{"id":5878,"date":"2024-05-14T12:25:26","date_gmt":"2024-05-14T17:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/?p=5878"},"modified":"2024-05-14T12:26:09","modified_gmt":"2024-05-14T17:26:09","slug":"travel-adventure-hotel-casa-gangotena","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/2024\/05\/14\/travel-adventure-hotel-casa-gangotena\/","title":{"rendered":"TRAVEL &#038; ADVENTURE &#8211; Hotel Casa Gangotena"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5878\" class=\"elementor elementor-5878\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8ea643 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f8ea643\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe50420 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fe50420\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 29-01-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gateway to Historic Quito.<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e671558 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e671558\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 29-01-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><em>Cuenca Expats Maazine, Special Issue<br \/><\/em><em>Photos: Expats Magazine Group<br \/><\/em><em>Sponsored: Casa Gangotena<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83c75b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"83c75b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 29-01-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"821\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/casa-gangotena-special-issue-2.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5882\" alt=\"casa gangotena - special issue 2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/casa-gangotena-special-issue-2.png 821w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/casa-gangotena-special-issue-2-300x132.png 300w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/casa-gangotena-special-issue-2-768x339.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 821px) 100vw, 821px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33ca831 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"33ca831\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8f7089 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f8f7089\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-795f3c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"795f3c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Ed. Note. Like many expats, I have barely scratched the surface of discovering the vast diversity of culture, geography, and ecosystems Ecuador has to offer. My New Year\u2019s resolution is to take a trip once a month to explore with Metropolitan Touring assistance the beauty of my adopted country. I invite you to come along.<\/strong><\/p><p>My first Travel and Adventure trip is to visit the historic center of Quito. Quito is the number one tourist attraction in Ecuador (Gal\u00e1pagos Islands is second, Cuenca third). So, this is a great place to start.<\/p><p>I have been to Quito\u2019s airport many times, but have never spent any time in the historic district. So, I wanted to spend as much time as possible exploring old Quito. I took the earliest flight I could\u2014the LATAM 1400 leaving Cuenca at 7:52 am. The worry-free airline flight is a comfortable 40 minutes. Btw, you\u2019ll appreciate the priority boarding for those of the Third Age (65+). And, instead of the chaotic debarking scrambles on US flights, LATAM dismisses passages by rows.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb99a5b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"bb99a5b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"235\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/latam-logo_-768x235-1.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-4337\" alt=\"latam-logo_-768x235-1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/latam-logo_-768x235-1.png 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/latam-logo_-768x235-1-300x92.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40218ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"40218ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A much more pleasant way to end a flight Quito\u2019s airport is 55 minutes from the city center. Taxi is a flat fee of $25, or via bus ($7.99).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e656105 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e656105\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-127b42b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"127b42b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"462\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-1024x462.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5922\" alt=\"Presidential palace - Hotel Casa Gangotena. Gateway to Historic Quito.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-2048x923.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-302cac8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"302cac8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>I made reservations at the Hotel Casa Gangotena. I wanted a hotel that was the ideal pivot point for the City discovery (as well for day excursions to Otavalo, Cotopaxi and other areas nearby areas of interest like the zoo, Middle of the World monument, etc.) I had never stayed at this luxurious boutique hotel before. Hotel Casa Gangotena has a long and colorful history\u2014home of an ex-president of Ecuador and even a ghost that some say can be seen at night in an antique hall mirror. Check-in was a breeze: English-speaking and very professional. They even had my room ready early, so I was able to drop my luggage. And, I appreciated the hand-writen note on the suites\u2019 table from the hotel manager welcoming me.<\/p><p>Now, it was time begin exploring the city center by mid-morning. What to see first? Casa Gangotena is located on San Francisco Plaza in the heart of the historic district (and once the center of the northern capital of the famous Inca Huayna Capac\u2019s empire).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21fff1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"21fff1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1154\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/reservation-desk.-PHOTO-2.2-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5930\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/reservation-desk.-PHOTO-2.2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/reservation-desk.