Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and there are few places as beautiful as Ecuador for tying the knot. Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador offers a stunning natural backdrop for your big day. What really makes weddings in Ecuador special is the country’s rich cultural traditions.  

Learn how to host an event with us in Old Town Quito

Ecuadorian wedding traditions have a distinct flair. From the colorful attire of the spouses-to-be to the lively music and dancing, weddings in Ecuador are truly unforgettable experiences. If you are looking for something a little different for your nuptials, consider saying “I do” in this beautiful country. When it comes to exotic wedding destinations, look no further than Ecuador.

This small South American country has become the backdrop for many dreamy weddings (including some debonair celebrity ones). Read on to learn about Ecuadorian wedding traditions, what sets Ecuadorian weddings apart, and who pays for the wedding in Ecuador.

Who Pays for the Wedding in Ecuador?

Traditionally, the groom’s parents pay for the ceremony, and the bride’s parents pay for the reception. Nowadays, more and more couples are opting to cover their own wedding expenses, with help from their families.

In Ecuador, hiring a wedding planner isn’t the norm but rather a novel practice. Therefore, engaged couples will often first look into getting organized with their families and friends to set up wedding arrangements. Although the traditional way is still practiced, the growing trend in Ecuador is to split the expenses between most or all of the parties involved.

Ultimately, who pays for the wedding in Ecuador is the couple’s choice, although families always play a role.

Quito: Your #1 wedding destination in Ecuador

Ecuador’s capital city of Quito is a premier location for weddings that offers many unique opportunities for a memorable ceremony. Sitting at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level (the highest capital city in the world), Quito is one of the oldest cities in South America, with a vibrant history. These factors combine to make Quito a truly unique destination for weddings. 

Take a look at everything you can do in and around Old Town Quito

Whether you are looking for an outdoor setting with incredible views of the surrounding mountains or a more traditional indoor location, the city offers a wide range of stunning venues. With year-round average daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius), Quito is an excellent choice for couples who want to avoid the sweltering heat of a summer wedding. 

At Casa Gangotena, we offer tailor-made wedding experiences that include everything you need to make this memorable occasion perfect. Our beautiful courtyard and gardens provide the ideal backdrop for your special day. 

What are weddings like in Ecuador?

Ecuadorian wedding traditions are a mix of Catholic and indigenous influences. One unique tradition is the serenata or serenade. This involves the groom hiring a band to sing to the bride the night before the wedding. The band will typically serenade her outside her window. Another tradition is for brides to wear a laso, or rosary, during the ceremony. The priest places the decorated tether around the couple’s necks to symbolize their union. 

As a sort of counter to the bride’s bouquet, the groom wears a small flower arrangement (like a boutonnière) called azar on the lapel of his suit. At the reception, it is customary for the groom to throw this arrangement to the group of single male friends and relatives. Some traditional weddings hold the throwing of the azar and the bride’s bouquet in tandem and then play at “matching” whoever caught the arrangements.

Little details like this can add a certain flair to your wedding, giving it a different feel from what might be expected elsewhere.  

The gastronomic traditions of Ecuador also enable a truly distinctive experience that can make for lasting memories. A wide variety of produce and cooking techniques can be selected to achieve a delectable multi-course meal with options for all tastes.

At Casa Gangotena, we can help you plan your perfect wedding in Ecuador. Contact us today to learn more about our services. 

Discover what makes Ecuadorian gastronomy unique

What about the honeymoon?

Honeymoons are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate love and new beginnings. Quito offers many romantic options for newlyweds. Spend your days exploring the city’s colonial architecture and stunning scenery. Or take a trip to one of Ecuador’s northern volcanoes (Cotopaxi is the most lauded and surprisingly close to the city proper). 

Quito is also close to several nearby sites. From the city of Otavalo and its renowned markets to the incredible Chocó Biosphere, Quito can be the perfect staging ground for romantic outings. 

Maybe you want to travel a little further for that “escape from it all” feeling? Ecuador offers all sorts of experiences and unique destinations despite its small size. When planning a honeymoon in a more secluded or natural setting, you should start by picturing the kind of honeymoon you would like.

An Adventure-filled Honeymoon

For the adventurous couple, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy. Take a trek through the Chocó’s incredible rainforest or go rafting down one of the region’s many rivers.  

