Audley in Ecuador and the GalapagosEcuador is a wonderfully welcoming place,and travelling around the compact mainlandis an easy-going, entertaining and scenicexperience. It can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you would like. Based on yourpreferences and budget we can provide full-time drivers and guides, or just arrangefor you to have a vehicle with driver.However you decide to travel, we willensure that you get the most from your time here, whether you are makingsomething of a road trip and are moving oneach day, or staying at one of the haciendasfor a few relaxing days. For those withsufficient time we recommend a journeydown the length of the country, dispensingthe need for internal flights and ensuring yousee the most of the magnificent scenery ofthe country. The Galapagos Islands arereached by short flights from the mainlandcities of Quito or Guayaquil.AccommodationOne of the attractions of Ecuador is itscharming range of places to stay. For a tasteof the colonial heritage of the country, werecommend a night or two in one of therestored haciendas built on the grand estatesof the colonial era. Each has its ownparticular history and character, the groundsare extensive and the settings oftenunrivalled, offering an idyllic rural retreat.When in the towns and cities, the colonialinfluence manifests itself in eleganttownhouses with rooms set around a centralcourtyard. Often in the heart of the historicalcentre, these hotels are ideally placed toexplore the nearby sights, restaurants andmarkets. Ecuador also has a superb selectionof lodges deep in the Amazon rainforest,many of which are run in conjunction withthe local indigenous communities.Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Ecuador and theGalapagos, please see pages 42-43.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Ecuadorspecialists 01993 838 655?OtavaloOne of the most colourfulmarkets in South America - the locals sell handicrafts,textiles and paintings in arelaxed atmosphere. QuitoThe capital has a restoredcolonial, UNESCO-protectedcentre, plus a vibrant cafe andrestaurant culture. 32Cotopaxi National Park The world's highest activevolcano has an almost perfectconical shape , and itssurroundings attract walkers,mountain bikers, horse ridersand climbers.CuencaEcuador's prettiest city andhome to the famous Panamahat factories. 45Ecuador & the Galapagos33123456Galapagos Islands An obvious must-see, there isnowhere else on earth likethese islands. The animals reallydo have no fear of man.1The Amazon The easily accessible EcuadorianAmazon offers some excellent,indigenous community-ownedand run ecolodges withrewarding wildlife viewing.Haciendas A stay at a traditional farmhouseoffers a wonderful insight intoEcuadorian history6The cobbled streets of Quito's old townPanama hat maker, Cuenca

ACCOMMODATIONINQUITOQuito can roughly be divided into two areas inwhich most accommodation is based. The newtown or 'La Mariscal' has undergone significantregeneration in recent years and now has athriving cafe, bar and restaurant scene. Here youwill find a number of modern four and five starhotels with excellent facilities and convenientaccess to the international airport. The area isalso seeing an increase in smaller properties suchas the Casa Aliso and Anahi boutique hotels, idealfor those seeking something with a little characterbut close to the vibrant social scene.The old town is the most common place to stay for those wanting to explore the UNESCOcentre. Here charming B&B hotels such as theRelicario del Carmen and Villa Colonna offerthoughtfully decorated rooms around smallcourtyards and a very personalised service, all just footsteps from the main square. Close by,and with a few more facilities including a goodrestaurant serving Spanish and local specialities, is the ever popular Patio Andaluz. For the jewel in the crown of luxury hotels, the Plaza Grande is located on the corner of the main square andhas Victorian touches with a classical feel. There is an impressive grand dining room, elegant cafe,huge wine cellar and a cognac, cigar andchampagne bar.Around QuitoNorth of Quito is the geographic feature thatgives the country its name, the equator. There are a number of locations each marked by amonument and ubiquitous painted line on theground offering you the opportunity to stand with 'one foot in each hemisphere'.Around one hour east of the capital is Ecuador'sfourth highest peak, Antisana. The attachedecological reserve enables visitors to get up closeto rocky peaks which give way to a vast sweep ofAndean vegetation, home to beautiful paramoflowers and rich Andean birdlife. Close by is thetown of Papallacta, renowned for its thermalsprings and their reputed curative powers.QuitoSet in an Andean valley with the verdantPichincha volcano rising to the west, Quito is the capital of Ecuador. From the scenic hill of ElPanecillo, the Virgin of Quito spreads her silverwings and watches over the fine colonial buildingsof the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Its chaotic narrow streets, lined with colonialchurches, monasteries and mansions, radiateoutwards from attractive plazas. Recently sprucedup, this part of the city tempts the visitor with itsabundance of history at every turn and a walkingtour here is a must. The city's newer area has lessof historic interest but this is where you will findthe majority of the shops, cafes and restaurants.34Quito at nightVirgin of Quito, El PanecilloEl Sagrario church, Quito