Quito Old Town Tour: History, Market Visit & Ice Cream Tasting

4.7 (100 reviews) Quito, Ecuador
Duration4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers

Overview

Learn the legends of Quito on this tour through the city’s historic centre. Visit the market where every kiosk tells a story, and uncover local culture and customs as you explore the heart of Old Town. See where the Spanish city was born and revolutions sparked. Take a break with a hands-on sweet treat – making your own ice cream using ingredients you’ll only find in South America.

Options

Small Group Tour
Private Tour

What's included

  • Explore Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and colonial landmarks
  • Admire La Compañía de Jesús church and its gold-covered interior
  • Make Ecuadorian ice cream with native ingredients
  • Visit Quito’s Central Market and learn about local traditions
  • Join a small-group walking tour (max 12 guests) led by a local Quito guide
  • End at La Ronda, Quito’s iconic cultural street
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to expect

  1. 30m
    Meet your friendly guide and head to Quito’s Central Market—a local favorite. Each stall has a story, from medicinal plants to exotic fruits, and even remedies for love!
  2. Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande)
    Pass by
    See Independence Plaza, where the Spanish city of Quito was born in the 16th century and many Ecuadorian revolutions started.
  3. Pass by
    Take in the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Government Palace and learn the roles they’ve played in Ecuador’s rich history.
  4. Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania
    Pass by
    Next, see the Jesuit church of La Compañía de Jesús, one of the jewels of South America.
  5. Pass by
    You’ll have the option to climb the towers of San Francisco Church, one of the oldest churches in the city, to reach a lookout that’s worth all the stairs.
  6. Pass by
    Finally, your tour ends at the enchanting La Ronda, a street that has become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Entrance of the Teatro Sucre (Plaza del Teatro), Old Town Quito.
View on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zNjR21pBqSaEj24g8

End point

Old town Plaza Grande

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Can kids join the tour? Yep! Kids aged 6 and up are welcome, as long as they're with an adult.
  • What should I wear for the tour? We recommend comfy clothes, walking shoes, a sweater or light jacket, sunglasses, and a hat—Quito’s weather can change quickly!

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.7 (100)
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$29.19 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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