Quito Old Town Tours and Activities
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The historical heart of Ecuador’s capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito Old Town is the first port of call for most visitors to the city. Known for its cobblestone lanes, Spanish colonial architecture, and beautiful churches, it’s Quito’s most atmospheric district.
The Basics
The best way to explore the Old Town is on a walking tour. Most sights are within strolling distance of the main squares—Plaza de la Independencia (aka Plaza Grande), Plaza Santo Domingo, and Plaza San Francisco—making it easy to check off top attractions such as the Central Market (Mercado Central), the Independence Monument (El Monumento a la Independencia), and the Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal).
Many Quito city tours combine a walking tour of the Old Town with a view from Panecillo hill, a ride on the Teleferico to the top of Pichincha Volcano, or a visit to the Middle of the World monument, Ecuador’s equator line.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Quito is located at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters), and visitors flying in from areas of lower altitude may need a day or two to acclimatize. It’s best not to plan any strenuous activities during this time.
- Many of the Old Town’s restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues are located along La Ronda.
- Many of Quito’s museums are closed on Mondays.
How to Get There
Plaza Grande marks the center of Quito Old Town, which lies between La Mariscal in the north and El Panecillo in the south. It’s easy to get around the Old Town on foot, but trolley buses and taxis are also widely available.
When to Get There
The Old Town is closed to traffic on Sundays from 8am to 2pm, a lively time when the pedestrianized streets are filled with street performers and handicraft vendors. Another popular time to visit is on Monday morning at 11am, when the weekly Changing of the Guards ceremony takes place outside the Presidential Palace (Palacio de Carondelet).
Religious Buildings of Quito Old Town
The Old Town has more than 200 churches, convents, and monasteries. Among the most impressive are the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito, on Plaza de la Independencia, and the neo-Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito’s largest church, both of which offer spectacular city views from their bell towers. Also notable are the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, known for its lavishly gilded baroque interiors, and the Convento de San Francisco, now home to a huge museum of religious art.
Address: Quito, Pichincha Province, Ecuador
Admission: Free
125 Tours and Activities to Experience Quito Old Town
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4-Days Andes and Amazon Journey
2
This 4-day tour of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest is full of can’t-miss experiences that would be challenging to cobble together on your own. Hike along the Avenue of the Waterfalls, go tubing on the Arajuno River, bathe in natural hot springs at the foot of the Andes, and more, all with a local guide by your side. All transportation, accommodation, and activities as per itinerary are included for a great deal.
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From
$940.50
$49.50 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$940.50
$49.50 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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2 Full Days Exploring The Ecuadorian Amazon | Tour Start In Quito
4
The Amazon Rainforest boasts some of Ecuador’s most beautiful jungle scenery—but exploring solo means you risk getting lost in the dense undergrowth. On this adventurous tour, enjoy round-trip transportation from your Quito hotel, and explore the Amazon Rainforest with key logistics like lodge accommodation, activities, and meals included. Drift along calm rivers, meet local communities, and learn of the native wildlife that calls the Amazon Rainforest home.
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$266.89
Price varies by group size
From
$266.89
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Cable Car and Quito Private City Tour
6
After your guide collects you from your hotel, set off an adventure around the city. First, ascend to Quito’s famous viewpoint in a cable car. From 4,100 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level, you’ll see the city in all its splendor. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and stop to visit major attractions like the Presidential Palace, La Ronda, and the Cathedral.
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From
$70.20
$7.80 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$70.20
$7.80 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Full Day Quito City and Middle of the World Monument Tour
1
Maximise your time in Quito with a private full-day tour that checks off all of the capital’s most popular attractions. Take in the highlights of the UNESCO-listed historic center; admire landmarks such as Plaza de la Independencia, San Francisco Monastery, and the Panecillo; then walk along the Equator Line at the Intiñan museum. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.
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From
$88.44
Price varies by group size
From
$88.44
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Quito City Tour, Equator Museum and Pululahua Crater
11
Maximize your time in Quito with a private full-day tour that checks off three of the capital’s most popular attractions. Take in the highlights of the UNESCO-listed historic center, walk along the Equator Line at the Intiñan museum, then marvel at the views from the Pululahua crater. Tour includes lunch, hotel pickup, and all activities.
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From
$127.95
Price varies by group size
From
$127.95
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Explore the Ecuadorian Jungle 4 Days 3N by the Napo River Starting in Quito
1
JUNGLE PACKAGE ALL-INCLUSIVE | DEPARTURE FROM QUITO
Beginning from the moment you arrive at Suchipakari Jungle Lodge, our all-inclusive packages allow you make the most of the Napo River and all the natural joys and adventures it offers. All you have to do is choose how long you want the fun to last!
All tours are accompanied by professional native guides.
