Discover Quito’s living heritage in this immersive city tour. Visit colonial treasures like the Archbishop’s Palace, La Compañía, and San Francisco Monastery. Taste Ecuadorian chocolate at a local factory, stroll through historic La Ronda, and meet the last traditional artisans of Panama hats and gold leaf carving. A perfect mix of culture, history, and craftsmanship in the heart of Quito.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Pick up from hotel in Quito.
- The meeting point will be your hotel, as long as it is located within the city of Quito. If you are staying at a hotel outside of Quito, an additional fee will apply. Please contact us in advance for more information.
Panecillo statue and view point.
We’ll visit the top of El Panecillo Hill, home to the Virgin of Quito a symbolic statue that represents the city. From this viewpoint, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of northern Quito, the Historic Center, and the southern part of the city. On a clear day, you can even admire the breathtaking landscape of the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Basilica of the National Vow neo-Gothic church
We’ll visit the Basilica of the National Vow, a stunning neo-Gothic church built in honor of Ecuador. Its unique architectural details reflect the country’s identity, featuring gargoyles shaped like animals from the four natural regions, native flowers such as orchids, and many symbolic elements that make this basilica unique.
Heart of Quito’s Historic Center Independence Square.
Next, we arrive at the heart of Quito’s Historic Center — Independence Square. Surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Archbishop’s Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Carondelet Palace — the seat of the Ecuadorian presidency — this is where history comes alive. As we walk through the square, you’ll hear the fascinating stories behind Ecuador’s independence and its enduring symbols of power and faith.
“Golden Jewel of Quito,” the Church of La Compañía de Jesús
Known as the “Golden Jewel of Quito,” the Church of La Compañía de Jesús is undoubtedly one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors and locals alike are captivated by its stunning beauty, which played a major role in Quito’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its dominant Baroque style, combined with exquisite gold leaf craftsmanship, makes this church truly spectacular and unforgettable.
Last traditional hat maker.
We will visit one of Quito’s most iconic figures: the last traditional hat maker. Discover how Spanish, English, and German hat styles were adapted and transformed by indigenous cultures into unique designs that tell stories of heritage and identity. And of course, you’ll see the most emblematic Ecuadorian hat—the Toquilla straw hat, often mistakenly called the Panama hat—the only hat that existed in the Americas before the arrival of the Spanish.
La Ronda, the oldest neighborhood in Quito
We will explore La Ronda, the oldest neighborhood in Quito, rich with history and charm that reflects what the city looked like in the 17th and 18th centuries. Here, we’ll visit one of the last artisans skilled in working metals like silver and bronze, creating religious figures, jewelry, and pre-Columbian designs using the traditional colonial technique of repoussé. He will provide a live demonstration and explanation of this beautiful craft, and you’ll have the opportunity to purchase unique handcrafted pieces.
Artisanal chocolate factory
And of course, no tour is complete without a sweet ending! We’ll visit an artisanal chocolate factory where you’ll learn about the rich history of Ecuador’s cacao, one of the country’s top exports, and its booming organic chocolate industry. You’ll get to taste a variety of chocolates, from 100% pure cacao to 85%, plus unique blends with coffee, berries, ginger, and chili. But I won’t spoil the rest, some surprises await!
Ending Point
At the end of the tour, we’ll return you to your hotel.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
What’s Included:
English or Spanish-speaking guide
Private transportation (SUV type)
Gasoline fee and toll fees
Best chocolate tasting in town
All visits mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees to:
• Church of La Compañía de Jesús
• Basilica del Voto Nacional
• El Panecillo viewpoint
One bottle of water per person
Not included:
Entrance fees to sites not specified in the itinerary
Meals
Drinks
Tips for guides, drivers, or restaurant staff
Any visits or activities not mentioned in the itinerary
What to bring for this tour:
Please bring sunscreen, a hat or cap, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket in case of rain (nothing too heavy is needed). You’ll also need some cash for entrance fees and any purchases you may wish to make. Don’t forget your camera to capture the memories! The chocolate we’ll taste is vegan (contains no milk), and carrying a bottle of water is always a good idea.
I'm a freelance tour guide, and to ensure the best experience, it's important to confirm your travel dates in advance. Bookings are secured upon full payment of the service.
Comfortable transportation is available in SUV or van, with space for up to 6 passengers—perfect for small groups or families.
If you have any questions before booking, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help make your trip unforgettable!
Hello! I'm a passionate and experienced tour guide based in Ecuador, with over 20 years of working with international travelers. My goal is to offer memorable, safe, and customized experiences that showcase the beauty, culture, and diversity of Ecuador.
Whether you're looking to explore the Andes, the Amazon, or the Pacific coast, I can help create a tailored itinerary that matches your interests and travel style. I love sharing local traditions, hidden gems, and authentic stories that go beyond the typical tourist experience.
Let’s discover Ecuador together — your adventure awaits!
$79/ per person