Wildlife observation is a popular and rewarding activity here as in other parts of Ecuador, like the Amazon or the famed Galapagos Islands. 

One of Ecuador’s most worthwhile features comes from its privileged geographic location. Straddling both tropics means the weather is very temperate year-round, and there is no “off-season.”

A Relaxing Honeymoon

Ecuador has just the thing if you want a more relaxed honeymoon experience! Quito’s location makes travel to other destinations in Ecuador quite easy. Whether you stay in the capital city or venture to the Galapagos Islands, the Ecuadorian coast, or the stunning rainforest or mountain, you and your spouse will be treated to a unique experience in a one-of-a-kind destination.

Contact us today to learn more about wedding traditions in Ecuador and how you can plan your ideal destination wedding! 

The Ecuador tourism industry has been growing steadily over the last decade, with more and more visitors flocking to the country to enjoy its stunning scenery, diverse gastronomic fare, and friendly people. One of the main reasons that this small but diverse nation has become a leader in travel is its lovely capital city, Quito. Many novel and unique tourism projects have taken root there, trying to make the most of the city’s distinctive status as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site.

Does staying at Quito’s Historic Center intrigue you?

Proud Leaders in the Hospitality and Tourism industries

Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel has had the honor of being a driving force in Ecuador’s tourism industry. Since opening its doors, the hotel has helped make Ecuador one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.

Casa Gangotena happens to be the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in all of Quito—a distinction that is bestowed on those few highly vetted hotels with a truly noteworthy cultural and gastronomic experience that complements their top-rated accommodations and hospitality. 

The hotel’s location is one of its biggest assets. Quito is a beautiful city, full of history and culture. Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel is located right in the middle of it all, making it the perfect base for exploring the city proper, starting with its fabled historic quarter. But that’s not all, it is also a sort of staging ground or home base for exciting and adventurous activities throughout the region and beyond.

Why is Quito the ideal gateway to Ecuador?

Founded in the 16th century, Quito was one of the first cities established in the New World. The city’s architecture reflects its colonial roots, with churches and buildings dating back to the Spanish conquest. Quito is also home to many museums and art galleries, making it a perfect destination for history buffs and art lovers alike.

Not only is Quito a fascinating city to explore, but it is also the gateway to some of Ecuador’s most stunning natural attractions. Just a short drive from the city, visitors can find themselves in the middle of the Chocó rainforest or on the slopes of many snow-covered volcanoes that dot the landscape. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Quito is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America!

Its proximity to natural wonders is amplified thanks to Ecuador’s relatively compact size. A short drive to the airport guarantees access to the rest of the country and to its crown jewel: the Galapagos Islands!

One of the things that visitors to Ecuador tend to enjoy is how easy it is to get from one key environment to another. As an example, in the evening, you can delight in Quito’s unique gastronomy; the next morning, you can head out and find yourself in the middle of the rainforest or enjoying the unique Galapagos wildlife by the time the afternoon rolls around.

Peru & Colombia

Similarly, just a short flight away, Ecuador’s neighbors—Colombia and Peru—provide a whole other set of incredible destinations in South America!

Peru is known the world over for its fantastic gastronomy, unbelievable scenery, and ancient sites, perhaps no better illustrated than by its ever-popular ruins of Machu Picchu. Peru is definitely worth your consideration!

Similarly, Colombia, Ecuador’s neighbor to the north, is home to a diversity of regions that include Cartagena along the Caribbean Coast, the cosmopolitan cities of Medellín and Bogotá, and of course, the quaint and charming valleys of the Coffee Triangle, to name a few. 

The other nice thing to keep in mind about Colombia is that it has been growing, transforming, and welcoming more and more visitors from all over. Recently, a forgotten gem, the riverside town of Mompox in the north of the country, has positioned itself as a fascinating destination, not just for its popular jazz festival, but for its pristine Andalucian-inspired architecture and layout.

These are just a few reasons to consider visiting the region and exploring these countries. We can help you plan the ideal trip, so why not talk to one of our destination experts? You’ll be surprised to see just how easy it is to travel between Quito and these other destinations. 

Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel has been instrumental in making Ecuador a tourism powerhouse. By offering guests a luxurious and convenient base from which to explore all that this amazing country has to offer, Casa Gangotena has helped put Ecuador on the map as a must-visit destination.

