When you’re a child, you seldom realize the extraordinary blessing of your upbringing. For me, it wasn’t just about being born into a family with deep Ecuadorian roots or growing up in the historic Casa Gangotena. It was about inheriting a foundation of hard work, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility to preserve what was passed down.
This legacy didn’t just shape me; it inspired me to carry our family values forward through Quasar, sharing the treasures of Ecuador and South America with the world.
You might have heard of Casa Gangotena — maybe you’ve seen it on Instagram as a bucket-list hotel, or stumbled across it while researching Quasar’s Galapagos trip extensions. But here’s what you don’t know: Casa Gangotena used to be a home filled with love that I once knew, a place where my family’s story began, and where our memories were etched into every corner.
In this blog, I’ll reveal the mystery behind its walls—the story of how it became an architectural icon, the soul of my childhood, and now, a world-class hotel that welcomes travelers into a legacy spanning generations.
A Landmark Built to Last
Casa Gangotena was my father’s childhood home, a proud presence in Quito’s historic San Francisco Square. But the house you see today wasn’t always the grand landmark it is now. The original, simpler residence was destroyed by a fire in 1914. I’ve heard whispers over the years about the cause—some say a heartbroken ex-fiancé set it ablaze after my aunt ended their engagement. But these are just family legends. Most likely, the fire started in the kitchen due to an electrical fault and quickly spread.
Even though nearly everything was lost, my grandfather saw the fire as a new beginning. He embraced the monumental task of rebuilding, bringing in the Russo brothers—renowned Italian architects—and sourcing materials from as far as France, Germany, and Italy. It took eight painstaking years, but in 1922, the new Casa Gangotena stood tall. More refined. More beautiful. A fresh start for the family.
My memory takes me back to the fabulous staircase with its shining marble and the most beautiful statues framing the sides. Beyond the staircase, there was a fountain surrounded by flowers and an area where carriages were once kept, now transformed into what is the hotel’s serene spa. Every corner of the house reflected the care, vision, and dedication of my grandparents, who saw the future in every detail they built.
(Slide to view Casa Gangotena’s past and present — a century of history at Quito’s most iconic hotel. © Quasar Expeditions)
The Visionaries Behind the Walls
My grandfather, Enrique Gangotena Jijón, was a man of great intelligence and vision. He studied electrical engineering in the U.S. and worked at General Electric for five years before returning to Ecuador. Once home, he helped start the country’s dairy industry by bringing in the first butter-making machines. In the late 1930s, his ranch became the first in Ecuador to produce powdered milk—an innovation that helped his family’s business thrive until the end of World War II, when lower-cost powdered milk from the U.S. took over the local market.
In 1908, he married my grandmother, Dolores Jijón Ascázubi, the first in her family to be born in Ecuador. Her parents arrived from Spain in 1860 as part of an aristocratic delegation sent by the King to manage the crown’s regional affairs. Together, they had four children (you'll see them in the photo at this top of the blog): María, Dolores, Inés, and Enrique—my father.
Together with my grandfather, they managed the family properties while dedicating themselves to improving life in Quito. During his time as mayor of the city, my grandfather introduced the city’s first potable water system—a project he funded entirely from his own pocket. As a gesture of gratitude, the city granted Casa Gangotena free water for as long as the family lived there—a decree that remained in effect for over 80 years until my aunt Maria passed away in 2002.
Childhood Adventures in a Grand Home
Growing up, Casa Gangotena was a magical playground. You can imagine being a child in a mansion filled with nooks, staircases, and secret corners. It was a true paradise. (But of course, this did not lack a bit of alluring fear when night fell.)
The first floor, where the kitchen was located, was home to at least a dozen members of the service staff. In a way, like Quito’s Downton Abbey, but more blended and without the drama. At the time, it was customary to provide not only sleeping quarters but also food for their families. This added even more children to our circle of playmates, which made our games all the more creative. With more minds at work, our ideas became more brilliant—and, occasionally, our mischief ended with us being punished and denied sweets for days.
As time passed, the home evolved. Originally designed as one grand household, it was eventually divided into two residences when my father moved away. My aunts stayed behind, each occupying one full floor of the house. Even then, its grandeur was undeniable—the shining marble staircase, the elegant social areas, and the warmth of its history made every visit feel extraordinary.
Looking back, I realize how lucky and blessed we were to live in a place like Casa Gangotena. Surrounded by such beauty, it was easy to become accustomed to it as a child. But my family always taught us an important lesson: never take anything for granted. Always work hard, do your best, and help those in need. If the world and destiny have given us so much, the least we could do is share.
From Family Home to World-Class Hotel
As time passed, Casa Gangotena changed. My father moved from the colonial center of Quito after marrying my mother, but the house remained in the family, with my aunts living there until their passing. Eventually, the house was transformed into the most prestigious and beautiful hotel in town. This was a bittersweet moment for our family, but one that felt right. The house deserves to be lived in and appreciated by visitors who value the building, the history, and its place in one of the most stunning colonial towns in Latin America (the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.)
Today, the hotel is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The same murals and antique furniture remain, preserving the soul of the house, while modern touches—like luxurious clawfoot tubs, creative cuisine, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Quito’s historic skyline—enhance the experience.
Imagine waking up in one of Casa Gangotena’s elegant suites, wrapped in a plush robe, stepping into a marble shower, and preparing for a day of discovery. Breakfast is served in an innovative dining room that pushes the boundaries of creativity while honoring Ecuadorian flavors. And the view? Step onto the rooftop terrace to take in the breathtaking sight of Quito’s colonial churches and the vibrant Plaza San Francisco below—a view that will stay with you forever. It certainly has for me.
The service and hospitality here transport you back to the golden era of travel, where every detail is attended to with care. It’s a place where modern luxury is infused with nods to the past—a perfect reflection of the house’s transformation from family home to world-class hotel.
STAY WHERE OUR STORY BEGAN:
Explore Casa Gangotena as part of Quasar's Mainland Ecuador tours, offering a rich introduction to the colonial charm that defines Quito. A luxurious stay here is the perfect bookend to your Galapagos Yacht Safari—another way we continue our generations of adventure.
A Legacy Shared with the World
It’s incredible to see how life comes full circle. Casa Gangotena, once a private family home, is now a place where adventurers from around the globe can experience the elegance and history that defined my childhood. And through Quasar Expeditions, I’ve found a way to share this legacy on a larger scale. Guests can explore the hotel as part of our immersive Quito city tours, where they’ll step into history and experience the colonial charm that makes Quito so special. A visit to Casa Gangotena is an ideal bookend to your Galapagos Luxury Yacht Safari—another way we’re continuing our generations of adventure.
At Quasar, we believe travel should be transformative. Casa Gangotena is a wonderful hotel. But more importantly, it’s a step into a living story, filled with history, elegance, and heart. Sharing this piece of my family’s legacy with our Guests is the ultimate way to give back, connecting the past with the future in meaningful, unforgettable ways.
