Ecuador · Walking Tours

7-Hour Historic Quito Walking Tour with El Panecillo and Lunch

7 Hours Round trip from Quito Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Climb the towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional for panoramic views of Quito
  • 02 Walk through Plaza Grande while learning about Quito's political and cultural history
  • 03 Explore the richly decorated interior of La Compañía de Jesús Church
  • 04 Visit the vast San Francisco Church and monastery complex
  • 05 Admire sweeping city views from the Virgin of El Panecillo viewpoint
  • 06 Discover nineteenth- and twentieth-century life at the María Augusta Urrutia House Museum

Discover the historic heart of Quito on a guided seven-hour cultural tour that brings Ecuador's past to life. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Basílica del Voto Nacional, Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús Church, and the vast San Francisco complex. Enjoy panoramic views from El Panecillo, savor traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, explore the preserved María Augusta Urrutia House Museum, and stroll through the lively artisan streets of La Ronda.

Enjoy sweeping views of both old and modern Quito.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Quito
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Historic Quito Landmarks, El Panecillo and La Ronda

08:50 - Meeting Point

  • Meet your licensed National Tour Guide at the Basílica del Voto Nacional Church.

  • Receive an introduction to the day's itinerary and Quito's historical significance.

09:00 - Basílica del Voto Nacional

  • Visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional, the largest Neo-Gothic church in South America.

  • Climb the church towers to admire architectural details up close.

  • Learn why this church is considered a symbol of protection for Ecuador.

  • Enjoy panoramic views over the historic center of Quito.

10:00 - Plaza Grande

  • Walk along Venezuela Street toward Plaza Grande, the political and historical heart of Quito.

  • Learn about colonial life, political movements, cultural celebrations, and key historical events that shaped the nation.

  • Observe important buildings surrounding the square, including government and religious landmarks.

10:30 - La Compañía de Jesús Church

  • Walk along García Moreno Street to La Compañía Church.

  • Enter the church and explore one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Latin America.

  • Admire the interior decorated with thin sheets of twenty-four karat gold.

  • Learn about the Quiteñan School and the artists who created its paintings, sculptures, and architectural elements.

11:30 - San Francisco Church and Plaza

  • Walk along Sucre Street toward the San Francisco complex.

  • Visit the Plaza and Church of San Francisco, the largest architectural complex in the historic centers of Latin America.

  • Learn about the monastery, chapels, cloisters, museum, library, and extensive collection of colonial art and historical documents.

12:00 - El Panecillo and the Virgin of Quito

  • Board a private vehicle and drive approximately ten minutes south.

  • Visit the Virgin of El Panecillo, located at the top of Panecillo Hill at three thousand meters above sea level.

  • Learn about the religious and indigenous significance of the hill.

  • Enjoy sweeping views of both old and modern Quito.

13:00 - Typical Ecuadorian Lunch

  • Drive to a local restaurant for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch.

  • Enjoy a typical dish such as Seco de Chivo, served with rice, potato, plantain, avocado, and fresh fruit juice.

14:30 - María Augusta Urrutia House Museum

  • Visit the María Augusta Urrutia House Museum.

  • Explore the preserved residence showcasing late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century life.

  • Learn about the social work carried out through the Mariana de Jesús Foundation.

  • Observe original furniture, decorations, and artwork.

15:30 - La Ronda Street

  • Visit La Ronda, the most traditional neighborhood in Quito.

  • Walk along the historic street known for artisan workshops, galleries, cafés, and small bars.

  • Discover traditional trades such as carpentry, tinsmithing, and hat making.

  • Enjoy free time for souvenir shopping or tasting local beverages such as canelazo.

16:00 - End of the Tour

  • Conclude the tour in La Ronda.

  • Say farewell to your guide and continue exploring Quito independently or return to your accommodation.

Basílica del Voto Nacional towers, Plaza Grande, El Panecillo viewpoint, La Ronda artisan street

Where this trip takes you

Basílica del Voto Nacional towers, Plaza Grande, El Panecillo viewpoint, La Ronda artisan street

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Quito 1 city · 7 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Certified national tour guide
  • Typical Ecuadorian lunch
  • Visits
  • Entrance tickets

What's Not Included

  • Snacks
  • Additional food
  • Entrance tickets for other places

What to bring

  • Sun cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Lightweight clothing
  • Camera

Know before you go

  • Downtown Historic Quito is at 2,580 m / 9,350 ft high.
  • Panecillo Virgin is at 3,000 m / 3,842 ft high.
  • Most of the time, we will walk; however, to reach the Panecillo Virgin, we will take a taxi (about 10 minutes to get there).
  • Times are approximate.
  • Please let me know if you are a vegetarian.
  • Special prices for large groups.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Basílica del Voto Nacional, Venezuela, Quito, Ecuador
Tour start
Quito, Ecuador
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 hours finish where they began, in Quito.

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