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable travel experience, look no further than Ecuador. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and friendly people, it’s sure to exceed your expectations. And when you’re ready to start planning your trip, consider staying at Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel! You’ll be glad you did.

Everyone has different criteria for choosing a honeymoon destination. Like most travelers, couples want to feel inspired. An ideal destination will activate their wanderlust and give them a chance to experience different cultures in a romantic setting surrounded by charm and beauty everywhere they look. For this reason, there is possibly no better place than the capital of Ecuador. 

Visiting Quito on your honeymoon means exploring one of the first Cultural World Heritage Site ever declared so by the UNESCO. The experience can be incredibly romantic and exciting, even more so when you stay at a hotel with a rich cultural history of its own, located right in the heart of the Historic Quarter. Lucky for you, Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel is at the top of every travel authority’s list of the best hotels in Ecuador. 

In this blog, we offer an overview of the reasons to plan an Ecuador honeymoon as we break down why Casa Gangotena is one of the best honeymoon hotels in the world!

Want to take a look inside? Explore our accommodations!

Honeymoon Hotel: A Prime Location, Central to Everything

Being one of the best hotels in Ecuador has a lot to do with location. For starters, the city of Quito is an ideal spot from which to travel to other parts of the country and, for that matter, the Andean region. Then, there is the privileged location of Casa Gangotena, centrally located in Quito’s Old Town.

Beyond Quito and Ecuador

From Quito, you can visit nearby cloud and rainforests by going just outside the city, to the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito, where the Chocó Bioregion is host to Mashpi Lodge, a luxury ecolodge that hosts an important research facility dedicated to the conservation of Mashpi Reserve and the Ecuadorian Chocó. 

Ecuador’s capital also allows for easy access to the world-renowned Galapagos Islands. These “Enchanted Isles” are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the mainland. The archipelago offers plenty of sustainable tourism experiences within the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve.

Metropolitan Touring’s fleet of award-winning expedition vessels offers you a luxury cruise experience through different regions of the Galapagos with multiple guided activities at various visitor sites. For a more land-based option, the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island combines the land exploration you might expect from an expedition hotel with the option to enjoy a sailing experience to nearby islands in the Galapagos National Park aboard the hotel’s own Sea Lion Yacht.

Quito also offers good connectivity to neighboring Perú and Colombia, making it easy to plan tours to Macchu Picchu, Cuzco, Lima, Bogotá, Cartagena, and Medellín.

In Old Town Quito

Seasoned travelers know each city’s historic center has a unique flavor, but when it comes to Quito, you’re looking at the most well-preserved historic quarter in all of South America. Here, you will find several important colonial squares and plazas. The standout among them: the emblematic Plaza San Francisco. 

About a 40-minute drive from Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport—and mere minutes from many of Quito’s popular points of interest—, Casa Gangotena sits along the southwest corner of the renowned San Francisco Plaza. The boutique hotel is essentially a restored mansion that once belonged to a distinguished family involved in many of Quito’s most important and historical decisions.

Quito’s Historic Center is also home to many breathtaking colonial-era churches. There are three in the hotel’s immediate vicinity: the religious complex for which the square is named; La Compañía de Jesús Church, a favorite for many locals and visitors; and the Santa Clara Monastery. Architecture and art connoisseurs would have a feast spending some time here on their honeymoon in Quito! 

Speaking of which, museums also abound in this part of the city, and our hotel enjoys close proximity to several. Among them, are the Fray Pedro Gocial Franciscan Museum, within the San Francisco Church and Convent complex, and the Pre-Columbian Art Museum House of Praise. 

As if all this weren’t enough to make Casa Gangotena the best honeymoon hotel, there is of course the charm of the Plaza itself, with its stunning views of the surrounding Andes Mountains.

The Wonders of Plaza San Francisco

This plaza is host to one of the largest and most popular religious visitor sites in downtown Quito, the San Francisco Church and Convent. The church offers weekly and daily mass, and the convent is still inhabited by Franciscan priests. At ground level, just below the stone steps of the entrance, you’ll find small souvenir shops along with cafés overlooking the square’s pigeon-covered cobblestones.

