3-Day Luxury Escape to Quito: An Epic Journey
Quito, a city perched high in the Andes, offers a sophisticated blend of 16th-century history and modern luxury. For the traveler embarking on an Epic Journey, this high-altitude capital serves as a refined gateway where luxury escapes are defined by exclusive access to UNESCO World Heritage sites and a burgeoning world-class culinary scene.
During this three-day immersion, you will navigate the cobblestone streets of the Old Town in private comfort, dine in award-winning establishments, and witness the majestic Andean landscape from the most exclusive vantage points in the city.
Day 1: Quito, Ecuador - Colonial Grandeur & Fine Dining
Private Heritage Tour of Plaza Grande
Begin your journey in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Meet your private historian for a guided walk through the Plaza de la Independencia, accessing restricted areas of the Carondelet Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral to witness the city's political and religious history first-hand.
Gourmet Lunch at Casa Gangotena
Enjoy a sophisticated "Cocina Mestiza" lunch in the glass-topped atrium of this restored neoclassical mansion. This is widely considered the most prestigious dining room in the historic center, offering refined takes on traditional Ecuadorian flavors.
The Gilded Church: Compañía de Jesús
Take an exclusive tour of what many call the most beautiful church in the Americas. Marvel at the intricate baroque architecture and the seven tons of gold leaf that cover the interior. Your private guide will explain the secret Jesuit history hidden within the carvings.
Degustation Dinner at Theatrum
End your first day at Theatrum, located within the historic Sucre National Theatre. Experience a multi-course tasting menu that highlights local ingredients like sea bass and Andean tubers, paired with an extensive wine list in an opulent, velvet-draped setting.
Day 2: Quito, Ecuador - High Altitudes & Gastronomic Arts
VIP Telefériqo Ascent
Skip the lines with a VIP pass for the Telefériqo, one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. Ascend the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano to Cruz Loma, reaching 4,100 meters. From your private cabin, enjoy panoramic views of the entire "Avenue of the Volcanoes."
Progressive Lunch at Urko
Head to the La Floresta neighborhood for a culinary experience at Urko. This restaurant focuses on the four seasons of the Ecuadorian agricultural calendar, offering a modern, minimalist atmosphere that caters to the global elite foodie.
The Guayasamín Museum & Capilla del Hombre
Visit the former home and masterwork of Ecuador’s most famous artist, Oswaldo Guayasamín. A private tour of the "Chapel of Man" provides a somber yet stunning look at the history of Latin American suffering and resilience through monumental art.
World-Class Dining at Zazu
Indulge in a meal at Zazu, the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant in the city. The tasting menu here is a masterclass in contemporary Ecuadorian cuisine, featuring Amazonian fruits and Pacific seafood prepared with flawless European techniques.
Day 3: Quito, Ecuador - The Equator & Skyline Relaxation
Private Chauffeur to Mitad del Mundo
Travel north in a private luxury SUV to the Middle of the World. While many tourists visit the large monument, your guide will take you to the Intiñan Solar Museum for a more exclusive, interactive demonstration of the unique physics found at Latitude 0°.
Lunch Over the Crater at El Cráter
Dine at the edge of the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve. The restaurant El Cráter offers floor-to-ceiling windows with views directly into an inhabited volcanic crater, providing a backdrop as dramatic as the high-end Ecuadorian menu.
Artisanal Shopping in La Mariscal
Spend your afternoon browsing high-end boutiques for luxury alpaca textiles and fine Toquilla straw hats (erroneously known as Panama hats). Visit Galerías Olga Fisch for museum-quality Andean crafts and designer jewelry.
Farewell Dinner at Vista del Angel
For your final evening, enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking the glittering lights of the Old Town. Perched on a hill, this restaurant offers a romantic and quiet atmosphere to reflect on your journey through the clouds.
Best Time & Weather
Quito is known as the city of eternal spring. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September, when skies are clearest for mountain views. However, because it is on the equator, temperatures remain stable year-round (around 18-20°C during the day). Always carry a light luxury layer, as evenings can turn quite crisp.
Currency & Money
The official currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar ($). High-end establishments, luxury hotels, and fine dining restaurants widely accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). However, it is advisable to keep small denominations of cash for tipping private drivers or purchasing small artisanal goods. Tipping is customary in luxury settings, usually around 10-15% of the bill.
Getting Around
For a Luxury Escape, avoid public transport. The most efficient and secure way to navigate Quito is via a pre-arranged private chauffeur or high-end car service provided by your hotel. For shorter trips within the modern northern districts, premium ride-sharing apps like Cabify offer a reliable and comfortable alternative to standard street taxis.
