Quito’s historic old town offers a captivating blend of culture and culinary exploration. The Private Quito Full-Day Walking Tour promises an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the city’s architectural gems and inviting them to savor authentic local flavors. Kicking off at the magnificent Basilica del Voto Nacional, the tour immerses participants in the colonial-era streets, before indulging in a hands-on cooking class and lunch at the renowned Claroscuro restaurant. With a focus on personalized attention and engaging storytelling, this tour provides an opportunity to uncover Quito’s hidden gems and delve deeper into the city’s rich heritage.
This experience made our list of the 8 Best Walking Tours In Quito.
Good To Know
- Comprehensive Quito walking tour exploring the historic old town and architecture, including entry to the Basilica del Voto Nacional.
- Hands-on cooking class and lunch at a local restaurant, providing an immersive cultural and culinary experience.
- Private tour with a knowledgeable guide, offering insights into Quito’s history, heritage, and modern-day vibrancy.
- Moderate physical fitness required for activities such as climbing towers, but the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Duration of approximately 7 hours, with a mix of cultural sightseeing and authentic local experiences.
Tour Overview
The Private Quito Full-Day Walking Tour offers travelers the opportunity to discover Quito’s historic old town and uncover its hidden gems alongside knowledgeable local guides.
With a 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, this private tour promises a cultural and culinary experience showcasing the city’s rich heritage. Priced from $139 per person, the tour includes admission to key sights like the Basilica del Voto Nacional and Santo Domingo church.
Participants can also enjoy a cooking class and lunch at a local restaurant. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.
Moderate physical fitness is required, and the experience is customized to each group’s needs.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Quito.
Basilica Del Voto Nacional
Visitors to the Private Quito Walking Tour will start their journey at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, Quito’s largest church.
The tour group will climb the clock towers and Condor tower to enjoy stunning views of the city. During the 40-minute visit, participants can:
- Admire the church’s impressive Gothic architecture
- Learn about the history and significance of the Basilica
- Capture panoramic photos from the towers
- Discover the unique features that make this landmark so iconic
The admission to the Basilica is included in the tour package, providing a comprehensive introduction to Quito’s rich cultural heritage.
Quito Old Town
Next, the walking tour explores the historic Quito Old Town. Guests will stroll through the charming streets, taking in the city’s rich architectural heritage.
They’ll learn about Quito’s evolution as they admire the colonial-era buildings, plazas, and churches. The tour guide will share insights into the local culture and history, bringing the historic district to life.
Participants can enjoy the lively atmosphere, with opportunities to interact with friendly residents and soak up the vibrant ambiance.
This segment of the tour provides a deeper understanding of Quito’s past and present, leaving visitors with a true appreciation for the city’s enduring character.
Additional Activities
Along With the highlights of the walking tour, the experience offers several optional activities for guests to further enjoy Quito’s rich culture.
Guests can participate in a cooking class and enjoy a delightful lunch at the acclaimed Claroscuro restaurant. The tour also includes entrances to the Basilica del Voto Nacional and the Santo Domingo church.
For those seeking additional refreshments, drinks are available for purchase.
Additional activities include:
- Cooking class and lunch at Claroscuro restaurant
- Entrance to Basilica del Voto Nacional
- Entrance to Santo Domingo church
- Additional drinks available
Meeting and End Points
The tour commences at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, located on Venezuela 11-263 in Quito. This iconic church serves as the meeting point for the Private Quito Full-Day Walking Tour.
Throughout the excursion, you will explore Quito’s historic old town, with the tour culminating at the Independence Square on García Moreno N5-16. This central square is the designated endpoint, allowing easy access to other attractions or transportation.
The tour is conducted as a private experience, catering exclusively to your group. Whether you need to adjust the start time or have any other special requirements, the tour operators are accommodating and will work to ensure your needs are met.
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Traveler Information
This private walking tour in Quito isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.
A moderate physical fitness level is required, as the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems. Participants should be aware of the following:
- The tour involves exploring historic streets and architecture, as well as climbing clock towers and the Condor tower for city views.
- The duration of the tour is approximately 7 hours, with 40 minutes allocated for the Basilica del Voto Nacional and Quito Old Town.
- The tour is operated by Quito Tour Bus and is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate.
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.
Positive Reviews
Positive feedback from past participants highlights the tour guide’s exceptional knowledge and energy, which enhance the overall experience. Travelers have praised the guide’s ability to bring Quito’s history and culture to life, captivating the group with engaging storytelling. The cooking class at Claroscuro restaurant has also received rave reviews, with participants highlighting the excellent quality of the food and the authenticity of the culinary experience.
Positive Feedback | Rating |
---|---|
Knowledgeable Guide | 5.0 |
Engaging Storytelling | 5.0 |
Excellent Cooking Class | 5.0 |
Adaptability to Participant Needs | 5.0 |
Overall Tour Experience | 5.0 |
Itinerary Highlights
Quito’s largest church, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, stands as a magnificent centerpiece of the tour. Visitors can climb the clock towers and the Condor tower to enjoy breathtaking city views, all in about 40 minutes.
The tour then explores the historic streets and architecture of Quito’s Old Town, learning about the city’s evolution over the course of 40 minutes.
Additional activities include:
- A cooking class and lunch at the acclaimed Claroscuro restaurant
- Entrances to the Basilica and Santo Domingo church
- Opportunities to purchase additional drinks
The tour provides a well-rounded experience, blending cultural exploration with culinary delights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Customize the Tour to Our Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to suit guests’ interests. The private nature of the tour allows flexibility to adjust the itinerary and activities based on participants’ preferences and needs.
Is It Possible to Have a Guided Tour in a Specific Language?
Yes, the tour can likely be customized with a guide who speaks a specific language. The tour provider offers private tours, allowing flexibility to accommodate language preferences and other needs of the participants.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?
This tour doesn’t currently offer any discounts or special offers. However, the price may vary depending on the group size. Customers should check the tour provider’s website for any updates or promotional deals that may become available.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation. Travelers with back problems are not recommended to join. A moderate physical fitness level is required to fully participate in the walking tour.
Can We Book a Private Tour for a Larger Group?
Yes, the tour can accommodate larger private groups. The tour is operated by Quito Tour Bus and allows for customization to suit the group’s needs and preferences. Group size can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable and personalized experience.
The Sum Up
The Private Quito Full-Day Walking Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the historic old town, including admiring the Basilica del Voto Nacional, wandering colonial-era streets, and enjoying a cooking class and lunch at the renowned Claroscuro restaurant. With personalized attention and engaging storytelling, this tour promises a memorable adventure in Quito’s vibrant cultural landscape.
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