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Old Town & Gastronomic Tour

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Highlights:

• Experience the atmosphere of a local fresh produce market
• Sample the flavours of Ecuador 
• Visit with a local family to learn how to prepare Ecuadorian specialties
• Walk through Quito’s Historic Centre (Old Town)
• Admire the wealth of ornate churches
• Listen to the stories and legends of the Historic Centre and visit a traditional candle factory

Tour style:Local Life & Culture, Market visits & Local Food, History & Heritage
Inclusion:

English speaking guide, private transport, entrance fees and lunch

Exclusion:

Items of a personal nature and gratuities for your guide

Group size:Maximum 12
Schedule details:

• Duration: 6 hours
• Pickup location:

  Quito Urban Adventures Office (Reina Victoria N21-226 between Carrión and Roca in La Mariscal).

• Pickup Time: 9.30 AM
• Drop off location:

  Quito Urban Adventures Office (Reina Victoria N21-226 between Carrión and Roca in La Mariscal).

Additional information :

• Voucher exchange details:

  Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour.

• Confirmation of booking:

  Please contact Quito Urban Adventures to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.

• Dress standard:

  We suggest wearing comfortable clothing, a sweater or light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and a hat.

• Child policy:

  Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively.  Children 6 years or below are not permitted on this day tour in Quito.

   

   

• Language: English

Itinerary:

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.

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Traveller Feedback:

Your trip:

For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.

Tipping:

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour