Quito Legends and Culture Tour
Quito, Ecuador
From EUR 68.42
Office phone number: +593-9-78632818
Quito Legends and Culture Tour
Quito, Ecuador
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Learn the legends of Quito on this tour that’ll get your hands dirty and your taste buds tingling! You’ll explore the city’s historic centre and hear the tales behind Quito’s oldest streets before getting a lesson in old-school woodcarving techniques, taught to you by local artisans. From there, it’s a sweet treat with a visit to a local chocolate factory and a traditional ice cream shop serving up crazy flavours you’ll only find in Latin America.
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Highlights
- Walk through Quito’s Old Town and hear the stories and legends of this historic centre
- Visit one of Quito’s oldest woodcarving workshops and try your hand at the craft
- Pop into a local chocolate factory to sample what just might be the best chocolate in the world
- Enjoy ice cream made from unique South American ingredients
- Uncover the stories that line one of the most traditional colonial streets of Quito
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
Old town Plaza Grande (main square) at the Independence monument
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 2.00 PM
- Ending point:
Old town Plaza Grande
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, entrance fees, chocolate-making session and tasting, ice cream.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for your guide, transportation to and from the main square.
Set off on your Quito adventure by heading for the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic centre, where gold churches and ancient convents dot the wealth of colonial sites.
We’ll walk from the heart of the Old Town – Independence Plaza – on to the impressive Independence Monument, the city’s cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Government Palace. Along the way, we’ll learn about the significance of these sites, and the roles they’ve played in Ecuador’s rich history. There are lots of stories and legends behind the façades of the city’s most famous buildings, and you’ll hear all the tales as you gain insight into this fascinating city.
We’ll 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. Explore the old University of San Gregorio and then continue walking through ancient streets on our way to La Ronda, one of the most traditional old Quito streets.
Next up, we’ll visit a woodcarving workshop where the artisans still work in the old Quito school style — and maybe even get to try it out ourselves! We’ll learn how to carve, gold plate, and set just as Ecuadorian ancestors used to do. Talk about a hands-on experience! While we’re there, you’ll get the chance to talk with these incredible artistsand learn more about their craft.
Then, it’s time for a sweet delight as we learn how to make chocolate — in the local old-fashioned way, of course. And, best of all, you’ll get to try all the varieties of what just might be the best chocolate in the world. Finally, we’ll stop at one of the most traditional ice cream shops of Old Town, where amazing new flavours will be waiting for us. Are you brave enough to try a morocho corn ice cream or maybe even quinoa?!
With all that Quito culture in our heads (and bellies!), we’ll walk back to the main square meeting point to end this amazing Urban Adventure.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, entrance fees, chocolate-making session and tasting, ice cream.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for your guide, transportation to and from the main square.
Dress standard: We suggest wearing comfortable clothing, a sweater or light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and a hat.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +593-9-78632818
Email address: info@quitourbanadventures.com
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