Shared Tour of the Historic Center of Quito in Small Groups

Exploring the rich heritage of Quito’s historic center has never been more intimate. This shared tour, designed for small groups of up to 10 participants, offers a personalized experience led by a bilingual guide. Starting at 8:30 am, travelers will explore iconic landmarks like the Church of the Company and the Basilica, gaining insights into the city’s colonial past. With transport, entrance fees, and feeding included, this tour promises an immersive journey through Quito’s stunning architecture and vibrant culture. But what secrets lie within the walls of these historic sites? Uncover the captivating stories that define Quito’s enduring legacy.

Good To Know

• Small group size (max 10) for a personalized experience led by a bilingual guide through Quito’s historic center.
• Includes pickup, transport, and entrance fees to the Church of the Company and the Basilica.
• Tour starts at 8:30 am and is not wheelchair accessible, but suitable for most travelers.
• Explore the lavish gold-leafed interiors of the Church of the Company and the neo-Gothic architecture of the Basilica.
• Limited reviews available, but tour provides an opportunity to discover Quito’s colonial heritage and cultural landmarks.

Tour Overview

This shared tour offers travelers a chance to explore the historic center of Quito.

Led by a bilingual guide, the tour accommodates a small group of up to 10 people, providing a more personalized experience.

With a 3.7 rating based on 3 reviews, the tour includes tourist transport, entrance fees to the Church of the Company and Basilica, and even a feeding.

The tour starts at 8:30 am, with pick-up from designated locations, and ends back at the meeting point.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, making it a suitable option for those interested in discovering Quito’s rich history in a intimate setting.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The shared tour includes tourist transport, a bilingual guide, and pick-up from designated locations.

Itinerary details for the places visited are provided, and entrance fees to the Church of the Company ($5.00 USD) and the Basilica ($3.00 USD) are covered. Feeding is also included.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. While most travelers can participate, those with serious medical conditions should consult the tour operator.

The tour starts at 8:30 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers can select a meeting point to begin the shared tour of Quito’s historic center. The tour starts at 8:30 am, so participants should arrive at the chosen location on time.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point, making it convenient for travelers to depart. Transportation is provided, and a bilingual guide will accompany the small group of up to 10 people throughout the tour.

The guide will provide details about the places visited, ensuring participants have a comprehensive understanding of Quito’s historic landmarks.

With the meeting and pickup details arranged, travelers can focus on enjoying the guided exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Accessibility and Participation

According to the information provided, the shared tour of the historic center of Quito isn’t wheelchair accessible.

However, the tour is located near public transportation, making it accessible for those who can walk or use other mobility aids.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour, and no serious medical conditions are required to participate.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, as it doesn’t seem to have any particularly strenuous activities.

With a maximum group size of 10 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience exploring the historic sights of Quito.

Feedback and Reviews

Few reviews exist for this shared tour of the historic center of Quito, with only three provided.

The feedback so far has been mixed:

• One reviewer complained the tour was "wasted morning" as it was canceled at the last minute.

• Another reviewer praised the "knowledgeable tour guide" and described the experience as "great."

• No other details or ratings are available from the limited feedback.

Given the small number of reviews, it’s difficult to draw firm conclusions about the overall quality of the tour.

Potential travelers may want to inquire about recent cancellations or changes before booking.

Additional reviews would help provide a clearer picture of the tour’s strengths and weaknesses.

Highlights of the Historic Center

The historic center of Quito offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich colonial past. Towering cathedrals, historic plazas, and beautifully preserved architecture abound, transporting visitors back in time. On this shared tour, guests will marvel at the Church of the Company, a stunning Jesuit church adorned with intricate gold leaf details. The iconic Basilica, constructed in neo-Gothic style, is another highlight, boasting remarkable stone carvings and panoramic city views from its towers. The tour also includes visits to the Plaza de la Independencia, the political heart of Quito, and the bustling San Francisco Plaza, home to a 16th-century monastery.

Highlights	Description
Church of the Company	Jesuit church with intricate gold leaf details
Basilica	Neo-Gothic architecture, panoramic city views
Plaza de la Independencia	Political heart of Quito
San Francisco Plaza	16th-century monastery, bustling atmosphere

Exploring the Company Church

Upon entering the Church of the Company, visitors are immediately struck by the lavish gold-leafed interiors that adorn the walls and ceilings.

This baroque-style church, dating back to the 17th century, features:

• Exquisite altarpieces and sculptures adorned with intricate carvings and gilding
• Stunning frescoes and paintings depicting religious scenes and figures
• Ornate chandeliers and candelabras that illuminate the grand space
• Detailed woodwork and stonework throughout the church’s architecture
• An overwhelming sense of awe and reverence for the skilled craftsmanship on display.

Visitors can spend time marveling at the church’s magnificent interior, gaining a deeper appreciation for Quito’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Visiting the Basilica

Next, visitors will make their way to the iconic Basilica of the National Vow, one of Quito’s most impressive religious structures. Completed in the late 19th century, the Basilica features striking neo-Gothic architecture and intricate stone carvings. Visitors can explore the interior, admiring the soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and massive pipe organ. A visit to the Basilica also includes access to the entrance fee, which is 3.00 USD per person.

Feature	Description
Architecture	Neo-Gothic style with intricate stone carvings
Interior	Soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, pipe organ
Entrance Fee	3.00 USD per person
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible
Duration	Approximately 30-45 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a specific language for the tour guide. The tour provider offers bilingual guides, so you can request an English-speaking or Spanish-speaking guide based on your preference when booking the tour.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary for Our Group?

While the tour itinerary is pre-set, the tour provider may be able to accommodate minor customization requests for your group. It’s best to inquire about any flexibility during the booking process.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Unfortunately, there are no advertised discounts for seniors or students on this shared tour. The tour company doesn’t provide any special pricing options beyond the standard adult admission fees.

Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes a stop for a guided meal. Travelers can enjoy a typical Ecuadorian lunch as part of the itinerary, which provides a chance to sample local cuisine during the historic center exploration.

How Reliable Is the Tour Company’s Punctuality?

The tour company’s punctuality seems somewhat reliable based on the limited reviews. While one review mentioned a last-minute cancellation, another praised the knowledgeable tour guide, suggesting they generally run on schedule. Overall, punctuality may vary.

The Sum Up

This shared tour of Quito’s historic center offers a personalized and intimate experience. Travelers can enjoy the city’s colonial past, exploring iconic landmarks like the Church of the Company and the Basilica. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, transportation, and inclusions, this small-group tour provides an enriching way to discover the rich heritage and stunning architecture of Quito’s historic center.