Come discover 100 of the most romantic small hotels and places in the world.
Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Incan city at the base of a volcano, the capital of Ecuador was designated a World Heritage site. The citation stated it had the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the ‘Baroque school of Quito’—a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.
Once a private home, then the French cultural center, this lovely 2 story mansion with whitewashed walls and a traditional terracotta tiled roof was stylishly transformed into a romantic hotel by architect-owner László Károlyi.
T: +593 22 224 271. 26 rooms. US$ 109-
www.cafecultura.com
Renovated 500 year old colonial mansion located in the heart of Old Town, a UESCO World Heritage site.
T: +593 21 228 0830. 32 rooms. US$ 204
Descendants of prominent Ecuadorian families have opened their country estate haciendas–set in awesome high Andean landscapes–to travelers.
Perhaps the most luxurious hacienda in the Andean valley, it epitomizes the life of the elite going back to the l8th century. Still owned by the same family, this romantic hotel sits on 22 acres just outside Quito.
T: +593 2 334 261. US$ 245, per person, includes meals and activities.
www.hacienda-ecuador.com
The presence of the Caranquis Pyramids on its 4,000 acre grounds gives guests a glimpse into the world of this pre-Incan civilization. This intimate hacienda is still the family home and guests join in family activities and dine together at a common table. Zuleta grows its own fruit and vegetables, has a trout farm, a riding stable, an embroidery workshop and a condor repopulation project;. The hacienda is located 68 miles north of Quito.
T: +593 6 266 2182.15 rooms. $510 per person, all inclusive.
www.zuleta.com
200 year old hacienda with garden cottages decorated in old world style A romantic hotel with peacocks wandering the grounds, crystal chandeliers hanging above, and staff dressed in the embroidered cloth of their region. Located 118 miles from Quito.
T: +593 6 291 5237. US$ 280-
www.mirage.com.ec
Four poster beds, antiques, and horses for riding to a nearby crater lake. The 200 plus year old hacienda is close to the legendary Otavalo market and to nearby craft villages. It is located 53 miles north of the Quito ariport. Simón Bolívar slept here.
T: +593 6 294 6116. US$ 108-
www.haciendapinsaqui.com
Travel 1.5 hours by canoe through the remote Amazon jungle to reach this lodge.
This ecolodge was built with the purpose of turning it over to the native tribe, the Achuar, with the goal to provide them a viable economic opportunity that would not involve destructive development of their pristine rainforest. The Kapawi staff will meet you at the Quito airport to facilitate your flight and boat ride into the Amazon.
T: +593 4 285-711. 20 cabins. US$ 400-, incl. meals, guides.
www.kapawi.com