At Suchipakari you are able to design your own Jungle tours day by day. An expert local guide will assist you choosing the excursions according to your wishes and interests.
Most itineraries in our Amazon Tours include; hikes in the rain forest, canoe trips, night walks, cascade visits, river tubing, visits to the local communities, animal rescue center.
For those who are in search for more adrenaline we offer great adventure activities (An extra charge applies.) Cave tours, rafting, kayaking trips up to level V, an Canyoning Waterfall
After your Amazon adventure, come back to enjoy tranquillity at your comfortable lodge.
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From
$477.70
Price varies by group size
From
$477.70
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Quito Old Town Tour with Gondola Ride and Visit to the Equator
14
This popular private tour hits all of Quito's top attractions. Follow your expert local guide through the capital city's historic district, stand on the equator and ride on the highest gondola in South America. This full-day experience is perfect for travelers who want to gain insight and understanding into the history and culture of Quito.
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$99.00
From
$99.00

7-Day Galapagos Essentials
3
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most isolated regions in the world and is home to a number of endemic wildlife species. Take a 7-day tour from Quito through the islands of Baltra and Lobos for a closer look at the sea lions, blue-footed boobies, tortoises, and more. This tour is inclusive of lodging, most meals, and transportation between the islands.
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From
$1,250.00
From
$1,250.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Mindo Tour Including Coffee, Chocolate, and Cloud Forest
5
Boasting a huge diversity of birdlife, the Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve draws ornithologists worldwide. It’s also a popular destination for anyone wishing to escape the busy streets of Quito. With a private guide to help you set the itinerary, you can visit a butterfly farm, trek to waterfalls, go river tubing, and taste locally made chocolate and coffee. Transport is made easy with private hotel pickup in a 4WD vehicle.
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From
$83.08
From
$83.08
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Full Day Middle of the World, Cable Car and Quito City Shared Tour
13
Don’t worry about confusing and time-consuming public transit in Quito; instead, opt for a comprehensive full-day excursion which covers several city highlights and includes private transportation. Ideal for visitors with limited time in the city, visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional, tour the old town, and more in the company of a local guide, learning more than you could if exploring independently.
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$65.55
$3.45 savings
From
$65.55
$3.45 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Shared Full-Day Hike and Bike Cotopaxi National Park
25
Immerse yourself in the wild terrain of Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park during this combination biking and hiking excursion. Journey through the surreal volcanic landscape and grassy highlands in Cotopaxi to begin a hike to the 15,780-foot (4,810-meter) Jorge Rivas Refuge. You’ll also have a chance to admire the park’s glaciers amidst the sky-high environs of Limpiopungo Lagoon at 16,400 feet (5,000 meters). Finish your day with a thrilling (optional) downhill bike ride and lunch before returning to Quito. Your Cotopaxi adventure includes national park fees, breakfast and lunch and cycling equipment.
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$70.52
From
$70.52
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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City Tour in Quito. Muffin, Cable Car, Historic Center and Middle of the World
14
The tour includes a visit to the Virgin of El Panecillo, located in the heart of the city, from where you can see the south, center and north of the city. Then, a visit to the main attraction of Quito: the Monument to the Middle of the World (ticket not included), which aims to highlight the exact location of the equator or equator, from which the country takes its name. Additionally, you can also visit the Intiñán and Templo del Sol museums. Tickets to these two places are not included in the tour price.
Before finalizing the tour you will visit the crater of the Pululahua volcano, which is one of the very few inhabited craters in the world and is located within one of the most important geobotanical reserves in the country. It is possible that the order of activities is changed, to take better advantage of the weather conditions.
The price applies to groups of two or more passengers.
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From
$124.61
$31.16 savings
From
$124.61
$31.16 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private full day Quito; Old town + Mitad del Mundo + Pululahua
Join us to discover the best of Quito city, the capital city of Ecuador.
You'll start walking in the historical center, this is the first Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, and the largest old-town in Latin America. The mandatory visits are Basilica de Voto Nacional church, Plaza Grande, Carondelet Palace, Primary Cathedral and La Compañia de Jesús (the gold church).
The tour continues to Pululahua viewpoint, one of the active volcanoes near Quito, this place is one of the uniques in the world with a community of people living on the caldera.
In the afternoon you'll visit the equator line complex. It is halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole, at 0 degrees latitude. You will walk on the equator that divides the planet into a Northern Hemisphere and a Southern Hemisphere.
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From
$115.00
Price varies by group size
From
$115.00
Price varies by group size

Quito Welcome Tour: Private Tour with a Local
With our walking tours, you’ll skip the mundane historical tours and discover the city through a local’s eyes. Experience a tour that will transform the way you travel to make it as much about the people you meet, as it is the places you see. Our local guides (Lokafyers) are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and perspective. Since Lokafyers are not professional guides and tour occasionally, they provide an experience that’s authentic and personal, like a friend showing you around their city. By the end of the tour, you'll feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay.