-PHOTO-2.2-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/reservation-desk.-PHOTO-2.2-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/reservation-desk.-PHOTO-2.2-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/reservation-desk.-PHOTO-2.2-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/reservation-desk.-PHOTO-2.2-2048x923.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9fa888 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c9fa888\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f05b2e elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"4f05b2e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 29-01-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-divider{--divider-border-style:none;--divider-border-width:1px;--divider-color:#0c0d0e;--divider-icon-size:20px;--divider-element-spacing:10px;--divider-pattern-height:24px;--divider-pattern-size:20px;--divider-pattern-url:none;--divider-pattern-repeat:repeat-x}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider{display:flex}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{font-size:15px;line-height:1;max-width:95%}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__element{margin:0 var(--divider-element-spacing);flex-shrink:0}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-icon{font-size:var(--divider-icon-size)}.elementor-widget-divider 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.elementor-divider-separator{width:100%;min-height:var(--divider-pattern-height);-webkit-mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;-webkit-mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);background-color:var(--divider-color);-webkit-mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url);mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url)}.elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing{--divider-pattern-size:auto}.elementor-widget-divider--bg-round{--divider-pattern-repeat:round}.rtl .elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{direction:rtl}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-divider,.e-con>.elementor-widget-divider{width:var(--container-widget-width,100%);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\" style=\"--divider-pattern-url: url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&#039;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&#039; preserveAspectRatio=&#039;none&#039; overflow=&#039;visible&#039; height=&#039;100%&#039; viewBox=&#039;0 0 20 16&#039; fill=&#039;none&#039; stroke=&#039;black&#039; stroke-width=&#039;1&#039; stroke-linecap=&#039;square&#039; stroke-miterlimit=&#039;10&#039;%3E%3Cg transform=&#039;translate(-12.000000, 0)&#039;%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M28,0L10,18&#039;\/%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M18,0L0,18&#039;\/%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M48,0L30,18&#039;\/%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M38,0L20,18&#039;\/%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;);\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0006db0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0006db0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e17fe4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6e17fe4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55f5dff elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"55f5dff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"376\" height=\"598\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/casa-gangotena-special-issue-4.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5884\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/casa-gangotena-special-issue-4.png 376w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/casa-gangotena-special-issue-4-189x300.png 189w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc0218f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bc0218f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In walking distance from the hotel are 12 parks and plazas, 19 museums, 11 theaters and cultural centers, and 25 churches. It is Impossible to take in so much in a day, so I decided to amble around and do a survey of things I wanted to visit on my next extended trip.<\/p><p>First stop: the Presidential Palace. I walked down a few blocks to the Presidential Palace located on Plaza Grande. It is open to the public for free tours. To my delight, it happened the army band was playing a concert of martial music during my visit. In the plaza is the monument to honor those Quite\u00f1os (300 or so) who were executed as a result of the first cry for independence from Spain on August 10, 1809.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2875288 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2875288\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-545e4cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"545e4cf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Near the plaza is Iglesia de El Sagrario (\u201cChurch of the Sanctuary\u201d or \u201cChurch of the Shrine\u201d) It is a large 17th-century chapel. Work on this church was from 1617-1747. This church is adorned with more gold leaf than I have even seen. It is also the resting place of Marshal Antonio Jos\u00e9 de Sucre, hero of Ecuadorian and Latin American independence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3645b7f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3645b7f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1154\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/August-10-Monument.-PHOTO-4-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5923\" alt=\"August 10 Monument. Hotel Casa Gangotena - Gateway to Historic Quito. - Special Issue\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/August-10-Monument.-PHOTO-4-scaled.jpg 1154w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/August-10-Monument.-PHOTO-4-135x300.jpg 135w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/August-10-Monument.-PHOTO-4-462x1024.jpg 462w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/August-10-Monument.-PHOTO-4-768x1704.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/August-10-Monument.-PHOTO-4-692x1536.jpg 692w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/August-10-Monument.