Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. San Francisco Square is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Historic Center of Quito. On this guided tour, you will explore the impressive Church and Convent of St. Francis, one of the most important colonial religious complexes in Latin America, known for its grand architecture, beautiful courtyards, and remarkable artwork from the Quito School. Your guide will explain the history, legends, and cultural significance of the square while walking through its surrounding streets, discovering traditional shops, local cafés, and representative landmarks of the area. There is also the option to visit nearby museums for a deeper cultural experience. To complete the journey, enjoy a complimentary chocolate tasting featuring Ecuador’s world-famous cacao. This tour blends history, culture, architecture, and local flavors into one unforgettable experience in the heart of Quito.

   30 min

2. Discover one of the architectural jewels of the Historic Center of Quito with a guided visit to the breathtaking Church of the Society of Jesus. Famous for its stunning gold-leaf interior and exquisite Baroque design, La Compañía is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Latin America. During the tour, your guide will share the history, artistic details, and cultural importance of this masterpiece while you admire its intricate altars, carvings, and symbolism. The experience also includes access to the domes, where you can enjoy a unique perspective of the church’s architecture and spectacular panoramic views of Quito’s Old Town. Surrounding streets offer charming plazas, traditional shops, and historic landmarks that enrich the visit. This experience combines art, history, architecture, and unforgettable views in the heart of Quito.

   1 hAdmission included

3. Plaza Grande, officially known as Plaza de la Independencia, is the historic and political heart of Quito. Surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace, this square tells the story of Ecuador’s independence, colonial past, and modern identity. On this guided tour, you will discover the history, architecture, and daily life that bring the square to life. Your guide will share fascinating stories, local traditions, and hidden details while exploring the surrounding streets and emblematic buildings. To make the experience even more authentic, enjoy a tasting of traditional Quiteño sweets and a classic Ecuadorian fruit ice cream made from exotic local fruits you may have never seen before. This tour blends history, culture, and flavors into a truly memorable experience.

   1 h

4. Explore the charm of La Ronda, one of the most traditional and picturesque streets in the Historic Center of Quito. Known for its colonial houses, cobblestone pathways, and bohemian atmosphere, La Ronda has long been a meeting place for artists, musicians, and storytellers. On this guided experience, you will walk through this vibrant street while learning about its history, legends, and cultural importance. A highlight of the tour is visiting renowned artisan workshops, where you can observe traditional crafts such as gold and silver orfebrería (jewelry making) and hojalatería (tin craftsmanship). You’ll see skilled artisans at work, preserving techniques passed down through generations. Surrounded by local cafés, galleries, and traditional shops, La Ronda offers a unique glimpse into Quito’s artistic soul. This tour combines history, craftsmanship, and authentic local culture in an unforgettable setting.

   30 min

5. Discover the rich history and cultural diversity of Ecuador with a guided visit to the Museo Nacional del Ecuador, the country’s most important museum. Located in Quito, this impressive space offers a complete journey through Ecuador’s past — from ancient pre-Columbian civilizations and archaeological treasures to colonial art and contemporary culture. Your expert guide will help you understand the evolution of Ecuadorian identity, traditions, and artistic expressions, giving you a deep and meaningful overview of the country from its origins to modern times. The experience also includes transportation on the Metro de Quito, considered one of the most modern and efficient metro systems in South America. Traveling like a local adds a dynamic and authentic touch to the tour. This experience combines history, culture, innovation, and local life, offering a complete introduction to what Ecuador is truly about.

   1 hAdmission included

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

Ratings come from 6 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Quito

• Its from-price is 32% above the median of the 1008 experiences we list in Quito.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 333 of 1008.

About Quito

Quito, Ecuador's high Andean capital, has one of the best-preserved colonial centres in Latin America, ringed by volcanoes and green mountains.

The historic centre was among the very first places named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its churches, plazas and monasteries are spectacular. La Compañía de Jesús glows with gold leaf inside, the Basilica del Voto Nacional has gargoyles shaped like Ecuadorian animals, and Plaza Grande is surrounded by the cathedral and the presidential palace.

Top-ranked sights in Quito: Cotopaxi National Park, Basilica of the National Vow (La Basílica del Voto Nacional), Independence Plaza (Plaza de la Independencia).

See all 1008 experiences in Quito