Quito, the capital of Ecuador, boasts a rich cultural tapestry that’s waiting to be explored. With a private sightseeing tour, visitors can enjoy the historic city center, admiring colonial architecture and vibrant local life. The tour also includes visits to two traditional markets, where travelers can discover unique souvenirs and soak in the lively atmosphere. Comfortable transportation and a bilingual guide ensure a seamless and enlightening experience. What secrets await in the winding streets and bustling marketplaces of Quito?
About Your Stay
- Private tour of Quito’s Historic Centre and two local markets, led by a bilingual guide providing insights into the city’s history and culture.
- Visit iconic La Compañía Church, explore the charming cobblestone streets, and enjoy panoramic views from El Panecillo hillside.
- Comfortable round-trip transportation from centrally located hotels in Quito is included.
- Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a moderate level of physical fitness required.
- Entrance fees to La Compañía Church and El Panecillo are covered, while food, drinks, and personal expenses are not included.
Tour Overview
This private sightseeing tour of Quito’s Historic Centre and two traditional markets allows visitors to explore the city’s top attractions at their own pace.
The tour includes a visit to the Old Town and the stunning La Compañia Church. Comfortable round-trip transportation from your hotel is provided.
The tour includes a visit to the Old Town and the stunning La Compañia Church. Comfortable round-trip transportation from your hotel is provided.
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the vibrant markets, where you can learn about the local culture and potentially find unique souvenirs.
With a professional bilingual guide, you’ll gain valuable insights into Quito’s history and heritage throughout the experience.
Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in Quito
Inclusions
The private tour includes a professional bilingual guide who’ll accompany you throughout the experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Quito are provided for your convenience.
A bottle of purified water is included to keep you hydrated during the tour.
Entrance fees to La Compañia Church ($5 per person) and El Panecillo ($1 per person) are covered, ensuring seamless access to these top attractions.
However, any food, drinks, tips, and personal expenses aren’t included in the tour price.
Accessibility and Requirements
Recommended minimum age for the tour is 12 years, ensuring a suitable experience for older children and adults.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, accommodating visitors with mobility needs. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves walking around Quito’s historic center.
Appropriate attire and comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour operates in all weather conditions.
This well-rounded accessibility and requirements ensure the tour caters to a diverse range of travelers while maintaining safety and comfort.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup for the tour is available from select points in central Quito, with an additional cost for hotels located outside the city center. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM, so it’s recommended to be ready at the pickup location on time. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should dress appropriately for the day’s forecast.
| Pickup Information | | | |
|———————|————-|————-|————-|
| Pickup Locations | Central Quito | Additional Cost | Outside Central |
| Pickup Time | 9:00 AM | N/A | N/A |
| Weather Conditions | All | N/A | N/A |
Highlights of the Historic Centre Quito
Quito’s Historic Centre showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage and architectural gems.
Explore the charming cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the iconic La Compañía Church, admiring its ornate Baroque façade and lavish gold-leafed interior.
Admire the ornate Baroque façade and lavish gold-leafed interior of the iconic La Compañía Church.
Stroll through the bustling Plaza de la Independencia, surrounded by government palaces and the towering Catedral Metropolitana.
Atop the El Panecillo hillside, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city skyline and snow-capped Andes mountains.
This private tour allows you to discover Quito’s historical treasures at your own pace.
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Exploring the Traditional Markets
Along With exploring Quito’s historic center, this private tour provides an immersive experience at two of the city’s traditional markets.
First, visitors will explore the bustling Mercado Central, where they can browse stalls selling local produce, handcrafts, and textiles. The guide will share insights into the market’s role in the community and help navigate the lively atmosphere.
Next, the tour continues to the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal, a hub for Ecuadorian arts and crafts. Here, guests can interact with artisans, learn about traditional techniques, and purchase unique souvenirs to take home.
Guide Profile and Expertise
The private tour is led by a professional bilingual guide who brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the experience.
With expertise in the history, culture, and architecture of Quito, the guide provides in-depth commentary that brings the city to life. They skillfully navigate the winding streets and hidden gems of the Old Town, offering insights that enrich the tour.
The guide’s enthusiasm is contagious, making the exploration of traditional markets and iconic landmarks an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.
Their personalized approach ensures the tour is tailored to the interests and needs of the group.
Positive Traveler Feedback
Overwhelmingly positive feedback from past travelers underscores the tour’s ability to deliver an exceptional sightseeing experience in Quito.
The 5.0-star rating based on a lone review speaks volumes about the tour’s quality. The reviewer, Terry_P, praised the knowledgeable guide Pablo for his enthusiasm and expertise, which made the experience truly memorable.
Customers highlighted the personalized nature of the tour and the enjoyable lunch as additional highlights.
The feedback confirms the tour delivers on its promises, providing a personalized exploration of Quito’s historic center and traditional markets in the company of a skilled, engaging guide.
Questions About Your Stay
Is the Tour Suitable for Vegans/Vegetarians?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention accommodations for vegan or vegetarian diets. Travelers with dietary restrictions may want to inquire about meal options or bring their own food to ensure their needs are met during the tour.
Can Participants Request a Customized Itinerary?
Yes, participants can request a customized itinerary. The tour provider is flexible and willing to adjust the itinerary to accommodate specific interests or needs of the group, within reason and based on availability.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The tour does not offer discounts for seniors or students. All participants, regardless of age or student status, pay the standard tour price. However, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, accommodating a range of physical abilities.
How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule on the Day?
The tour schedule is flexible on the day, allowing participants to spend more time at sites of particular interest. The guide can accommodate any requests to adjust the itinerary within the tour duration.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place?
The tour operator follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including requiring masks and providing hand sanitizer. Group sizes are limited, and social distancing is maintained during the tour to ensure a safe experience for all participants.
Final Verdict On This Stay
This private sightseeing tour of Quito’s historic center and two traditional markets offers an immersive cultural experience. Travelers can explore colonial architecture, vibrant local life, and unique souvenirs, all while enjoying comfortable transportation and expert insights from a bilingual guide. With breathtaking Andean views and positive traveler feedback, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience Quito’s rich heritage.
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