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From
$31.16
Price varies by group size
From
$31.16
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Old Town Quito Sightseeing and Food Walking Tour
36
Discover the rich culture and history of Old Town Quito on this 4-hour guided walking tour. Hear the stories and legends behind the Ecuadorian capital’s most iconic landmarks that you visit, including Independence Plaza, Government Palace, the Independence Monument, and the Archbishop’s palace. On this tour, you don’t just sightsee — try your hand at making traditional chocolate, too. Plus top off this fantastic day with a stop at an old-school ice cream shop, and sample delightful flavors.
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From
$81.00
From
$81.00
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Night Tour in Quito with free time in La Ronda
28
At night, Ecuador’s capital transforms into an illuminated wonderland. See Quito at its most magical on an evening tour by double-decker bus, ideal for first-time visitors. From a premium vantage point on the lower or upper deck, you’ll see lit-up landmarks such as San Francisco Church and Quito Old Town before enjoying free time on Calle La Ronda, a historic street in downtown Quito.
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From
$60.00
Price varies by group size
From
$60.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha Full-Day Tour from Quito
32
Discover indigenous arts and local markets during this cultural tour of Otavalo Market and Laguna Cuicocha from Quito. Escape the city and journey into Ecuador's more rural hillsides as you follow your guide through some of the area's top cultural attractions.
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From
$59.59
From
$59.59

12-Day Trip Machu Picchu & Galápagos Islands
1
History & Culture – Galapagos Islands – Inca´s Ruins
This 12 day adventure package allows you to explore a great variety of landscapes in Ecuador and Perú as well as nature and cultural highlights, which you will be able to observe on this fully guided tour. From the capital Quito, which was one of the first cities declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will go to Lima, the City of the Kings, Cuzco, Machu Pichu and its Sacred Valley to admire the inca´s ruins and history. This is a great chance to see the main of Ecuador and Perú Highlights.
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From
$3,599.00
From
$3,599.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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8-Day Tour of Galapagos and Quito Including Hotels and Transfers
2
Set out on a nature adventure through the Galapagos Islands with this 8-day tour, including a stop in Quito City. See giant tortoises, playful sea lions, comical blue-footed boobies, and colorful flamingoes as you explore several islands, including Santa Cruz and Isabela. The convenient itinerary includes hotels, meals, and transfers.
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From
$1,318.00
Price varies by group size
From
$1,318.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Quilotoa Crater Lake and Indian Market Private Tour
7
Let a guide accompany you on the steep, downhill path to the shores of Quilotoa, a picturesque crater lake nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes. On this private day trip from Quito, you’ll visit an indigenous market where local farmers and craftspeople trade their goods. En route, admire stunning landscapes via the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Lunch and private vehicle included.
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From
$121.50
$13.50 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$121.50
$13.50 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Quito Cooking Class
3
Take a delicious and enriching class in traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. After a welcome drink, head to the market in the historic center with a local chef and select ingredients for three typical regional dishes: Locro Quiteño, Encocado and chocolate soup. Learn the history of each dish as you peel, cut, season and mix. Afterward, enjoy the fruit of your labor on the host’s lovely patio.
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From
$86.96
Price varies by group size
From
$86.96
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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LIVE ECUADOR: Extreme full Adventure in Napo (Rafting and Rapel) 2 Days 1 Night
Discover the magic of the Ecuadorian Amazon through extreme sports with everything included and live a magical experience of two days and one night resting in "Suchipakari Ecuadorian Jungle Lodge", located in the middle of the jungle, where you can discover and live an adventure unforgettable.
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From
$299.68
From
$299.68

Middle of the World and Quito Private City Tour
Visit two of the world’s most interesting locations on a full-day private tour. First, visit one of only two inhabited volcanic craters in the world and see how locals are living. Then, head to the Intiñan Museum to visit the exact division of the northern and southern hemispheres at 00º 00’ 00”. Lastly, head to Quito for a tour of the world’s first UNESCO-listed city and learn about its rich history.
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From
$66.60
$7.40 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$66.60
$7.40 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private Tour: Middle of the World Monument and Quito City Tour
3
Explore the historic sights of Quito, including its iconic ‘Middle of the World’ monument situated on the equator, during this full-day private tour. Start your day in the Old Town section of Quito, visiting two of its top churches, La Compañía and San Francisco, and checking out the government palace. You’ll then head to the ‘Mitad del Mundo’ (Middle of the World) monument, marking zero degrees of latitude, where you’ll explore the Intiñan museum and a number of on-site attractions dedicated to this unique geographic location. This Quito city excursion also covers round-trip hotel transport, a private guide and vehicle and entrance fees.
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From
$136.36
From
$136.36
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