I spent a month in Ecuador, and it was not nearly long enough to see everything I wanted.

I was able to check out some fantastic hotels though, and a luxury Galápagos cruise with Haugan Cruises!

My two-month South America trip started in Quito, a high altitude UNESCO city with charming and very kind people.  Here’s why you should plan a longer stay in Quito, and not just stay overnight on your way to Galápagos: Exploring Quito, Ecuador.

I recommend four hotels if you’re planning to visit this lovely city:

• Café Cultura for a relaxed hacienda style stay in the city
• Mansión del Angel, for a stay in the old world elegance of a Venetian palace near the historical centre
• Swissôtel Quito, if you prefer a modern building with a great spa and swimming pool
• Casa Gangotena, right in the centre of the UNESCO zone, in a stunning building and serving fantastic food (feature to be posted soon)

Don’t miss the free daily walking tour through the historical centre with Peter Lennon. You can contact him through Meet Up, Facebook or at PLennon@ymail.com (yes, that’s a y not a g) — see links in the Exploring Quito, Ecuador article.

More Ecuador stories to come (here’s the link to the Galápagos stories), and then Peru too!

Note: My stays were complimentary, courtesy of each hotel, but all opinions are my own and no one from the hotels reviewed or approved my text.