The sidewalk directly in front of San Francisco Church is lined with vendors of as many traditional wares as you can think of. Many of these are made by hand by artisans whose passion and talent for the craft have long been passed down from one generation to the next. There are also a few candy stores selling traditional quiteño sweets—entirely unique to the city—, as well as places to sample and purchase the finest Ecuadorian chocolate. 

Along one side of the church, next to the hotel, the southern stretch of Cuenca Street is filled with places selling all the spices and herbs quiteños have used for centuries to prepare traditional dishes, infusions, and home remedies. This is also where the hotel sources many fresh ingredients for its restaurant, and what makes their Cocina Mestiza cuisine so tasty and popular. 

On the opposite side of the plaza, you’ll find apparel shops, of both clothing and shoes, and even Panama hats (which, in fact, originated in Ecuador)! If all this is what you’ll find within the immediate surroundings of your hotel, imagine what you’ll discover in the rest of the Old Town, the city, and the country. Can you picture a better hotelat which to spend your honeymoon?

Casa Gangotena’s Cultural Heritage

Being central to everything of interest in Quito, the Highlands, and Ecuador is one very good reason why Casa Gangotena is the best hotel for your honeymoon. Besides location, there is nothing like staying at a place that has seen so much history and is filled with incredible art; a cultural hub in and of itself. 

The Gangotena name has been prominent in Quito since the 18th century. A group of wealthy businesspeople with a keen eye for opportunity and a desire to improve the lives of quiteños, the family was mostly made up of academics, diplomats, and politicians. 

Yet perhaps the most notable of them was Alfredo Gangotena, an early 20th-century poet who wrote in Spanish and French. His work is of the most nationally and internationally recognized among Ecuadorian writers. 

With a love for the arts and high-end tastes, the Gangotenas held many artistic soirees in their day and decorated their home with large oil paintings and lavish European furnishings. A few suites in the hotel still retain restored frescoes on the walls, and the original stonework across the main entrance depicts the Gangotena family crest. 

Staying in a restored colonial mansion that keeps its spirit alive will make your honeymoon in Quito truly one of a kind. You can read more about this grand house and the notable family that inhabited it in this blog.

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A Curated Experience

At Casa Gangotena, we aim to make guests’ experiences a blend of historical grandeur and modern comfort. Staying at the hotel and exploring its neighborhood allows you to step back in time and still witness modernity unfold around you. Most importantly, we strive to make each guest feel at home. 

The renovation of the Gangotena family home into the luxe boutique hotel it is today was intended to bring back to life its former glory in every detail the brothers Russo (notable architects of the time) imprinted into the building’s French-and Italian-inspired Art Deco-style interiors when they reconstructed it after a fire in 1914. It also took into consideration all the necessities a modern guest would require of a premium hotel. 

Spaciousness is a given in any mansion, but the open design and domed ceilings, with some spaces featuring the original ornate tin ceiling tiles, give it a very particular feel as you make your way around the hotel’s interior spaces. Sound-proof windows, elegant blackout curtains, and heavy wooden doors provide quiet and privacy. 

The mixture of styles—neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and contemporary—brought together in the Italian designers’ reconstruction from the last century, and the present-day renovation that took place not too long ago bestowed the hotel with many delightful spaces that just fit like a glove for a Quito honeymoon. 

There is the stunning Crimson Room, the orchid-filled Patio, the refreshing Rooftop Terrace (with a fantastic 270° view of the Historic Center), the bright Restaurant, the timelessly elegant Bar, and the lush Garden with the original stone fountain at its center. It is no wonder Casa Gangotena is a genuine, world-class Relais & Châteaux-endorsed hotel experience!

Personalized service

Don’t let the opulence of our ornate façade and elegant interiors fool you: we focus on warm interactions with our guests. While we certainly expect you to understand a little about the house’s aristocratic past, it is the welcoming character of the former residence we most aim to preserve, through an unrelenting dedication to quality service. 

Casa is Spanish for house, and our endeavor is to have our house be your home throughout your stay with us. From our staff’s cheerful disposition to the deep connection to our community, we keep it like family inside the hotel. Casa Gangotena is undoubtedly an emblem of quiteño hospitality. 

Our attentive concierge is always ready to arrange for anything you may want to do, see, and taste; just about everything can be arranged as you like it. Come relax in the utmost comfort; enjoy premium service, facilities, and accommodations; and delight in exquisite food as you live an idyllic honeymoon in Quito.

