and eye-catching lectures regarding natural history issues. Their multimedia presentations and recaps will complement the day's activities. Together with the Captain, they will plan the day's program.

For more information on the MV Santa Cruz Ship and programmes visit www.mvsantacruz.com

Isabela II

This is a 40-guest vessel and is a luxurious yacht cruising the Galapagos. She has 20 outside cabins plus an owners suite, and offers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere for experiencing the full adventure of the Islands.

The yacht is fully air-conditioned; all cabins are spacious and have private bathrooms. Its three public decks offer the amenities of a larger vessel, including bar-salon, dining room and sun deck. The library contains a large selection of reference books on Galapagos and Ecuador, as well as excellent nature and conservation videos, making this reference library the most complete source of information of any Galapagos vessel.

For more information on the Yacht Isabela II ship and programmes visit www.yachtisabela.com

Galapagos Explorer II

All 50 suites on board have large picture windows with excellent views. Each suite is equipped with TV, VCR, satellite telephone communication to make, or receive calls, refrigerator and mini-bar. A sitting area and ample restaurant, lounge, library, swimming pool and sun deck areas will certainly add to the enjoyment of your Galapagos experience.

A medical doctor is available 24 hours a day in the state of the art on-board hospital facilities. Naturalist bi-lingual guides, trained at the Darwin Station, lead daily shore excursions on which you will enjoy the fascinating animals of the islands such as sea lions, tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, blue-footed boobies, flamingos and an incredible array of bird life.

A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and to the Galapagos Interpretation Center in San Cristabal is included in all programs while daily evening briefings are offered on all three, four and seven night itineraries.

Amazon

Ecuador's rainforest is located in the heart of the world's largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon Basin, a unique ecosystem. A short flight leads modern explorers and adventurers along the same routes that the first Spanish Conquerors ventured through in their search of the land of Gold and Cinnamon and found the mighty Amazon River.

Ecuador is a perfect example of a country supporting eco-tourism. Discover and explore the rainforest on treks beneath the gigantic Amazon trees, along boardwalks crossing palm swamps and up observation towers for a close look at the forest canopy.

The Napo Wildlife Centre, NWC Amazon Lodge

This is the greatest and ultimate alternative luxury eco hotel in Amazonian Ecuador. This eco tourism project includes the conservation of approximately over 52,000 acres of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasunì National Park, an important biosphere reserve and the largest tract of tropical rainforest in Ecuador.

The lodge is located next to the Anangucocha lake, into the unique ancestral territory of the Anangu Quichua Community. Thanks to their own initiative and thanks to the Tropical Nature Conservation System, they have built the most carefully designed first class Amazon lodge in Ecuador.

Otavalo

The small town of Otavalo is famous for its Saturday Indian Market, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The market is a colourful, festive affair, and the Otavalenos who host it do so in traditional dress. Otaveleno men sport calf-length white trousers, rope sandals and reversible blue/grey ponchos and wear their hair in long ponytails.

The women wear colourful embroidered blouses, long black skirts and shawls, and necklaces and bracelets made of blown-glass beads

One of Ecuador's many exports is their beautiful roses. The pictures we have taken on every trip cannot do them justice. In the Otavalo region we can pre-arrange a visit to one of the huge rose farms, where you can see how and where these world famous roses are grown.

Otavalo is the perfect spot to view Cotacachi and Imbabura Volcanoes, otherwise know as the mother and father. Another attraction is Cotacachi, a small town situated nine miles north of Otavalo which is the leather capital of Ecuador. Market day is Saturday although dozens of shops are open throughout the week.

Hacienda Cusin

Owned by an eccentric English man Nicholas Millhouse, this property has been beautifully restored to provide a sumptuous hacienda. The property dates back to 1602 and has a rich history, beautiful authentic yet comfortable rooms, with most having a fire which is lit whilst you enjoy a wonderfully prepared meal. The property has beautiful gardens, their own stables and an abundance of bird species.

Puerto Lago

This property is 15 years old, Cuban owned and situated on the shore of the lake with each room having a wonderful view of the lake and the father volcano, Imbabura. The restaurant serves a huge variety of menu options.

