Meet Our Neighbors
Venture into Quito’s Historic Center!
Stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the iconic churches and plazas, learn about our cultural heritage and experience the vibrant and welcoming life of our neighborhood.
We are committed to contributing to, and creating positive impacts for, the community around us. Therefore, we pledged to support De Vuelta Al Centro, a project that wants to see Quito’s Historic Center, its shops, its neighborhood life and its streets thrive. At Casa Gangotena, we want our guests to enjoy our neighborhood just as much as they enjoy their stay with us.
We’ve prepared these videos to give you a taste of the emblematic shops that we have the privilege of sharing this vicinity with, and to get to know the people behind the counter, their stories, and their legacy.
By visiting and purchasing something from these shops you’ll be supporting local artisans and keeping these emblematic businesses alive.
Wander, be curious and meet our neighbors!
Almacén Manto Sagrado
Manto Sagrado has been intricately handweaving and embroidering garments exclusively for baby Jesus and other religious figures for over 100 years. Find out what it means to “dress saints” in Quito!
Sombreros López
Stepping inside Sombreros López means traveling back in time… to the 1930s. This traditional hat shop has been handmaking this popular accessory for four generations.
Rocafuerte Street candy
You won’t be able to walk along Rocafuerte Street without being enveloped in the sweet scent of sugar and peanuts. Confitería El Gato is a must-stop to taste all kinds of traditional Quiteño sweets!
Ecuador Shops
Tucked underneath San Francisco Church, this souvenir shop houses a great collection from Ecuadorian artisans and artists. The artifacts you will find inside are exclusive to the shop and carefully crafted and curated.
Casa Santa Bárbara
This traditional house with a central patio is home to a number of artists, jewelry and fashion designers, shoemakers, a mini-theater, and delicious restaurants.
El Secreto de las Plantas
The wisdom to heal with medicinal plants has been in Emma Lagla’s family for many generations. Her extensive “plant cabinet” on display has everything you need to cure any and all ailments… the natural way.