Experience Quito Like a Local

Part of Casa Gangotena’s mission is to preserve the spirit of Ecuadorian tradition, which is evident in every aspect of staying at the hotel. From the restoration of the original design of the house and signature quiteño hospitality to our restaurant’s gastronomy, where our Cocina Mestiza shows its respect for national cuisine by highlighting Ecuadorian ingredients, flavors, and techniques. 

When you stay at our house, we want you to know our people and their way of life. Lifestyle in San Francisco Plaza flows differently than how it does outside of the Historic Quarter. Slightly offbeat compared to the urban ambiance of modern Quito, this neighborhood continues to live in the ancestral traditions of the Old Town. 

We can arrange private tours, though we’ve customized a selection of the most immersive experiences just for our guests, completely free of charge and private, outside of the tourist schedule.

Guest-exclusive Activities

There’s an activity in store for Casa Gangotena guests each day of the week. Each one is focused on providing as much insight about Ecuadorian and quiteño culture as possible. 

• On Mondays, we cook ceviche with our chef, seafood- or vegetarian-style, as we learn the story behind the Ecuadorian version of this ultra-popular dish. 
• On Tuesdays and Saturdays, we explore the mansion as our host tells the story of the Gangotena family and how Metropolitan Touring made their home into a quintessential boutique hotel. 
• On Wednesdays and Sundays, we learn the history of Old Town Quito from the vantage point of our rooftop terrace, as we admire the mountainous horizon of the city’s location on the Equator and the colonial skyline of the Historic Center. 
• On Thursdays, we taste quiteño hot chocolate while learning about this globally popular concoction and its origins in Ecuador while tasting some of the finest chocolate from the Amazon and the Coast.  
• Oh Fridays, we stroll along the streets of Old Town Quito at dusk, listening to the city’s legends told by our host, on our way to Plaza Grande (Independence Square) and back.

With everything Quito and Casa Gangotena have to offer, why not make them the hosts of your wedding? Choosing Casa Gangotena as the venue for a destination wedding in Quito will not only make for memorable nuptials but also the perfect opening for an Ecuador honeymoon. 

Find out everything you can host inside our hotel!

As a favorite event venue among locals (with our very own event planner), our hotel has all you need to host your destination wedding! Our team can even arrange for anything you may require outside of our offered services. After all, as one of the best honeymoon hotels, we can certainly host your wedding and make it the best. Find all the details in this blog! 

If you’re looking for an amazing travel destination with plenty of culture and history, look no further than Quito, Ecuador. Situated amid the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Quito is a cosmopolitan city that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enjoying all the amenities and conveniences of a major metropolitan area, Quito has something for everyone.

Check out Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel’s private activities for guests!

Historical Sites

In addition to its many museums, Quito is also home to several historical sites. When selecting things to do in Quito, it is well worth the effort to plan visits to as many of the following as possible.

Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square)

Quito’s Plaza de la Independencia is the perfect place to start your exploration of the city. The square is home to several important historical buildings, including the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), the Cathedral of Quito, and the Presidential Palace.

Be sure to admire these impressive buildings’ architecture and soak up this beautiful square’s atmosphere.

Catedral de Quito (Cathedral of Quito)

The Catedral de Quito is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The Cathedral is located in Quito’s Plaza de la Independencia and is one of the largest cathedrals in South America. It was built in the 16th century and features a baroque façade and an impressive interior with several oil paintings and sculptures.

Make sure to take a guided tour of the La Catedral, as locals call it, to learn more about its history and architecture.

Iglesia de San Francisco (San Francisco Church)

The Iglesia de San Francisco is one of the most beautiful churches in Quito. The church was built in the 16th century and features an ornate baroque façade. Its interior is equally impressive, with several oil paintings, gilded altars, and marble floors.

Make sure to take a guided tour of the San Francisco Church to learn more about its history and architecture.

Museums

One of the best things to do in Quito is to explore its many noteworthy museums. The city is home to several world-class museums, including the Museo del Banco Central (Central Bank Museum), which houses an impressive collection of Ecuadorian art and artifacts; the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum), which tells the story of Quito’s rich history; and the Museo de Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum), which showcases colonial-era artwork from around Latin America.

