Old Town & Gastronomic Tour

Local Life & Culture, Market visits & Local Food, History & Heritage

• Experience the atmosphere of a local fresh produce market
• Sample the flavours 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 

See all the main sights of Quito and hear what its really like to live here. 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 colourful 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!

Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively.  Children 6 years or below are not permitted on this day tour in Quito.     Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for your guide

For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.