-PHOTO-4-923x2048.jpg 923w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1154px) 100vw, 1154px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2edbb7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b2edbb7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-93e0842 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"93e0842\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1154\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5922\" alt=\"Presidential palace - Hotel Casa Gangotena. Gateway to Historic Quito.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Presidential-palace.-PHOTO-3-2048x923.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-325873a elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"325873a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\" style=\"--divider-pattern-url: url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&#039;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&#039; preserveAspectRatio=&#039;none&#039; overflow=&#039;visible&#039; height=&#039;100%&#039; viewBox=&#039;0 0 20 16&#039; fill=&#039;none&#039; stroke=&#039;black&#039; stroke-width=&#039;1&#039; stroke-linecap=&#039;square&#039; stroke-miterlimit=&#039;10&#039;%3E%3Cg transform=&#039;translate(-12.000000, 0)&#039;%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M28,0L10,18&#039;\/%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M18,0L0,18&#039;\/%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M48,0L30,18&#039;\/%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M38,0L20,18&#039;\/%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;);\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0ed14a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f0ed14a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8647e8c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8647e8c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da7ddd5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"da7ddd5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Next, I wanted to tour the Basilica of the National Vow. It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas. Most gothic religious structures in Europe date from the mid-12th to the early 16th century and are characterized by large stained-glass windows, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration.<\/p><p>This basilica looks like it dates back to the middle ages, but actually construction was started in 1887.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a2905b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a2905b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1152\" height=\"1774\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sagrario-Church.-PHOTO-5-scaled-e1715705173780.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5924\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sagrario-Church.-PHOTO-5-scaled-e1715705173780.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sagrario-Church.-PHOTO-5-scaled-e1715705173780-195x300.jpg 195w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sagrario-Church.-PHOTO-5-scaled-e1715705173780-665x1024.jpg 665w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sagrario-Church.-PHOTO-5-scaled-e1715705173780-768x1183.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sagrario-Church.-PHOTO-5-scaled-e1715705173780-997x1536.jpg 997w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-baf5c54 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"baf5c54\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The basilica was blessed by Pope John Paul II on January 30, 1985, and it was consecrated and inaugurated on July 12, 1988.<\/p><p>I paid the $2 entrance fee, and spent over an hour looking at this magnificent structure. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87684fe e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"87684fe\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0294f96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0294f96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Difficult to imagine how this was built without the use of modern tools.<\/p><p>One difference I noticed from the ones I saw in Europe: Instead of scary-looking gargoyles, here you see the animals of Ecuador. The basilica remains technically \u201cunfinished.\u201d Local legend says that when the basilica is completed, the end of the world will come.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e634c05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e634c05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-6-1024x461.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5925\" alt=\"Basilica del Voto Nacional. Hotel Casa Gangotena - Gateway to Historic Quito.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-6-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-6-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-6-768x345.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-6-1536x691.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-6-2048x921.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-896b2b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"896b2b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It was late in the afternoon, so I went back to the hotel for lunch. The official lunch serving had ended, so I went up to the bar. Here I met the server Josbert. His family was originally from the Congo and he was born in a village with the same name. The bar is an elegant replica of a private gentlemen\u2019s club of a couple of centuries ago.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6bd916a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6bd916a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1154\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-7-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5926\" alt=\"Basilica del Voto Nacional. Hotel Casa Gangotena - Gateway to Historic Quito.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-7-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-7-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-7-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-7-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Basilica-del-Voto-Nacional.-PHOTO-7-2048x923.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8cd16f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8cd16f0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The dark wood, classy color combinations, and antique prints on the wall make this a very gorgeous and relaxed area to eat. Josbert found me a delicious club sandwich (they added a fried egg to it), and made up a batch of the best ice tea I have had in Ecuador.