Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide worth booking?
Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide is a 3-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $70 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $70 per person
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic center of Quito, Ecuador's capital, on a guided walking tour that immerses you in the city's rich culture and colonial beauty. This tour is designed for those who appreciate history, architecture, and local life, offering a relaxed pace to fully absorb the charm of the cobblestone streets. Led by an expert local guide, explore iconic sites such as Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús, and the San Francisco Church. Discover hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and viewpoints that showcase the vibrant essence of Quito. - Guided walking tour through Quito's UNESCO-listed historic center - Visit key landmarks including Plaza Grande and La Compañía de Jesús - Engage with local culture through anecdotes and artisan shops - Perfect for history buffs, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts
What you get
About this experience
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic center of Quito, Ecuador's capital, on a guided walking tour that immerses you in the city's rich culture and colonial beauty. This tour is designed for those who appreciate history, architecture, and local life, offering a relaxed pace to fully absorb the charm of the cobblestone streets. Led by an expert local guide, explore iconic sites such as Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús, and the San Francisco Church. Discover hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and viewpoints that showcase the vibrant essence of Quito. - Guided walking tour through Quito's UNESCO-listed historic center - Visit key landmarks including Plaza Grande and La Compañía de Jesús - Engage with local culture through anecdotes and artisan shops - Perfect for history buffs, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts
What's included
Included
- Bilingual Tour Guide
- Traditional sweets tasting
- Canelazo tasting – traditional drink
- Chocolate tasting
- Traditional Ice cream
Not included
- tips
What you'll see and do
Basilica del Voto Nacional
The Basilica del Voto Nacional is one of the largest neo-Gothic churches in Latin America and a true architectural icon of Quito. Inspired by the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, its façade is adorned with unique gargoyles shaped like native Ecuadorian animals such as iguanas, turtles, and condors. One of the highlights of visiting the basilica is climbing its main towers, which offer some of the best panoramic views of Quito’s Historic Center and the surrounding cityscape. The ascent includes internal bridges, steep stairs, and a thrilling experience for those who don’t mind heights. From the top, you can admire colonial rooftops, nearby churches, and even distant volcanoes like Pichincha. It’s the perfect spot for breathtaking photos and to truly appreciate the scale and detail of this architectural masterpiece.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Warm up with a traditional canelazo, a spiced Andean drink, paired with a freshly made empanada during your walking tour through the historic streets of Quito. This delicious local tasting offers a perfect break while exploring the beautiful plazas of Quito Historic Center. A simple, authentic way to experience Ecuadorian flavors and culture.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande)
Independence Square, also known as Plaza Grande, is the historic and political heart of Quito. Surrounded by some of the city’s most important buildings—including the Presidential Palace (Carondelet), the Cathedral of Quito, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the City Hall—this plaza has been a central gathering place since colonial times. At the center stands the Independence Monument, commemorating Ecuador’s heroes of the 1809 revolution against Spanish rule. The square is beautifully landscaped with palm trees, gardens, fountains, and benches, offering a peaceful space where locals and visitors gather to relax, chat, and enjoy street musicians or cultural events.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Palacio Arzobispal
Located in the heart of Plaza Grande, the Archbishop’s Palace is a beautiful colonial landmark showcasing traditional Spanish architecture with elegant arches and historic courtyards. During the visit, travelers explore its cultural and architectural heritage while enjoying local flavors such as traditional Quiteño sweets, mistelas (local liqueurs) This stop offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy in the heart of Quito.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania
The Church of the Society of Jesus, known locally as La Compañía, is one of the most iconic and ornate churches in Quito. Its foundation dates back to 1605, when the Jesuits began building what would become one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in Latin America. Construction of the church took over 160 years, finally completed in 1765. It was designed in the Baroque style, with influences from the Mudéjar and Churrigueresque styles, blending European aesthetics with indigenous artistry. The church’s interior is famously covered in gold leaf, intricate wood carvings, and dramatic altarpieces—earning it the nickname “Quito’s golden church.”
