Free Walking Tour Quito

Come join us on a free walking tour and get to know the History of Quito and Ecuador by local tour guides! See the main plazas in Old Town Quito, experience our typical market, enjoy a chocolate tasting, admire our amazing colonial churches, get into the hidden spots of the city, all in about three unforgettable hours.

See for yourself why UNESCO named Quito the first world heritage site, and all of this guided in a fun and interactive setting, by English speaking Ecuadorians!

Tours are held Monday through Sunday, twice per day 10:30 and 14:30 (except Sunday only one at 10:30)

Trust our guides to give you one of the most thorough, fun, and interactive tours of this truly rich and unique part of Quito!

More info: www.freewalkingtourecuador.com

The route

1. Community Hostel rooftop – we meet and start with views over Old Town.
2. Central Market – we go inside and explore Ecuador’s fruits, food, juices and traditional remedies.
3. Plaza del Teatro – a short stop and a little history.
4. Basílica del Voto Nacional – on the way to Plaza Grande we stop with a view of the Basílica and share its history and secrets.
5. Plaza Grande and the Presidential Palace – the political heart of Ecuador.
6. La Compañía de Jesús – from outside, the story of one of the most famous churches in the Americas.
7. Plaza San Francisco – the best photo spot of the tour.
8. Museo de la Ciudad – a quick walk by, with tips on what to see inside.

Along the way we also stop for a chocolate tasting. We keep the pace moving, so we see the churches from outside rather than going in.

Where to meet

Community Hostel (ring the doorbell and come up to the rooftop)
Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo
Quito, Ecuador

Morning tour
Gather at 10:20am.
Tour starts at 10:30am.

Afternoon tour
Gather at 2:20pm.
Tour starts at 2:30pm.

Rain or shine, seven days a week!

Free Walking Tour: Prepare to Be Blown Away by the Beauty of Quito Old Town

Nestled in the center of Quito in Ecuador, Quito Old Town is an architectural masterpiece that is sure to take your breath away. Having changed very little aesthetically since its inception in the 1600s, taking a stroll down the streets of Quito Old Town may feel like a walk down memory lane.

The City of Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and was founded in the 16th century and was built atop the ruins of an Inca city. With an altitude of 2,850 m., it has somehow remained intact all these years, despite an earthquake that nearly crumbled the whole city to the ground in 1917. In fact, Quito has been named the best preserved and least altered city in all Latin America.

The lush cores of La Compañía and the monasteries of Santo Domingo and San Francisco are all specimens of the “Baroque school of Quito,” which is a combination of indigenous, Flemish, Italian, Moorish, and Spanish art.

The Historic Center

Since Quito has been so well preserved, so too has its historic center. The Baroque school of Quito mentioned above can be found all over the city, in every facet of its architecture. Its colonial churches stand out not only for their breathtaking architecture, but also for their sculptures, altarpieces and paintings.

Those who have spent time there have said that the city of Quito does a flawless job of melding a harmonious environ where man and nature collide, making a transcendent creation. The colonizers truly understood how to adapt not only their artistic sensibility, but their practicality when it came to building upon the complex topographical environment. They knew that, while they may have to give up on certain things, with a little bit of math and some serious hard work, they would be able to create a gorgeous city that would not slide off the volcano it was just built on.

The Architecture

The architecture of Quito is arguably the best part of the whole city. But it is not only the gorgeous buildings that you should pay attention to. The streets were designed in a checkerboard pattern that are aligned so precisely that they can act as cardinal points on a compass. The churches, and specifically the Basílica del Voto, were built in the old Gothic way, complete with grotesques and gargoyles modeled after many different animals that are entirely unique to Ecuador. On the tour we share the story of the Basílica from the route; if you have time afterwards, you can visit it and climb its towers for one of the best views of the city.

Quito Old Town is a fantastic travel destination for anyone looking to enjoy a historical experience during their trip. Quito is basically one big ball of history wrapped up in a beautiful, charming package. Once you arrive, you may never want to leave. You can explore the Old Town easily with our Walking Tour.