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Quito & The Highlands Holidays

Surrounded by the Andes, Quito has a dramatic setting and is overlooked by the Virgin of Quito, a statue atop the Panecillo hill above the Old Town. Considered the most beautiful colonial city in Latin America, various restoration projects targeting the baroque mansions and streets, and the installations of dramatic lighting, have transformed Quito in recent years. The colonial heart of the city is the Old Town where there are fun markets. While there is plenty to do within Quito itself, it is well worth venturing out of the city to explore the surrounding Highlands during a stay in this part of Ecuador. One of the best ways to see the region is on a riding safari, stopping off at haciendas and villages along the way, or climb Mount Cotopaxi at sunrise for perhaps the best panoramic views in the country.
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Quito & The Highlands holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Quito & The Highlands Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Practical guide

Best time to visit Ecuador

Travel Advice & Information

Ecuador Travel Advice & Information

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Sustainable Tourism in Ecuador

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Luxury Hotels in Quito and The Highlands

Ecuador Testimonials

5 reviews
4.9 / 5
"This was really a holiday of a lifetime and we thoroughly enjoyed everything that Original Travel had suggested. The week on board the boat in the Galapagos was fantastic. Each day, we said, "You cannot improve on yesterday", and then something new and more breathtaking happened. The wildlife was spectacular. The boat was really well set up with a wide variety of activities, and the guide and his crew were all outstanding. The information provided was thorough and well laid out, and the new service of providing check-ins before flights was brilliant."
Ian - Leeds
Published on 7th May 2024
"A highlight was obviously seeing the animals in the Galapagos in their natural habitat. The water in Costa Rica was beautiful and warm, and I thoroughly enjoyed the surfing lessons!"
Ian - Hampshire
Published on 3rd March 2024
"Pat was amazing, a true credit to Original Travel. He pulled together a fantastic itinerary and made insightful suggestions for things we could do that we hadn't thought of. He was generous with his time and expertise. We couldn't have asked for more. Would give 5+ if the ratings scale above allowed me to! The comms coming out of the UK are great. The app is particularly good. Some really lovely gifts awaited us at the hotels / on the boats courtesy of Original Travel. This was totally unexpected and very much appreciated. We had the holiday of a lifetime. We have zero complaints and wouldn't change a single aspect of our holiday. Give Pat a massive bonus! He's an incredible ambassador for your company and really knows his stuff. Truly outstanding. "
Victoria - London
Published on 5th February 2024
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What can you find in Quito and the Highlands that you won't find anywhere else?

Ecuador is one of the most rural countries in South America, and this is very evident in the Highlands region, where the pace of life is slow, the way of life simple, and the scenery beautiful. The two Andean mountain ranges that run parallel and cross Ecuador from north to south create everything from volcanoes and snow capped mountains to green valleys, lakes and rivers.

Dotted about this landscape are impressive colonial cities like Quito (which is the second highest capital city in the world and was the first city to be named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and Cuenca, quaint Indian villages and markets, farmlands and traditional haciendas, many of which are boutique hotels, making a lovely trip out from the city.

As well as this 16 miles north of Quito, the Equatorial Monument 'Mitad del Mundo' marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Best places to go in Ecuador

Santa Cruz Island Quito Otavalo Isabela Island Cotopaxi Santiago Island Honeymoon South America Guayaquil Family Galapagos
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