30 minutes here · Admission included
Yumbos Chocolate
Yumbos Chocolate is an artisanal chocolate shop in Quito’s Historic Center, known for fine aroma cocoa and fair trade. They offer tastings, chocolate bars, hot chocolate, and unique products. A must-visit for chocolate lovers and those interested in Ecuadorian culture.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Plaza de San Francisco
Plaza de San Francisco is one of the oldest and most impressive squares in Quito. Surrounded by colonial architecture, it is dominated by the majestic San Francisco Church and Convent, a historic religious complex that dates back to the 16th century. This iconic plaza is an important cultural and historical landmark where visitors can admire beautiful stone architecture, learn about Quito’s colonial past, and enjoy one of the most photogenic spots in the city’s historic center.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
Your guide will be at the meeting point holding a sign that says “Real Dreams Tour” and wearing a t-shirt with a green turtle logo. Please arrive a few minutes early. If needed, contact us via WhatsApp for assistance.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends at Plaza San Francisco, one of Quito’s most iconic and historic squares. From here, you can continue exploring on your own, enjoy a local café, or take in the beautiful view of the San Francisco Church. Your guide will be happy to provide recommendations before saying goodbye.
Options you can book
Small Group
Private Tour
Pick up included: Private guide: fully customized Pick Up : From your Hotel or location
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Real Dreams Tour
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun, interesting tour with enthusiastic guide
Diego was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide who provided very interesting details of the sites we saw interwoven with historical and cultural context. We enjoyed learning Ecuadorean phrases, sampling chocolates, aguardiente and candies too. This a a perfect four hour walking tour for us, who didn’t have much time to explore the old part of Quito!
Response from the operator: Dear Nancy, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the walking tour and that Diego’s enthusiasm and knowledge helped bring Quito’s history and culture to life. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed learning a few Ecuadorian phrases and tasting local chocolates, candies, and aguardiente along the way. We’re glad the tour was a perfect fit for your schedule and allowed you to make the most of your time in Quito’s Old Town. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Ecuador in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Fun in the city with Diego!
Highly recommend! I loved this tour. Diego is so knowledgeable and kind. We visited many churches. I loved the artists that he shared with me. We had a local cocktail, local frozen fruit on a cone, and my favorite was the chocolate brownie and chocolate tasting. It was the best brownie I have ever eaten. Thank you Diego for a wonderful experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review dear Mettayya! :) We’re so glad you enjoyed the tour with Diego and the special local flavours. He’ll be happy to hear your kind words. Hope to see you again soon!
via Viator
Amazing and delicious 💖
I had an amazing experience exploring Quito's Old Town! It was a tour through incredible sites with super friendly people. I learned a ton by trying out various representative flavors of the city and country. My absolute fave part? Tasting the brownie - hands down, the best one I've ever had!
Response from the operator: We’re so happy to hear you had such a wonderful time exploring Quito’s Old Town with us! It’s great to know you enjoyed the sights, the friendly atmosphere, and the delicious flavours of our city and country. And we completely agree the brownie is unforgettable! Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures soon... Greetings, Real Dreams Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Quito walking tour with Diego!
Diego was an amazing guide. He told so many great stories of the history of the area and Ecuador. He shared a lot of great knowledge about the architecture, foods, plants, animals, jungle customs and agriculture practices. He knew the answers to all of my questions. We had a traditional cocktail, local liquor, frozen local fruit on a cone, chocolate drink and a large variety of chocolates. He taught me a lot of indigenous words and local expressions. He was kind and gracious. Thank you Diego! It was a true please.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely comment, dear Mettayya! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your experience with Diego. It’s great that you got to try so many delicious local treats, like traditional cocktails, chocolate drinks, and frozen fruit cones. Learning about the area's history, local customs, plants, animals, and even indigenous words is all part of truly experiencing Ecuador! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Diego he’ll be thrilled. Until the next adventure! :) Greetings, Real Dreams Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $70 to $220
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Real Dreams Tour, who run 14 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.4.
See everything Real Dreams Tour runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide cost?
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Prices start at $70 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 Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide take?
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Plan for about 3 hours 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 Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide?
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Around 1 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide 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 tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, 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.
What is included in Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide?
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Included: Bilingual Tour Guide; Traditional sweets tasting; Canelazo tasting – traditional drink; Chocolate tasting; and Traditional Ice cream. Not included: tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide?
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Your guide will be at the meeting point holding a sign that says “Real Dreams Tour” and wearing a t-shirt with a green turtle logo. Please arrive a few minutes early. If needed, contact us via WhatsApp for assistance. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Quito Old Town Walking Tour: UNESCO Heritage Site & Local Guide?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Small Group, Private Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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