Things to see in Ecuador & Galapagos: Quito
Ecuador's capital stands at an altitude of 2,850 metres on the slopes of the active volcano of Pichincha, 25 kilometres south of the Equator.
Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito's beautiful old town is perhaps the least altered historic centre in Latin America.
Most itineraries allow time to explore at the start and/or end of a trip. You can visit the Mitad del Mundo monument on the Equator, go horse-riding or whitewater rafting, visit an Indian market, or simply take a city tour.
Other things to see in Ecuador & Galapagos
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Cruising the Galapagos
We offer a selection of vessels to take you around the Galapagos, which are shown on the…
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Fernandina
An active volcano with rugged slopes, unusual lava formations and a huge population of land…
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Machalilla National Park
This park on the Pacific coast became a Ramsar site in 1990, when recognized as a vital wetland. …
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Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve
This 1,000 hectare private reserve, two and a half hours from Quito, is part of a bio-region that…
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Mindo Cloud Forest
Two hours drive north-west of Quito, this area of primary forest is considered to be one of the…
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Papallacta & Antisana
A couple of hours east of Quito, Papallacta nestles at the foot of Antisana volcano, Ecuador's…
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San Cristobal
Home to frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and sealions, this was the first island on which…
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Santiago and Bartolome
Lava lizards are common, and Santiago is good for birds such as Galapagos…
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The Amazon
The vast rainforest east of the Andes, called the Oriente, protects more species of plant and…
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Places to stay in Ecuador & Galapagos
Galapagos
Beluga [High]
![Quito - Galapagos - Beluga [High]](/image_database/75x75C/ECGPSBELUGAVESSEL31.jpg)
A small but surprisingly spacious and comfortable, First Class Superior, 36-metre motor yacht. … More
Finch Bay Eco Hotel [High]
![Quito - Galapagos - Finch Bay Eco Hotel [High]](/image_database/75x75C/ECGPSACFinch_Bay_Hotel002.jpg)
At the end of your voyage you may wish to enjoy one of the small hotels on Santa Cruz to soak up… More
Galapagos Vessels
When considering a voyage around the Galapagos Islands the type of vessel you choose is… More
Isabela II [High]
![Quito - Galapagos - Isabela II [High]](/image_database/75x75C/ECGPSACISABELLA11001.jpg)
This medium-sized Deluxe Class 53-metre motor yacht carries 40 passengers in 21 cabins located over… More
La Pinta [High]
![Quito - Galapagos - La Pinta [High]](/image_database/75x75C/ECGPSACLAPINTAYACHT15.jpg)
For the ultimate treat, this Deluxe Class motor yacht is the ideal choice! … More
Sagitta [High]
![Quito - Galapagos - Sagitta [High]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_sagitta_ecuador_vessel.jpg)
This graceful and spacious First Class, 36-metre, three-masted steel-hulled motor sailer has a crew… More
Samba [Mid]
This compact 24-metre Tourist Superior Class motor sailer accommodates 14 passengers in seven… More
Santa Cruz [High]
![Quito - Galapagos - Santa Cruz [High]](/image_database/75x75C/ECGPSACSANTACRUZ001.jpg)
This large First Class 72-metre motor cruiser carries 90 passengers in 43 cabins on three decks. … More
The Cachalote [Mid]
![Quito - Galapagos - The Cachalote [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/Cachalote.jpg)
This Tourist Class, 21-metre, schooner-rigged motor sailer carries 16 passengers in seven cabins. … More
Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve
Mashpi Rainforest Lodge
Inaugurated in 2012, this stylish, ultra-modern lodge uses the latest sustainable techniques and… More
Mindo Cloud Forest
Sachatamia Lodge [Mid]
![Quito - Mindo Cloud Forest - Sachatamia Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_ecuador_Sachatamia1.jpg)
Satchatamia Lodge is a well-placed lodge from which to enjoy… More
Septimo Paraiso [Mid]
![Quito - Mindo Cloud Forest - Septimo Paraiso [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_Mindo_Cloud_Forest.jpg)
Septimo Paraiso is a simple lodge with 22 rooms, adjacent to the forest. The food is good and the… More
Otavalo area
Angochagua - Hacienda Zuleta
This authentic colonial property, which dates from 1691 is still a working farm. … More
Papallacta & Antisana
Guango Lodge [Mid]
![Quito - Papallacta & Antisana - Guango Lodge [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_classic_south_am_condor1.jpg)
Guango Lodge is set in a forested area 11 kilometres from… More
Quito
Casa Aliso [Mid]
![Quito - Quito - Casa Aliso [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/ECGPSWIGREATERFLAMINGO1Metropolitan.jpg)
Casa Aliso is a small, ten bedroom boutique accommodation, which has the feel of a luxury home… More
Hotel Patio Andaluz [Mid]
![Quito - Quito - Hotel Patio Andaluz [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_ecuador_Patio_Andaluz1.jpg)
This is a lovely, boutique hotel, which was declared a National Monument by UNESCO in 1978 as it… More
Hotel Relicario del Carmen [Mid]
![Quito - Quito - Hotel Relicario del Carmen [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_quito_ecuador1.jpg)
A small historic hotel in the heart of the colonial centre. It is an old house said to date back… More
The Amazon
La Selva [Mid]
![Quito - The Amazon - La Selva [Mid]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_ecuador_La_Selva1.jpg)
La Selva is a simple and rustic lodge built to a native design. The lodge accommodates a maximum… More
Napo Wildlife Centre [High]
![Quito - The Amazon - Napo Wildlife Centre [High]](/image_database/75x75C/Napo_Wildlife_Centre_exterior_copyright_Pete_Oxford.jpg)
The only lodge in Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of intact… More
Sacha Jungle Lodge [High]
![Quito - The Amazon - Sacha Jungle Lodge [High]](/image_database/75x75C/wildlife_ecuador_Sacha_Lodge2.jpg)
Located in a 2,025 hectare private reserve pristine rainforest, this lodge is reached by a short… More
