Private Quito Legends and Culture Tour

About this experience

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.

Highlights

• Climb the San Francisco bell tower for a sweeping view of the city far below
• Uncover the stories that line one of the most traditional colonial streets, La Ronda
• Walk through Quito’s Old Town and learn the legends of this historic centre
• Make your own ice cream using uniquely South American ingredients
• Visit one of the city’s most important traditional markets and sample tropical fruits and juices

What's included

• Local English
• speaking guide
• Entrance fee to the San Francisco towers
• Ice cream

How to use

1. Show Mobile Ticket
2. At Meeting Point
3. If you need to contact your local guide on the day of your tour, please call the local phone number listed on your voucher or at the very bottom of this email
4. Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour

What to expect

Once you meet your friendly local guide, head to one of the most important places for locals, the Central Market of Quito. Every kiosk tells a story and you’ll learn about local culture and customs, as well as the country’s economy, as you visit various vendors. Here you can buy medicinal plants for everything from stomach bugs to finding the love of your life! Explore colourful stalls bursting with tropical fruits and chat with smiling juice bartenders, who will invite you to try their secret recipe for hangovers, or “chuchaqui” in local slang. Next, explore the largest and best-preserved old town in South America. See Independence Plaza, where the Spanish city of Quito was born in the 16th century and many Ecuadorian revolutions started. Take in the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Government Palace and learn the roles they’ve played in Ecuador’s rich history. There are lots of legends to be found, and you’ll hear all the tales of this fascinating city. Make a stop for a sweet treat at a traditional ice cream shop, where you’ll get to make your own ice cream using uniquely South American ingredients. Next, see the Jesuit church of La Compañía de Jesús, one of the jewels of South America. Built in the early 17th century, the church’s façade is carved entirely out of volcanic stone and the interior is covered in gold leaf. Explore the old University of San Gregorio as you continue walking the ancient streets. 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. Finally, your tour ends at the enchanting La Ronda, a street that has become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Things to note

• Shared tours accommodate a maximum of 12 passengers to maintain a high-quality group experience
• Private tours require a minimum of two participants

Terms & conditions

For more information, please see our full booking conditions and Privacy Policy
Urban Adventures Day Tours - Special Booking Conditions: No deposit is required; full payment is due at booking for standard tours, while private tours require payment upon itinerary confirmation
Child rates apply at travel time, not booking time - proof of age must be shown on the tour day or the difference between adult and child rates is payable
Standard tours: cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a refund or credit
Custom (Create Your Own) trips: refund minus unrecoverable costs up to 48 hours prior; within 48 hours, 100% credit only
Multi-City Pass: a no-show without 24-hour cancellation notice may void the pass and cancel future tours without refund
Cancellations by the company (Force Majeure): refund minus unrecoverable costs
Amendments: customers must cancel and rebook at the new price; custom itinerary changes require 14 days' notice plus a $75 USD administrative fee per change
Prices exclude tips, personal items, and local taxes/fees