Casa del Alabado

If you’re interested in learning more about Ecuador’s indigenous cultures, the Casa del Alabado museum offers excellent exhibits of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. The museum is also home to a restaurant, cafe, and gift shop.

With its central location within Quito’s Old Town, Casa Gangotena is an ideal exploration headquarters. See the special rates we offer for a stay with us.

Day Hikes and Outdoor Activities

Quito is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by several stunning mountains, making it an excellent destination for hiking and mountaineering. Cotopaxi National Park, Chimborazo, and Pasochoa are all within easy reach of Quito and offer a variety of trails to suit all fitness levels. The variety of parks and reserves surrounding the city makes nature activities one of the top things to do in Quito.

Parque Itchimbia

For a break from sightseeing, head to Parque Itchimbia, a large park located in the center of Quito. The park offers plenty of green space for picnicking, strolling, and people-watching. There is also a playground for children, a jogging track, and a beautiful glass structure where different groups can host all types of events and exhibits.

TelefériQo

For stunning views of Quito and the surrounding area, take a ride on TelefériQo, a cable car that takes passengers to the top of one of Pichincha’s most scenic peaks. There, you’ll find a restaurant, bar, and observation deck at the summit. TelefériQo is also a great place to go hiking and mountain-biking.

Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ecuador. It is home to the Cotopaxi volcano, the tallest active volcano in the world. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by mountain bike, and many guided tours are available.

The Park is also a great place for camping, and many camping sites are located within its boundaries.

Pasochoa Reserve

If you’re looking for an easy day hike near Quito, head to the Pasochoa Reserve. The reserve is just a short drive from the city and offers several well-marked trails. The views from the summit of Pasochoa are simply stunning; on a clear day, you can even see all the way to the coast.

Mashpi Lodge: Quito´s Wild Side

Mashpi Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Chocó Bioregion, within the Metropolitan District of Quito. The Lodge offers all-inclusive packages that cover meals, lodging, and guided tours.

Mashpi Lodge is the perfect place to go if you’re interested in exploring the flora within one of the most biologically diverse forests in the world and observing the fauna that inhabits this remarkable, natural habitat. The Lodge has its own private reserve, home to endemic species found nowhere else on the planet! It´s also a luxurious marvel of a jungle lodge, like no other.

Well away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still inside the Metropolitan District of Quito, Mashpi is a good starting point to visit other noteworthy spots in the capital of Ecuador. Check out this blog to discover even more activities locals recommend to visitors and expand your list of things to do in Quito.

Food and Nightlife

Quito offers a variety of dining options to suit all budgets and tastes. For traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, head to one of the many restaurants in Quito’s Old Town. For something a little more upscale, check out one of the city’s many trendy cafes and restaurants. You’ll find plenty of spectacular places to eat and drink, with various atmospheres. Pairing unique dishes with experimental indoor esthetics makes dining out a fun thing to do in Quito!

Casa Gangotena Restaurant

For an unforgettable dining experience, head to Casa Gangotena Restaurant. Located in a beautiful colonial mansion in the heart of the Historic Quarter, flanking Plaza San Francisco, the restaurant serves traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with a modern twist. it has an extensive wine list and a selection of original cocktails. You’ll find it on the ground floor of Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel, although it allows access to the rooftop terrace with a 360° view of Quito’s Historic Center.

Mercado San Blas (San Blas Market)

Mercado San Blas is the perfect place to sample some of Quito’s delicious traditional food. The market is located in the Old Town and features a variety of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to seafood and meat dishes. Be sure to try ceviche, a popular Ecuadorian dish made with fresh fish, lime juice, and chili peppers.

Salsoteca Lavoe

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some live music and dance the night away, head to Salsoteca Lavoe. This popular salsa club is located near most of Quito’s biggest Malls and features a large dance floor, live music, and a bar. The club gets crowded on weekends, so be sure to arrive early.

La Mariscal

La Mariscal is the perfect place to enjoy Quito’s nightlife. This traditional neighborhood is home to various bars, clubs, and restaurants. You’ll find everything from relaxed outdoor cafés to lively dance clubs. Be sure to check out Plaza Foch, the neighborhood’s main square, which is always buzzing with activities and artisanal fairs of every kind.

