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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.

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.

What our clients say

We had a wonderful time…we thought the guides we had were among the best we have known anywhere; we went for the Galapagos and would admit to mainland Ecuador being…
PW, Lambeth May 2010
Hard to pick one highlight when there were so many superlatives. The scenery in Ecuador was spectacular. The Devil's Nose train ride was great fun. Snorkelling with sea turtles, penguins,…
JB, Newcastle Mar 2019
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
It was all brilliant, we expected the Galapagos to be the highlight, but all the other trips were as good in different ways. All the Ecuadorians encountered at hotels, restaurants,…
AH, Eastleigh Sep 2011
Highlight?: The trek up the Chimborazo with mountaineering legend will live with us forever!!
TT, Bolton Sep 2017
Most memorable experiences: Snorkelling with huge sea turtles and iguanas whilst they were feeding with sea lions, penguins and flightless cormorants also coming to join in the party.
LA, London Oct 2015

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Our Expert's Opinion

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.

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Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

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Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!
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.
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.
Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.
Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
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.