Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum worth booking?
Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum is a 1-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $100 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $100 per person
Step into the heart of Quito and experience the ultimate journey through history, culture, flavors, and local life. This immersive tour connects the city’s most iconic landmarks into one unforgettable adventure designed
What you get
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- All Fees and Taxes
About this experience
Step into the heart of Quito and experience the ultimate journey through history, culture, flavors, and local life. This immersive tour connects the city’s most iconic landmarks into one unforgettable adventure designed for curious travelers who want more than just photos — they want stories, meaning, and authentic experiences. Walk through the majestic San Francisco Square and admire the stunning Church of the Society of Jesus, including exclusive access to its breathtaking domes for panoramic views of the Old Town. Explore Plaza Grande, the city’s political and historical center, and wander the charming street of La Ronda, where you’ll observe traditional artisan workshops such as goldsmithing and tin craftsmanship. Enjoy a complimentary chocolate tasting, sample traditional Quiteño sweets, and try a unique Ecuadorian fruit ice cream made from exotic local fruits. Complete your cultural journey at the Museo Nacional del Ecuador, traveling like a local on the modern Metro de Quito.
What's included
Included
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Tips
- Entrances to places not included in the tour
What you'll see and do
Plaza de San Francisco
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 minutes here
Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania
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.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande)
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.
60 minutes here
Calle La Ronda
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 minutes here
Museo Nacional del Ecuador
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.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
Entrance of the Hotel Casa Gangotena at San Francisco Plaza
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Entrance of the Hotel Casa Gangotena at San Francisco Plaza
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Instinto Ecuador Tours
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Horseback riding with guide knowledgeable of the activity and the area.. how cute is Ecuador!!!
Excellent host Cristhian.. knows the area.. we walk through some dreamy places.. An unforgettable experience.. it is worth repeating.. I recommend nature lovers.. Divine horses and on the farm other lovely animals!!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Nature, Laughter and fun. A day for the soul!
Riding with my friends was more than just an adventure; it was connection with nature and ourselves. It was an amazing adventure. Guided and cared for by Christian, everything felt easy, fun and full of good vibes; definitely a day to repeat..!!!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Tours a Caballo
Excellent experience in La Ilusión farm, place Beautiful and helpful staff recommend the company, I work many trips with them and none have had problems both with group of nationals or foreigners
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Beautiful horses and place
I love the experience at Imbabura Finca La Ilusión, the horses are really friendly and beautiful place, Christian the host was really professional and knew a lot about horses
via Tripadvisor
Maravilloso !
Excellent place to enjoy stillness with nature and horses. Take advantage of a spectacular photo shoot.!!!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $100 to $200
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum cost?
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Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.
Is Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 1-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Authentic Quito: Old Town, Domes & National Museum start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quito?
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On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi Full-Day from Quito Including Entrances, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quito?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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