Earning for itself epithets like “Oscar” and “Destination Leader of South America”, this Andean city has everything a luxury tourist would want from a vacation.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”South America”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
Earning for itself epithets like “Oscar” and “Destination Leader of South America”, this Andean city has everything a luxury tourist would want from a vacation. Heritage hotels provide an experience that is very ‘Equadorian’ besides Colonial-style mansions transformed into boutique hotels, updated haciendas in the middle of expansive wildlife reserves, and the entire range of much-in-demand spa hotels.
With many of its Spanish colonial buildings dating back more than 500 years there is a quaint old world charm about the place. Straddled by feisty volcanoes, the high-altitude city is visually impressive with its mix of colonial splendour and vibrant indigenous culture. Get a feel of the city by taking Teleferico, the world’s highest cable car, gliding up the eastern face of Pichinicha Volcano to a giddy 4050m. Another must do is a gondola ride up the Pichincha volcano, with the Parque Vulqano amusement park at its base.
Food is a religion here and there is no way you can return home without spending some time on La Ronda, a street bustling with bars and restaurants selling seco de chivo (braised goat stew), grilled trout with aji criollo and giant empanadas. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, you absolutely must dig into any of the fine-grade cocoa shakes, piping hot chocolates, ganache truffles and other chocolatey delights. Being on the equator, Ecuador has a tropical climate. Quito and the highland areas are best visited during the dry season from June to September.
Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