Where to Stay in Quito

There are many different neighborhoods in Quito, Ecuador. You can read about some of them here. Proximity, comfort, and location are key factors in deciding where to stay. Put simply, the most convenient and worthwhile spot is Quito’s beautiful Historic Center. Within Quito’s Old Town, you’ll find Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel along one side of the picturesque Plaza San Francisco. Casa Gangotena is an award-winning Relais & Châteaux-endorsed hotel, the only one in Quito, which offers incredible views of the surrounding areas and mountains, along with plenty of fantastic spaces, including an atrium, rooftop terrace, Art Deco-style bar and lounge, plus a very popular restaurant!

Quito and Ecuador are incredibly affordable compared to other major tourist destinations worldwide. You can enjoy all that the city and country have to offer without breaking the bank, making it a travel destination that works with a budget. So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Quito today and start planning your ideal vacation!

If you’re planning a trip to Quito—the capital city of Ecuador and home to the best-preserved Historic Center in South America—you’re in for a treat! The city bustles with life, history, culture, gastronomy, and much more. However, before embarking on the great adventures that await here, it’s important to learn about the weather in Quito, Ecuador and what to expect.

Keep in mind that many factors influence the climate in Quito, Ecuador, including the city’s high altitude, equatorial position, and surrounding mountain ranges. These unique Andean conditions make the weather in Quito somewhat unpredictable. Consequently, it’s not uncommon for the city to experience “four seasons in a single day,” which can affect your plans if you’re not prepared for it.

The best advice we can give you is to dress for all seasons in Ecuador and carry anything you may need, regardless of how the day looks in the first hours of the morning.

Curious about what it’s like to stay in Quito?

Seasons in Ecuador

Due to its unique position so close to the equator, Ecuador’s seasons aren’t actually the usual four, but only two: a rainy one and a dry one. Specifically, the temperatures and weather in Quito, Ecuador display the following patterns:

• Dry Season (June to September): Daytime temperature averages a comfortable 70 °F (21 °C), generally falling to around 50 °F (10 °C) at night.
• Rainy Season (October to May): Temperatures remain steadier throughout the day, hovering around 59 °F (15 °C). March and April are typically the wettest months, with clear skies in the mornings and showers in the afternoon, interspersed with bursts of sunshine.

Quito’s Altitude

The altitude in Quito averages 9,350 ft (2,850 m), which means that the sun’s rays beat down more directly than in most other cities around the world.

Consequently, being out and about under direct sunlight, particularly noon, can make some feel as though they’re melting into the pavement! This is why it’s important always to apply (and reapply every couple of hours!) sunscreen throughout the day. Stay hydrated by always carrying a full water bottle with you, and always wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.

Some popular visitor points, such as El TelefériQo, take you even higher up into the mountains. Remember that at higher altitudes, temperatures can drop dramatically. Always wear warm, long-sleeve clothes and carry a warm jacket on any of these excursions.

The Climate in Quito and its Mountains

This city lies between the volcanoes of the soaring Andes mountain range, therefore the weather in Quito, Ecuador can be a little “temperamental.” After all, mountains attract clouds. This often translates into surprise thunderstorms and even hail. Although the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much, the weather throughout the day can change without warning. It’s quite common to find yourself under scorching hot sunlight one minute and thunderstorms the next, causing torrents of water to run down the streets.

But don’t let that scare you! Quito mostly has an extremely comfortable climate that is perfect for exploring and sightseeing. The main thing is always to be prepared and carry everything you may need on every day excursion you go on.

Packing Tips for the Weather in Quito

So how do you plan around this unpredictable weather? When traveling throughout Quito, it’s always a good idea to wear layers. Put on a breathable T-shirt, then a light sweater, and then a rain jacket on top. Of course, this means that you should always carry a small backpack (daypack) to place any unwanted layers inside of, should you get too hot. The daypack should also include:

• Umbrella
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Water bottle
• Spare sweater
• Large ziploc bag to place any electronic items inside of, in case it starts raining

A trip to Quito is spectacular any time of year. The stable temperatures and weather in Quito, Ecuador mean you won’t experience snow or desert-like heat any month of the year. However, you should be prepared for sudden changes in the weather on your day excursions, and take any local weather forecast with a grain of salt.

Are you interested in a complete packing list for your adventure in Quito?