La Mirage

Owned by the world renowned Relais Chateaux group, this hotel offers exceptional accommodation. Rooms are named, rather than numbered and Queen Sofia stayed here in the Daisy room. A visit here can include enjoying the hotels wonderful spa with its 14 treatment rooms, indoor pool and, if inclined, the English cream teas served at 5pm each day.

Pinsaqui Hostel

Originally built in 1790, this has now been fully restored and has 23 rooms. This amazing colonial ranch house was originally a textile workshop, where up to 1,000 local Indians eventually worked. The Treaty of Pisanqui, which ended a territorial dispute with Colombia, was signed at this hacienda, which has also hosted guests as eminent as Simon Bolivar. Whilst at dinner the fire in your room will be lit.

Mindo

The small town of Mindo on the Western Slopes of the Andes is a mecca for bird watchers. In the dense surrounding cloud forest, some 450 species have been observed, including such trophies as the fabulous scarlet crested Andean Cock of the Rock, the toucan barbet, the plate billed toucan and the velvet purple coronet.

You can also wander forest paths observing the unique eco-system, enjoying nature at its most abundant. Rio Mindo gushes down the steep mountain-side, blazing a foaming path for excellent white water rafting.

Sachatamia Lodge

Within the main building there are five rooms on three floors and then four cabins slightly away. They have an indoor pool, nature trails and numerous hummingbird feeders. This lodge is the perfect location to just watch the many varieties of hummingbirds. Ecuador has 150 species and 137 have been logged at this lodge.

Bella Vista Lodge

This is owned by an English guy who has done a fabulous job of building the lodge within an ideal setting for nature lovers. It is most certainly worth the journey on the 14 kilometres of unmade road. They have their own guides and nature trails which are graded from easy to suicidal!

Antisana

This is a spectacular excursion to the high Andes of Ecuador, into the Paramo and the Montane forests, rich in unusual flora and fauna. The voyage starts with a drive to the Antisana volcano, the fourth in altitude in Ecuador, covered with glaciers and snow, and the surrounding Ecological Reserve.

The climb and spectacular scenery on Antisana begins with close-up views of a massive glacial moraine, dating back to 11,000 years ago. There are jagged rocky peaks and a vast sweep of paramo vegetation above the tree line. Up in the paramo (at about 12,000 ft. elevation) several stops can be made to walk about on level terrain and observe the small but beautiful paramo flowers hugging the ground among the lichens and paramo straw. These include yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrushes, orchids and chuquiraguas.

Andean birds abound, in both a diversity of species and individual abundance of most of them, such as the highly endangered Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Conebills, Brown Speckled Teal, Andean Lapwings, many Carunculated Caracaras, Black Wing Doves, and the rare Siskin.

Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort

Nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle, this resort features several hot thermal spring pools of different sizes and temperatures. The resort and hot pools are set amid a breathtaking setting. Facilities include a first-class hotel, a spa and a restaurant offering local and international cuisine with its main specialty of fresh trout.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi volcano is the world's tallest active volcano at the heart of the National Park. At 19,655ft, it is an awesome and beautiful sight. Cotopaxi was established as an ecological sanctuary and the park is currently breeding a fine llama herd. The park is one of the last refuges of the endangered Andean condor and the world's largest bird of prey.

San Augustin del Callo

This to our mind is one of the best haciendas in the whole of Ecuador. Its stunning location, with Inca walls and stunning murals, make this a wonderful small distinctive place to stay. The views of Cotopaxi volcano are outstanding.

Land Of Volcanoes

The road to this working hacienda is worth the trip for those who will enjoy the many adventure activities available here, whether it be horse riding, mountain biking or hiking. Here you will experience the Andes at their maximum intensity.

La Cienega

This is the most famous hacienda in Ecuador because of its old church and its huge, much photographed decorative wooden doors. There are 35 simple rooms, many of which have their own fires. Local food is served and local musicians are often on hand for after-dinner folk music.

