Luxury holidays in Andean Highlands

When to go

Daytime temperatures stay in the low 20s centigrade all year. Summer (December to March) can bring showers. Winter (June to September) is cool and dry.

Getting there

• Planes

  Quito’s airport, Mariscal Sucre International Airport (www.aeropuertoquito.aero) is in the Andean foothills nearby, with direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, Madrid, Amsterdam and several South American airlines.

• Trains

  Ecuador’s train network (www.trenecuador.com/en) benefitted from a $280 million refit in 2006. It runs the length of the Ecuadorian Andes and takes in spectacular scenery (and has some very pretty steam trains).

• Automobiles

  Car hire is possible, and Avis (www.avis.com) has sites across the country, but these mountain roads may be better navigated with a local driver. If you do drive, get a good GPS.