Ecuador’s Andean capital sits almost upon the equator, yet at such a high altitude (almost twice as high as Denver), its climate is superb - warm days, cool nights – all in a setting few cities in the world can match. Climb Cerro Panecillo to see the striking panoramas: an emerald valley punctuated by whitewashed houses topped with red-tiled roofs and encircled by a ring of snowcapped volcanic cones. Walk the steep and winding cobbled streets of the old town with its rich colonial architecture, churches, monasteries and museums. A host of treasures rim the majestic Plaza de la Independencia including the 19th-century Cathedral and Presidential Palace. Built in 1605, the church of La Compañia with its ornate baroque facades is a stunning display of art and architecture - both inside and out. And don’t miss the Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man), the former home and private museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, a legend of Ecuadorian art, paintings, sculpture and jewelry, on permanent exhibit.
OTAVALO & THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
The Andean region north of Quito is famous for crystal lakes, traditional adobe villages, snowcapped volcanoes and bustling markets.The famous market at Otavalo with its magnificent Andean setting is one of the largest in South America. In spite of its popularity, the indigenous people continue to maintain their ethnic identity, wearing traditional blue ponchos and speaking Quichua, their native language. Here you’ll find an array of native, locally-made crafts including alpaca sweaters, ponchos, Panama hats (an Ecuadorian creation despite its name), hammocks and woven tapestries.You’ll also visit Calderón, famous for its bread-dough figures, and Cotacachi with its fine leather goods.
Suggested Hotels:
HACIENDA CUSIN & MONESTARIO DE CUSIN
This exquisitely restored 17th-century estate offers great food and charming guest rooms and cottages, many furnished with antiques and log-burning fireplaces.
LA MIRAGE GARDEN HOTEL & SPA
This luxury country inn built on the grounds of a 200-year-old hacienda is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Ecuador. All rooms are essentially suites with separate sitting areas, fireplaces and fine antiques. The outdoor gardens are also magnificent and there’s a spa and an outstanding restaurant.
AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES, COTOPAXI & CENTRAL MARKETS
Discover the spectacular scenery of Cotopaxi National Park and the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where 11 massive, brooding, snow-covered peaks overlook brooks and rivers, small villages and terraced farmlands. You can visit a market nearly every day of the week where natives dressed in colorful ponchos come from miles around to trade their livestock, handicrafts and gossip. Or go hiking or biking in the park, named after the highest active volcano in the world. Cotopaxi, with its perfectly shaped cone is home to such high altitude birds as the Punta hawk and even the Andean condor.
LA CIENEGA
This 400-year old hacienda with its beautiful gardens and view of Cotopaxi Volcano is a colonial jewel. Its massive walls have been witness to some of the most important events in the history of Ecuador.
SAN AUGUSTIN DEL CALLO
Experience daily life on a working hacienda at San Augustin del Callo, built in the 15th-century on the site of an Inca palace and once an important Augustinian convent.