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-922c536 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"922c536\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6017d8 elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"c6017d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\" style=\"--divider-pattern-url: url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&#039;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&#039; preserveAspectRatio=&#039;none&#039; overflow=&#039;visible&#039; height=&#039;100%&#039; viewBox=&#039;0 0 20 16&#039; fill=&#039;none&#039; stroke=&#039;black&#039; stroke-width=&#039;1&#039; stroke-linecap=&#039;square&#039; stroke-miterlimit=&#039;10&#039;%3E%3Cg transform=&#039;translate(-12.000000, 0)&#039;%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M28,0L10,18&#039;\/%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M18,0L0,18&#039;\/%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M48,0L30,18&#039;\/%3E%3Cpath d=&#039;M38,0L20,18&#039;\/%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;);\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cad069b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"cad069b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-595baa2 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"595baa2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ce6bc3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5ce6bc3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Am a bit of a history buff, so before returning to my exploration of historic Quito, I made an appointment with the concierge for a tour and history of the hotel at 6:30 pm that evening. In addition to the house tour, the hotel offers other complimentary exclusive activities for guests.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ed0ab7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3ed0ab7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1996\" height=\"1152\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Josbert.-PHOTO-8-scaled-e1715705771646.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5928\" alt=\"Casa Gangotena - Gateway to Historic Quito.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Josbert.-PHOTO-8-scaled-e1715705771646.jpg 1996w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Josbert.-PHOTO-8-scaled-e1715705771646-300x173.jpg 300w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Josbert.-PHOTO-8-scaled-e1715705771646-1024x591.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Josbert.-PHOTO-8-scaled-e1715705771646-768x443.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Josbert.-PHOTO-8-scaled-e1715705771646-1536x887.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1996px) 100vw, 1996px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2cf2a8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b2cf2a8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>I spent the remaining hours walking around the historic areas and making notes of places I would like to see upon my return (a Museum of Numismatics at the Central Bank, caught my eye). Walking in Quito with its hilly terrain reminded me a lot of walking around San Francisco, California. Back to the hotel for my tour. Daniela, the concierge, was the tour guide. She also does two other free hotel guest favorites: a chocolate tasting and a presentation of historic Quito viewed from the terrace at the top of the hotel.<\/p><p>Daniela is Ecuadorian but was raised in London as you\u2019ll recognize from her pleasantly accented English. My private house tour went for almost a full hour. Too much information to repeat here (you definably want to take the tour), but to summarize: The original hotel site (and all of San Francisco Plaza) was granted to Sebastian de Benalc\u00e1zar in 1532 for his service by the King of Spain. The first house was built on this site in 1600 by the Ponce Castillejo family. In the 18th century a Basque Spaniard, Martin Gangotena, bought and moved into the residence, renaming it Casa Gangotena shortly thereafter from which the current hotel takes its name. In 1914 a fire destroyed most of the original structure, and it was rendered beyond repair.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f43e2ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f43e2ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1154\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Cheff-Jose.-PHOTO-11-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5929\" alt=\"Casa Gangotena - Gateway to Historic Quito.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Cheff-Jose.-PHOTO-11-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Cheff-Jose.-PHOTO-11-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Cheff-Jose.-PHOTO-11-1024x462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Cheff-Jose.-PHOTO-11-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Cheff-Jose.-PHOTO-11-1536x692.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Cheff-Jose.-PHOTO-11-2048x923.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bccfb7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2bccfb7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83476f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"83476f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1152\" height=\"1792\" src=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Daniela.-PHOTO-9-scaled-e1715705647310.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5927\" alt=\"Casa Gangotena - Gateway to Historic Quito.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Daniela.-PHOTO-9-scaled-e1715705647310.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Daniela.-PHOTO-9-scaled-e1715705647310-193x300.jpg 193w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Daniela.-PHOTO-9-scaled-e1715705647310-658x1024.jpg 658w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Daniela.-PHOTO-9-scaled-e1715705647310-768x1195.jpg 768w, https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Daniela.-PHOTO-9-scaled-e1715705647310-987x1536.jpg 987w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f53a065 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f53a065\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Gangotena family was determined to take advantage of the opportunity to transform the building into something completely new. They put the Russo brothers (famous Italian architects) in charge of the reconstruction project.