• Centro Cultural Metropolitano - This beautifully restored building houses the municipal library and lecture rooms, and hosts temporary art exhibitions. Its rooftop affords views of several Colonial icons from a unique perspective. The building was, in addition to one of the city’s first educational institutions, and the headquarters of its first newspaper in Quito. (This is also a bathroom stop). We will visit a traditional restaurant, and taste some Ecuatorian gems. As well we will eat an array of local fruits.

• Arco de la Reina - This arch is on Calle de las Siete Cruces (Garcia Moreno). The main function of the arched building in 1726 was to provide shelter to the worshipers of Mariana de Jesus, the first person of Quito to be declared a saint.
  The Arch joins the Carmen Alto church with the old San Juan de Dios Hospital, which is currently the City Museum. Here we will try some Ecuatorian fresh snacks. We will be able to see how this artisan makes them.

• Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco - The Church and Convent of San Francisco forms part of the City of Quito World Heritage Site, the first site ever inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978. It is the oldest and most significant religious site in the city.
  We will visit the church and admire the colonial art displayed. Every surface is gilded, painted, or carved, creating an environment of impressive splendor. Close to this plaza, we will have the opportunity to try the famous and unique Ecuatorian “Chocolate fino de aroma”

• Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande) - This is the centre core of downtown. Plaza Grande or Independencia is surrounded by four large buildings: Carondelet (Presidential Palace), the Archbishop’s Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, and the Municipal Palace. At its center, it features a statue of the Heroes of the Independence, the memorial symbolizes the country’s first attempt at independence from Spain in 1809. We will also visit the Archbishop’s Palace. At this place, we will have one of the Ecuatorian favorite sorbets, “Helados De Paila”.

• Museum of Colonial Art (Museo De Arte Colonial) - The museum is located inside a restored 17th-century mansion. On display are famous sculptures and paintings of the Escuela Quiteña (colonial art). Close to this building, we will try Ecuadorian food and drink, this food stop will allow us to talk about traditions and food history.

• Snacks

• Private transportation

I am an expert agriculturist, working for more than 10 years in local food systems and sustainable travel. I have guided in South America (Ecuator, Peru, Bolivia), visiting traditional attractions, off-the-beaten-track charms, and most importantly local communities. It will be pure excitement exploring the city, in the most tasteful and informative way! This unforgettable experience includes sampling local Ecuadorian food while uncovering the rich, vibrant stories attached to the historical sites of Quito.

We will get a taste of local life, during our journey, we will go to:
Four food stops (sample tasting is included on the tour price): dark chocolate, tons of native Ecuadorian fruits (you will be surprised), ‘Envueltos’ (tamales, humitas), Colonial candies, ‘mistelas’, local drinks, and more Andean cuisine. Enjoy the tour while talking about Ecuatorian culture and geography from a food perspective.

• Not recommended for travelers with toddlers (2-3 years old)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.