Walking tours in Quito’s Old Town deliver the perfect mix of history, food, and local culture – all in an easily walkable area. The most worthwhile tours combine visits to colonial churches and plazas with authentic food experiences at local markets and family-owned shops. Small-group tours (usually 8 people or less) led by English-speaking guides work best, letting you really connect with city life.
The food-focused walking tours that include chocolate tastings and traditional sweets give you both the flavors and stories behind Ecuador’s cuisine. The Old Town historical tours covering the main plaza and surrounding streets are also excellent, particularly when guides share insights about indigenous influences and colonial architecture.
Let’s explore the top walking tours that bring Quito’s heritage to life.
Good To Know
- The Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito offers an immersive experience, featuring traditional Ecuadorian sweets, chocolate tastings, and a hearty local lunch.
- The Explore Old Town Quito: Sightseeing, Food, Culture Small Group Walking Tour provides a personalized exploration of Quito’s iconic landmarks and cultural experiences.
- The Experiential Walking Tour in Quito With Tastings showcases the city’s historic churches, offers complimentary tastings of traditional Ecuadorian candies and snacks, and is highly recommended by travelers.
- The Walking Tour Quito explores the historic center with a bilingual guide, includes complimentary snacks and soda, and accommodates up to 10 travelers.
- The Walking Among Chullas tour ventures into the ancient mounds, provides a unique opportunity to learn about pre-Inca civilizations, and includes a delightful lunch and local chocolate tasting.
Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito With Tastings
On this gastronomic and cultural walking tour of Quito, travelers can embark on a delightful journey through the city’s rich culinary and historical heritage. Led by Fernando Gualoto, the tour offers a 5-star experience with a 99% traveler recommendation.
Guests can savor traditional Ecuadorian sweets, indulge in chocolate tastings, and sip on the iconic canelazo, a traditional drink. The tour also includes snacks, empanadas or sandwiches, and a hearty lunch.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the experience promises an engaging and immersive exploration of Quito’s vibrant culture. The tour starts at Parque Gabriel Garca Moreno and concludes at the picturesque Plaza San Francisco, making it easily accessible via public transportation.
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Explore Old Town Quito: Sightseeing, Food, Culture Small Group Walking Tour
Explore the vibrant heart of Quito on this 3-hour guided walking tour of the Old Town. You’ll discover iconic landmarks like Independence Plaza, Government Palace, and the elaborate Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús church. Learn about Quito’s culture and history from your English-speaking guide as you wander through the University of San Gregorio and along La Ronda street.
Enjoy the local experience by participating in traditional ice cream making and visiting a bustling market to sample tropical fruits and juices. With a maximum group size of 12, this tour provides an intimate and personalized exploration of Quito’s Old Town. Entrance fees and tastings are included, making it a convenient and enriching way to experience the city.
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Experiential Walking Tour in Quito With Tastings
Enjoy Quito’s vibrant culture and traditions on this private walking tour. Recommended by 100% of travelers, this 3-hour experience takes you through the historic Old Town.
Admire the striking Basilica del Voto Nacional, the opulent Iglesia de la Compania (Golden Church), and the fascinating San Francisco Museum. Along the way, you’ll enjoy complimentary tastings of typical Ecuadorian candies and snacks.
The tour starts and ends at the iconic Plaza Grande, and is accessible for strollers, though not wheelchairs. With 79 glowing reviews, this is the perfect way to discover Quito’s highlights. Confirmation is provided at booking, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.
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Walking Tour Quito
Discover Quito’s vibrant culture and history on this 3-hour private walking tour. With a bilingual guide, you’ll explore the city’s highlights, including the historic center, and enjoy complimentary snacks and soda.
The tour departs at 10:00 am from the Friends Hotel & Rooftop, located in the heart of Quito. This walking tour is highly recommended, with 100% of travelers endorsing it and 39 reviews praising its quality.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, and the tour accommodates up to 10 travelers, though infants can’t sit on laps. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Quito’s rich heritage.
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Walking Among Chullas
After exploring the vibrant culture and historic center of Quito on the previous walking tour, it’s now time to venture into a different aspect of the city’s heritage – the ancient mounds known as chullas. This walking tour takes you on a journey to discover these fascinating archaeological sites, where you’ll learn about the pre-Inca civilizations that once thrived in the region.
Starting at the Basílica del Voto Nacional, you’ll walk through the city, ending at the picturesque Plaza San Francisco. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch, taste local chocolate, and have the guidance of a knowledgeable national tour guide. This 3-hour tour provides a unique opportunity to uncover Quito’s rich history and connect with its indigenous roots.
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Quito Old Town Private Walking Tour – Local Market – Fruits & Chocolate Tasting
Travelers keen on exploring Quito’s vibrant Old Town can embark on a private walking tour that delves into the city’s rich heritage. This small-group tour, limited to 12 participants, offers a personalized experience led by a professional, certified guide.
Guests will discover historic landmarks, savor local street food and fruits, and indulge in a canelazo drink or chocolate tasting. The tour includes a visit to a local market, showcasing the vibrant produce and flavors of the region. Lasting around 3 hours, the walking tour operates in all weather conditions, making it a great option for first-time visitors to Quito. No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided, with the meeting point at Plaza de San Blas and the tour ending at the Palacio Municipal.
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Quito Full-Day Walking Tour With Activities
Quito’s full-day walking tour with activities provides visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned Old Town. The tour includes entrance to the Basilica church, a chocolate tasting, and other must-see sights.
Starting at the iconic Basilica del Voto Nacional, the tour winds through the historic center, ending at Independence Square. Along the way, travellers will enjoy public transportation and learn about Quito’s rich history and culture.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level. With a maximum group size of 15, the experience offers an intimate and personalized exploration of Ecuador’s capital city.
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Quito Walking Tour: Sweet Chocolate Delights Await
Chocolate enthusiasts will delight in the Quito Walking Tour‘s sweet exploration of the city’s renowned confectionary offerings. This private, customizable tour includes a visit to a butterfly sanctuary and a thrilling ride on a cable car to a scenic waterfall. Travelers will also enjoy a naturalist guide, private transportation, and a delectable chocolate tour.
With its easy meeting point at the JW Marriott Quito, this tour is perfect for those seeking an immersive and indulgent experience. However, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart conditions. Confirmation is provided at booking, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the start.
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Quito Oldtown: A Cultural-Gastro Walking Tour and Shopping
This Quito Oldtown walking tour offers a captivating cultural and gastronomic experience. Led by a certified guide, it takes you through the historic city center, where you’ll sample delectable empanadas, chocolates, liquors, and ice cream.
The tour includes visits to the Basílica del Voto Nacional, Fundación La Compañía de Jesús, and Museo San Francisco, providing insights into Quito’s rich heritage. You’ll start at Parque Gabriel García Moreno and finish at Yumbos Chocolate, a local artisanal chocolate shop.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, this small-group tour ensures a personalized experience. Priced from €38.33 per person, it’s an excellent way to learn about Quito’s vibrant culture and tantalizing flavors.
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The Sum Up
Quito offers a wide range of walking tours showcasing the city’s rich gastronomic and cultural heritage. From exploring the historic Old Town to indulging in chocolate and fruit tastings, these tours provide an immersive experience for visitors. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, food, or local culture, there’s a walking tour in Quito to suit your interests and preferences.