<\/p><p>The new house did away with the original colonial style, opting instead for the elaborate European architecture that was in style. Most of the materials used in the rebuilding process were shipped directly from France, Germany, and Italy. On the tour you can still see elements of the earlier pre-fire mansion: some original flooring, a damaged hall mirror (the one with the ghost), ornate ceilings and some other antique elements. The property was purchased by Roque Sevilla, a former mayor of Quito in 2007, and is now a property of Metropolitan Touring.<\/p><p>Over three years were spent on restoration and transformation. In October 2011, the doors opened, and Casa Gangotena became what one guest commented, \u201cWow. Just wow. We have stayed at some stellar hotels around the world and this one is certainly among the very best. Luxurious barely begins to describe the hotel and the rooms. We had three rooms and each was stunning\u2014large, comfortable, beautifully appointed, bathrooms fit for royalty.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-441885b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"441885b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f72c4a5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f72c4a5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8657f1d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8657f1d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Daniela explained the hotel had been honored with the prestigious Relais &amp; status for its world class service and gastronomy. This designation is not given lightly. Being awarded Relais &amp; Ch\u00e2teaux status involves meeting a number of criteria, starting with quality. The organization looks at 300 different aspects of each gourmet restaurant, boutique hotel, resort, and villa that comprises its exclusive list of worldwide affiliates. Through a series of interviews and visits (some arranged, some discreet), along with references from peer properties, the admissions team at Relais &amp; Ch\u00e2teaux thoroughly vets the candidate and determines if the \u201csoul of the entity\u201d authentically and inherently emulates the values of the organization.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-95aca29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"95aca29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Time for dinner. Chef Jose Tamayo, who started his career in Buenos Aires, suggested I try the tasting menu. It took me a minute to understand, I was not choosing just one course but tasting all six dishes, dessert, and a special custom-made cocktail.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84701e6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"84701e6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98f824a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"98f824a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>I am not a foodie, so it\u2019s a little beyond my ability to remember the explanation on how each dish was prepared, but Chef Jose calls it \u201cCocina Mestiza\u201d which is the combination of indigenous and European-influenced cooking traditions, envisioned anew through modern techniques while celebrating fresh, native, and locally sourced ingredients. Take my word for, it was the best meal I have had in my eight years in Ecuador\u2014food and service outstanding. Time to return to my room after a long but outstanding day. But before I did, I wanted to take one last view of historic Quito from the terrace on the top of the hotel. It was a clear night, so the almost 360 view was spectacular. The statue of the Virgin of Quito on a nearby hill was lighted and dazzling. I returned to my room. It was a spacious, quiet and conformable king-sized bed suite for a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/p><p>I have been fortunate to travel Europe and Asia staying in and eating at world class establishments. Casa Gangotena numbers among them. I will stay at Casa Gangotena again soon for phase two of exploring Quito\u2019s historic center<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2742cb7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2742cb7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c122faf e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c122faf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9ddfcd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e9ddfcd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER<\/strong><\/span><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\">TO READERS OF CUENCA AND COASTAL EXPATS MAGAZINES.<\/p><p>Ever think of a weekend trip to Quito? I am glad I did. So much to see. Make you Quito adventure reservations now at Casa Gangotena, and receive 20% off the restaurant menu (not including acholic beverages). Book today!<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong>Address<\/strong><\/span>: Bolivar Oe 6-41 y Cuenca Quito \u2013 Ecuador<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56129d6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"56129d6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5ddf1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b5ddf1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong>RESERVATIONS US:<\/strong><\/span><\/p><p>(+1)844-878-6981 (+593) 98 601 6610<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong>ECUADORIAN RESIDENTS:<\/strong><\/span><\/p><p>180-000-1268 (+593) 99 145 0325<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong>RESTAURANT:<\/strong><\/span><\/p><p>(+593) 97 999 9995<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong>FRONT DESK:<\/strong><\/span><\/p><p>(+593) 99 714 6787<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gateway to Historic Quito. Cuenca Expats Maazine, Special IssuePhotos: Expats Magazine GroupSponsored: Casa Gangotena Ed. Note. Like many expats, I have barely scratched the surface of discovering the vast diversity of culture, geography, and ecosystems Ecuador has to offer. My New Year\u2019s resolution is to take a trip once a month to explore with Metropolitan [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5938,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,407,55],"tags":[439,265,219,327,148,440,427,271],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5878"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5878"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5878\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5945,"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5878\/revisions\/5945"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsmags.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}