Old Town & Gastronomic Tour

Highlights / General details

A gold leaf church and an imposing monastery are what Quito’s Old Town is all about. See them both on this Quito tour as well as heading into the kitchen of a local bakery that has been mastering the art of quesadillas and Quiteñian sweets for four generations.

Experience the atmosphere of a local fresh produce market.

Sample the flavors of Ecuador.

Visit a traditional bakery in the Old Town.

Wander through Quito’s Historic Centre and listen to stories and legends from the Old Town.

Admire the wealth of ornate churches throughout the city.

Visit a traditional family-run candle factory.

Inclusion

Local English speaking guide; Private transportation; Entrance fees as indicated; Lunch.

Exclusion

Items of a personal nature; Tips or gratuities for the guide.

Hours of operation

Available: Daily; Start time at 9:30am.

Duration

Approximately 6 hours.

Location

Meeting point: Quito Urban Adventures Office (Reina Victoria N21-226 between Carrión and Roca in La Mariscal).

Finish point: Quito Urban Adventures Office (Reina Victoria N21-226 between Carrión and Roca in La Mariscal).

Itinerary

We set off on our Quito adventure by heading for the cobblestone streets of the Historic Centre of Quito. Visit a traditional bakery that has been whipping up incredible eats for four generations. They’re known for their quesadillas, sweets, and cookies, and we’ll have a chance to sample some of their coffee and hot chocolate after checking out the kitchen.

Also pay a visit to the Central Market to meet the vendors selling Ecuador’s most famous roses and to sample some of the wide variety of exotic fruits and vegetables on offer.

After admiring the wealth of colorful produce, we head into the heart of the Old Town – Independence Plaza – to get the lowdown on classic sights with fascinating insights! This is not your average historical tour as we recount anecdotes from the plaza, admire the impressive Independence Monument, the city’s cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Government Palace and learn about their significance in Ecuador’s rich history. We then continue on to La Compañía de Jesús, a breathtaking old Jesuit church with a façade carved entirely out of volcanic stone and an interior covered in gold leaf.

Next, enjoy lunch at a restaurant known for its traditional, Quiteño cuisine and take time for a casual chat about what is happening in modern day life for a Quiteño - your fab guide!

From there, our Quito tour heads to the San Francisco Monastery, an imposing structure that occupies two city blocks – a must see destination! Visit its museum, chapel and convent and listen to the stories and legends of the people who have occupied this impressive building for hundreds of years. After this trip into the past, stop by a small, family-run factory to admire the flower-shaped, handmade candles they make and to learn how this traditional art form is being passed on to the next generation.

You’ll end your Quito tour enriched and well-versed in local life, from sweets to crafts, markets to architecture, and everything in between!

Participant restrictions

Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 years are not permitted on the tour.

Additional Information

We suggest wearing comfortable clothing, a sweater or light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and a hat.

Policies

For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.

If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**