Riobamba

This is a pleasant town in the capital of the Chimborazo province. Surrounding towns worth visiting include; Ambato, which is the main fruit producing area, and Banos with its famous and popular hot springs. Most importantly from Riobamba you can depart for all or part of the thrilling train ride to Guayaquil.

The most exciting and scenic section is between Alausi and Bucay, known as the Devil's Nose because of its steep gradient.

Abraspungo

A ranch style property with some rooms in the main building, and others in a two storey building in the outside courtyard. As the clouds clear you have an amazingly close view of Chimborazo Volcano. The restaurant serves a good choice of food whilst enjoying the live traditional music. You have an early start for here to join the Chiva Express the next day.

Cuenca

Founded by the Spanish in 1557, Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador and no doubt the prettiest. The old centre has many churches and homes dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The city is proud of its colonial-style architecture with its narrow cobbled streets, houses with wrought iron balconies and flower-filled patios. Cuenca is also the biggest production centre of the panama hats. Shopping here is wonderful, especially for traditional wears.

A visit to the famous ceramic artist Eduardo Vega, workshop and gallery will also give you the opportunity of seeing stunning views of the city. This is the ideal city to stay for a few days to relax and explore a beautiful city, which is in many ways similar to Cusco in Peru.

Oro Verde

This is located outside the historic town but has facilities including an outdoor pool, gym, hairdresser, gift shop and two restaurants.

Mansion Alcazar

This is the most stunning hotel and is located in the historic area. Once owned by a past president, and featuring ornate furnishings and décor, it has the feel of a museum. The rooms are beautiful and this property has the advantage of having a small outside courtyard garden, where you can enjoy breakfast.

Santa Lucia

Located in the heart of the old historical town is this lovely stylish converted mansion house. The central area houses the evening restaurant and is overlooked by the gallery corridors leading to the rooms. Food here is excellent, especially the French onion soup and desserts.

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is the country's largest city and the most important seaport. It is also the focus of the Ecuadorian economy, contributing the lions share to the economy, where the hotels, nightlife, shopping and business opportunities are second to none.

Guayaquil is generally the stopping point en route to the coastal areas, Galapagos and the night before your flight home. On first arrival you may be a bit let down after all you have already experienced. It is a large, fairly industrial city but on closer inspection it is actually another interesting facet of this diverse country.

The 2000 Malacon is a amazing feat of local community spirit and progression. Whilst here you should walk along the Malecon, visit the Iguana Park outside the church and see first hand how this city is rejuvenating itself by helping the people improve housing with beautiful architecture. Some of the new tourist attractions have been developed from what were some of the most run-down areas of the town.

Oro Verde

This is perhaps our favourite hotel in this city. It is only a short walk down to the Malecon and is a stylish hotel with 212 rooms over seven floors offering wonderful facilities which include an outdoor pool, gym, steam room, Jacuzzi, hairdresser, and three restaurants including wonderful Swiss Fondue.

Hampton Inn

Just a short walk to Malecon and within the fabulous shopping area, this is a comfortable modern hotel.

Mainland Coast - Puerto Lopez

Puerto Lopez is a pleasant little fishing town and is beautifully set in a horseshoe bay. The town is becoming increasingly visited by foreign tourists since the Parque Nacional Machalilla and Isla de la Plata have become budget alternatives to the Galapagos.

La Plata

Trips to Isla de la Plata have become popular because of the similarities with the Galapagos. Wildlife includes nesting colonies of waved albatross, frigates and three different booby species. It also has a pre-Columbian site with substantial pottery finds, and there is good diving and snorkelling. The ocean is the home of a beautiful coral reef as well as birds, mammals and marine reptiles. Humpback whales visit these waters from June to September, and the marine turtle is active here from October to December

Mantaraya Lodge

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful lodge is an excellent place to stay in Puerto Lopez. Relax in one of the two, three, or four-person suites. It is located in the heart of the vast Machalilla National Park, an area of 55,095 acres extending along Ecuador's Pacific coast in Manabi Province. The park includes the bird haven of Isla de la Plata, as well as numerous bays, small islands and beautiful beaches. Within the park there is also impressive semi-desert vegetation, including a dry tropical forest.