Legends and secrets of the city center, age-old limpia Andean energy equilibrium therapy, the world of Ecuadorian chocolate, and more

Quito, Ecuador, 2 December 2024 —– With local culture a prime focus for so many travelers these days, Casa Gangotena, Boutique Hotel in Quito is sharpening perspectives on Old Town Quito, Ecuador, with new Curated Experiences that plug guests into the fascinating neighborhood surrounding the hotel. Offering amplified access to authentic culinary, history, architecture, and therapeutic healing, the Curated Experiences are a new chapter of Casa Gangotena’s “Meet Our Neighbors” initiative, which last year saw the historic mansion-turned-hotel double down on its commitment to contribute to and make a positive impact on the community.

Nestled at heart of one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Site cities, Old Town Quito presents a rich and textured tapestry of history, art, culture, gastronomy, faith and fervor, with streets lively with cafes, artisan shops, historic churches, and cultural centers – all bathed in glorious Andean light and equatorial warmth. The 31-room hotel is in the midst of everything, with a third-floor rooftop terrace overlooking always-buzzing Plaza de San Francisco and towering mountains and volcanoes beyond.

Already well practiced at pointing guests in the right directions to discover neighborhood gems, Meet Our Neighbors offered guests a richly detailed interactive map highlighting close to 40 destinations within walking distance of the hotel: from Cafetería Modelo serving the traditional ponche drink, to Plaza Grande surrounded by four pillars of Quito society, to the Museo del Pasillo – the pasillo is a music genre recognized by UNESCO – there is so much to explore.

Casa Gangotena’s new Curated Experiences take guests on deep dives into Quito culture, while pairing with two complimentary expertly-guided tours that are included in the stay of every guest: One of the hotel itself, formerly the residence of one of the most prestigious and wealthy families in the city; the other a “Voyage Through Time and Space at Casa Del Alabado Museum,” a superbly restored 16th-century mansion-turned-world-class architectural museum located just across the street.

• Dive Into the World of Ecuadorian Chocolate – Guests not already enamored with Ecuadorian chocolate quickly will be on this immersive tour of a nearby chocolate shop to discover the secrets of what makes the country’s cacao so special. From customizing one’s own chocolate bar to exploring the art of tasting chocolate, anticipate a true connection to Old Town Quito and the history and people of the Amazon. 1-1.5 hours

• Legends & Secrets of the Historic Center – Wander the history-laden cobbled streets of Old Town Quito with an expert guide to discover the captivating human stories that lie behind the facades of mansions and churches. The myths, legends, and true-to-life characters guests learn about are all part of the city’s magic to cherish. 2 hours

• Renew Your Energy with an Ancestral Cleansing – For a truly unique experience of renewal and discovery, the limpia Andean energy equilibrium therapy is one to remember. Engage with a limpiadora in her place of work to learn about the healing powers of dozens of medicinal plants and herbs, then return to your hotel room to savor a limpia in comfort and privacy, imbuing you with a connection to the spiritual and healing roots of the region. 2 hours

• Learn the Secrets of Our Cocina Mestiza! – Join the Executive Chef of Casa Gangotena to learn about cocina mestiza, the hotel’s distinctive reimagining of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, prepared with fresh, regionally sourced ingredients and contemporary culinary techniques. Share in his knowledge of the country’s incredibly diverse ingredients and culinary traditions while cooking alongside him for the preparation of a dish. 1 hour 

• Exclusive Nighttime Visit to the Mystical Cupolas and Towers of Old Town – Soak up the magic of the neighborhood as few visitors can with a late-night private visit to the cupolas and towers of a nearby church dating from the city’s Colonial era. From wandering quiet corridors to climbing creaking staircases to rooftops, guests will leave as illuminated as the stunning views of the floodlit historic center of the city. 1 hour

Perfect for all ages, new Curated Experiences from Casa Gangotena are available exclusively to hotel guests. Advanced reservation for Quito activities required.

About Metropolitan Touring:

Metropolitan Touring is one of South America’s best known and most well-respected travel companies, acting as a trusted operator in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Established in Ecuador in 1953, it is regarded as the heritage brand of the Galápagos, pioneering cruises across the fabled islands for more than 50 years. Today, this legacy lives on through its trio of expedition vessels La Pinta, Santa Cruz II and Isabela II, and its beachfront hotel on Santa Cruz Island, the 27-room Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. Its holding group has also grown and evolved with its own unique hotel offerings on Ecuador’s mainland, including 24-room Mashpi Lodge and the 31-room Casa Gangotena hotel in Quito, as well as an ever-expanding selection of carefully curated tours, all of which allow visitors to truly get off the beaten track and under the skin of the destination.

By traveling with Metropolitan Touring, travelers offset their individual carbon emissions through its holding group’s carbon-neutral initiative, which calculates an offset fee per traveler. Through the Fundación Futuro, these funds are invested directly in protecting and expanding forest reserves in Ecuador’s highly-biodiverse Andean Chocó region, a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2018.

Media Contact:

Dominic Hamilton

Casa Gangotena

Bolivar Oe 6-41 y Cuenca

0997146787

Originally Posted On: https://syndication.cloud/casa-gangotena-serves-up-curated-experiences-to-discover-the-gems-of-old-town-quito-ecuador/