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

With local culture a prime focus for so many travelers these days, Casa Gangotena 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 16^th-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 starting at US $15 per person. Advanced reservation required.

Rates at Casa Gangotena from $526 per night/per room, including tax and service, breakfast, welcome fruit plate, and two guest-exclusive tours. For reservations, contact Casa Gangotena at [email protected] or visit www.casagangotena.com