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Illa Experience

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The award-winning Illa Experience Hotel is an intimate property in the San Marcos district of Quito, offering authentic cultural experiences for guests with local Ecuadorian families.

The award-winning Illa Experience Hotel is an intimate property in the San Marcos district of Quito, offering authentic cultural experiences for guests with local Ecuadorian families.

Just five minutes’ walk from the main Plaza de Independencia of Quito’s Old Town, this small boutique hotel has a dozen guest rooms across three floors, each decorated with different historical themes: colonial, republican and contemporary. There are subtle Ecuadorian motifs, arts and crafts throughout and some intricately-carved doors were donated by San Agustin nuns. Rooms are smart and compact with modern amenities, double glazing and patio views, while the best suites have views of the Panecillo and Virgen de Quito.

The hotel’s restaurant is highly regarded for its innovative à la carte and tasting menus inspired by a fusion of styles from the diverse regions of Ecuador. There is also a rooftop bar where you can relax with a drink as the sun sets over the city, and guests also have access to a large pool.

Self-styled as an Experience Hotel, guests are invited to take part in Quito traditions, with attentive staff bringing the city’s history to life through daily experiences offered on and off site – from traditional weaving to painting, cookery and a neighbourhood walking tour. The hotel also partners with INES Restaurant on the NESTS project, an initiative promoting young chefs from rural areas with housing and scholarships.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Two parts: Seeing cotopaxi and the surrounding area for the first time, and stepping off the boat onto floreana and having to avoid sea lions and iguana, magical.

    HT, Conwy Nov 2014
  • Ecuador is perhaps a most underrated country for a great visitor experience. The people are great and helpful and, for anyone with an interest in the natural world, there is…

    IB, Kendal Jun 2013
  • Highlights:- “Quito celebrating their anniversary of independence. All the Haciendas we visited were full of history and interesting in different ways .Las Cajas and getting up into the high Andes…

    GW, Truro Dec 2010
  • Highlight?: Galapagos Islands

    RN, London Nov 2016
  • Waking up at Hacienda Porvenir and being able to see the sun rising near Cotopaxi. Being in the Galapagos once again and seeing all the wildlife - such a unique…

    JB, Edinburgh Jul 2014
  • Quito is a fabulous city with residents that seem to be pleased to see you, really helpful if you make just a little effort to address them in Spanish. Ecuador…

    DW, Lingfield Jun 2010
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Our Expert's Opinion

Heloise
Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

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