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

4.7
(84 reviews)

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4 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

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

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

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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!

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Take in the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Government Palace and learn the roles they’ve played in Ecuador’s rich history.

    Admission ticket free
  • Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania (Pass by)

    Next, see the Jesuit church of La Compañía de Jesús, one of the jewels of South America.

    Admission ticket free
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (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

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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!
Supplied by Intrepid Urban Adventures - Latin America

Tags

Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Small Group
Food & Drink
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.7 Based on 84 84 reviews
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