Hotel Patio Andaluz

The hotel's showstopper is the glass-roofed courtyard where sun streams onto the colourfully-set tables at breakfast and there's a lovely atmosphere for dinner. Tuck into traditional dishes like locro de los Andes soup or roast pork with white corn, fried plantain and the signature Ecuadorian sauce. Of course, they also offer international fare for a milder palette. With aged stone walls and tall candelabras, the Cava Marquez de Jerez bar serves a wide selection of wines to complement your choice perfectly.

Capturing the essence of a house built in the Republican era, the rooms are authentic and homely. Dominated by large wooden beds, all are decorated with bright feature walls, fine rugs and antiques. The higher the room, the better the view with some enjoying wrap-around windows looking over Old Town. The bathrooms are particularly modern with a spacious rainfall shower and white, tiled walls. The bigger rooms have a separate living room and some also include a sofa bed for additional guests.

Noted as one of the most amazing examples of Spanish architecture in Latin America, Quito has a long and intriguing history. Set out to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll take in churches (don't miss the glimmering, gold-leaf interiors of La Compania), mansions, museums and plazas. Get to know the city's traditions, tasting Quiteno cuisine and Ecuadorean chocolate. Cast your eyes skyward to see the winged Virgin Maria statue sitting at the summit of Panecillo Hill and the jagged Andean peaks beyond.