Quito: City Highlights Private Guided Tour & Food Tasting
La Compania, Quito, Ecuador
Discover the beauty of Quito and taste the local food on a private guided tour. Visit Independence Square, La Ronda, and other sites while tasting traditional pastries, sweets, fruits, and more!
Quito Historical and Culinary Tour
This half-day guided tour in Quito suits visitors interested in history, local culture, and traditional Ecuadorian food.
Highlights
- Learn about the history and traditions of Quito
- Visit well-preserved architectural landmarks
- Taste safe and authentic local foods using all five senses
- Meet friendly locals and discover their lifestyles
- View the iconic Winged Virgin Mary statue at El Panecillo and take photos
Description
The tour begins with a 10:00 a.m. pick-up. It is recommended to start without breakfast to fully enjoy the food tastings. The guide explains Ecuador’s and Quito’s history, including the Inca Empire, Spanish conquest, and republican era.
First, visit Mercado Central (Mercado Iñaquito) to sample exotic tropical fruits and regional specialties from the Sierra. Then you will walk through Independence Square, the site of key battles in Ecuador’s revolution, where traditional sweet and savory pastries are offered.
Key stops include the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, and the Church of the Sacred Society of Jesus, an example of Latin American Baroque architecture. In La Ronda neighborhood, enjoy a chocolate tasting. The route continues to the Convent of San Francisco, established in 1540.
The tour concludes with a drive up to El Panecillo hill to see the tallest aluminum statue in the world, the Winged Virgin Mary of Quito. Here you will enjoy a traditional homemade cocktail called “canelazo” while taking in views of old and new Quito and nearby snow-capped volcanoes: Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe. Return to your hotel is around 2:00 p.m.
Includes
- Private transportation
- Certified English-speaking guide
- Visits outlined in the itinerary
- Food tastings/snacks
- Entrance fees
Excludes
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Important Information
- This tour operates rain or shine
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Morning tours maximize market freshness and food variety.
