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Quito Old Town Tour: Discover Historic Wonders
4.9
67 Ratings
Quito
Explore Quito’s Old Town: Discover history, legends, and culture in Latin America’s best-preserved historic center. Immerse in 400 years of heritage.
Explore Quito’s Old Town: Discover history, legends, and culture in Latin America’s best-preserved historic center. Immerse in 400 years of heritage.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Basilica del Voto Nacional - Access to the church complex is complimentary. Entry to the main temple requires a 2 USD fee (optional during the tour; if desired, tickets can be purchased for entry). Discover the tallest church in Ecuador, exploring its history and legends.
- Palacio del Antiguo Circulo Militar - Uncover the intriguing history of…
- Basilica del Voto Nacional - Access to the church complex is complimentary. Entry to the main temple requires a 2 USD fee (optional during the tour; if desired, tickets can be purchased for entry). Discover the tallest church in Ecuador, exploring its history and legends.
- Palacio del Antiguo Circulo Militar - Uncover the intriguing history of this military palace and admire its luxurious 20th-century furnishings.
- Palacio Arzobispal - Visit this baroque structure, once the seat of Spanish governance, now the residence of the city’s bishops.
- Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande) - At this town square, learn about Quito’s founding and independence, and stroll around the presidential palace and the renowned Independence statue.
- Catedral Metropolitana de Quito - Enter this 17th-century baroque church to explore its architecture and the role of Catholicism in the city.
- Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco - Discover the most iconic church in the city’s old town, possibly attend a mass, and learn about the city’s most famous colonial legend.
- Calle de las Siete Cruces - At the end of this street, explore numerous stores offering traditional candies and sweets, enjoy complimentary samples, and learn about their production process.
- Yumbos Chocolate - Enjoy a chocolate tasting experience.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Snacks
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Lunch
Additional Information
Welcome to Quito!
Are you new to the city and eager to discover its marvels?
Join us as we delve into thousands of years of history, echoed through the streets and iconic buildings of Quito’s old town!
This tour offers a concise (3-hour) introduction to the city.
We’ll discuss history, architecture, customs, and much more.
Quito is ready for our…
Welcome to Quito!
Are you new to the city and eager to discover its marvels?
Join us as we delve into thousands of years of history, echoed through the streets and iconic buildings of Quito’s old town!
This tour offers a concise (3-hour) introduction to the city.
We’ll discuss history, architecture, customs, and much more.
Quito is ready for our adventure!
- Is not recommended for people who suffer from lung disease
- Is not recommended for people who tend to be easily affected by altitude sickness
Location
QFMR+RW7
Venezuela
We will meet at the corner between Carchi St. and Venezuela St. I will call your name
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(67 Ratings)
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Climber54855741711
May 10, 2026
Get to know old town - Our guide was wonderful and provided us with a great overview of the old town. His knowledge of the history and cultural events are informative as well as entertaining.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J8703fhsylviar
Apr 23, 2026
Great experience - Ayllu Tour was great and knowledgeable of the history. Spoke English well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G2553eygaryd
Apr 22, 2026
Top guide - Friendly, knowledgeable and very hospitable guide. If you're in Quito (and want to know more about the churches and history) - I would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anonymous
Apr 20, 2026
A giant among guides ! Best ever! - As a guide, Alexis is a giant among the best. He is unfailingly gentle, kind and extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Ecuador and its history and culture. He speaks from the heart and at the end of the tour, you will feel that not only have you known Ecuador better but you would have made a true Ecuadorian friend. (Oh, his English is also excellent as he did his university degree in the USA !)
Review provided by Viator
Jamie_a
Apr 3, 2026
Amazing little free walking tour!!! - This is definitely a must do!!! It’s a free walking tour that takes about 2.5 hours that’s funded by your donations. Alexis is amazing! He was so knowledgeable about history, very fun to just chat with, and super polite. As a solo traveler I also felt very safe with him especially as I was the only one in this last minute booked tour. If you have the time and are in the area I highly recommend you do this. You get to see some gorgeous buildings, get a little history, taste chocolate and learn more about it than you ever wanted to know. I also enjoyed just walking around seeing locals in their normal element and not just overly fake touristic area.
Review provided by Viator
Melissa_l
Apr 2, 2026
Old town with Alexis - Alexis was very informative and was able to answer all our questions . Well worth exploring the old town with him . He deserves his tips
Review provided by Viator
Carlos_f
Apr 2, 2026
Magnificent walking tour the best 👌 - Nice walking tour,I recommend a lot this tour,our gide super knowledgeable about history os town
Muy buen tour el gia muy profecional
Review provided by Viator
Guide595225
Mar 24, 2026
Chocolate and knowledge - Alexis was a fantastic, knowledgeable guide. We learned loads and felt we understood Quito and its vibrant history much more afterwards.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Milka_s
Mar 24, 2026
A must ! - The tour was a 10/10. I couldn't recommend it more. Our tour guide gave us a well educated tour along with cultural implications. The chocolate factory was a fun addition.
Review provided by Viator
Leahcholmes
Mar 22, 2026
Highly recommend! - For a nearly "free" tour, this was great quality. Learnt so much more in-depth information about Quito old town than if you did a self-guided tour. Well paced and full of detailed (but interesting and fun, not boring!!) information. The cacao tasting experience was a fantastic touch that again I would have paid for.
Friendly and helpful guide who was in no way pushy for tips (which made us want to give him more!) I recommended to friends who had a free day in Quito, and would recommend to others in the same situation!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
