Old Town & Gastronomic Tour

See all the main sights of Quito and hear what its really like to live here. We set off on our adventure by heading for the cobblestone streets of the Historic Centre of Quito.  Visit the Central Market to meet the vendors selling Ecuador’s most famous roses and to sample some of the wide variety of exotic fruits and vegetables on offer. 
After admiring the wealth of colourful produce, we head into the heart of the Old Town – Independence Plaza – for a tour of classic sights with fascinating insights! This is not your average historical tour as we recount anecdotes from the plaza, admire the impressive Independence Monument, the city’s cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Government Palace and learn about their significance in Ecuador’s rich history.  We then continue on to La Compañía de Jesús, a breathtaking old Jesuit church with a façade carved entirely out of volcanic stone and an interior covered in gold leaf.
Next, enjoy lunch at a restaurant known for its traditional, Quiteño cuisine and take time for a casual chat about what is happening in modern day life for a Quiteño - your fab guide!
From there we head to the San Francisco Monastery, an imposing structure that occupies two city blocks – a must see destination!  Visit its museum, chapel and convent and listen to the stories and legends of the people who have occupied this impressive building for hundreds of years.  After this trip into the past, stop by a small, family-run factory to admire the flower-shaped, handmade candles they make and to learn how this traditional art form is being passed on to the next generation.
From here we will stop in to visit with a family in their home where there’s always something going on in the kitchen!  They will teach us to make traditional treats like empanadas and tamales we can sample accompanied by fresh juice, hot chocolate or coffee.