Quito

Essential Quito: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

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Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 6 hours 5

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Essential Quito: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

From landmark plazas to lived-in neighborhoods, this experience blends Quito’s icons with local life, and your host follows what interests you most.

What makes this experience special

From stone monuments to shaded courtyards, your host shows how Quito’s iconic landmarks and everyday moments fit together; this day flows with your pace and perspective.

Key highlights

Start at Independence Square, then drift off the tourist path
See Quito’s architecture shift from formal to familiar
Explore everyday life where balconies and radios tell stories
Visit courtyards, rooftops, or alleys, based on what draws you
Hear how history sits quietly in doorways, tiles, and columns
Let movement or stillness guide the day’s final hour
Personalize the pace: go deep in a moment, or keep discovering

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

6 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Independence Square, and Chile St Venezuela, García Moreno N5-16, Quito 170401, Ecuador

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Independence Square, and Chile St Venezuela, García Moreno N5-16, Quito 170401, Ecuador

First Steps from Independence Square

A formal start, but sidestreets soon call.

Essential Quito: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Start in Quito’s ceremonial center with grand statues and landmarks. Soon, your host may suggest a detour down a quieter lane, where laundry flutters and the city breathes. You decide whether to stay with the icons or follow the slower rhythm of the unfolding neighborhood.

Local Workshops & Open Windows

Daily life unfolding, if you choose to pause.

Just beyond the main streets, you might wander into a quieter district where local life hums behind open doors and shaded windows. Some guests pause when something stirs a sense, whether it's music, a smell, or a moment worth slowing for. Your host responds to what interests you.

Rooftops or Courtyards—A Guest’s Choice

A quiet view or a space that slows you down.

The pace may shift, leading to a rooftop walkway with city views or a shaded courtyard hidden from the street. Some guests are drawn to the skyline, while others seek the unseen. Your host follows your interest, and the moment often unfolds in ways you didn’t expect.

Rhythm, Texture & Quito in Motion

The city hums again but meaning hides in the details.

As the streets grow livelier, you might move through vendors, old storefronts, and layered façades. Your host could point out a detail most pass by, a mural half-worn, or a balcony beam that tells a story. This stretch isn’t just movement; it’s memory stitched into the walls, if you choose to look.

Perspective or Peace to End

A view wide or a closing breath.

Depending on your energy, the day might close with a hillside lookout as the city stretches beneath you, or a pause in a quiet pocket where stone and silence hold the mood. Whether you want a moment of reflection or one last glimpse outward, your host will guide the tone.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

A colorful embrace against iconic tiles

Exploring grand architecture together

City strolls and bright conversations

Essential Quito: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Capturing memories inside a stunning landmark

Exploring Bustling Streets with New Friends

Relaxing on the water with friends

Toasting to Authentic Cantina Vibes

Capturing Moments by the Iconic Talavera Tiles

Taco Time and Local Flavors Shared Around the Table

Smiles Over the Mercado Sonora Skyline

Good Company, Great Tacos, and Cold Cervezas

Sun-Soaked Stroll Through Historic Latin America

Tasting local flavors, one bite at a time

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

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Here’s what travelers think of our experiences worldwide

Richard H Aug 2025

Our tour was exceptional. Stella was outstanding. We gained a significant amount of knowledge from Stella and she was delightful to be around. This beautiful city is steeped in history. Stella also provided insight into the origins of the Horse Race and we witnessed immense pride among the people involved. Furthermore, Stella went above and beyond to ensure we located the meeting point, as it was our first time driving in Italy, and she also assisted us in finding our way back to the parking area. Her helpfulness was greatly appreciated.

Christina Aug 2025

Patrick was knowledgeable and customized the experience for us. He was patient and helpful when we wanted to explore shops and allowed us move along the tour at our own pace.

Mary Aug 2025

We loved our tour of Monmartre with Pascal. The tour was fun and hit all of the spots where artists lived and painted. We stopped in the area center and bought lovely watercolor pieces to take home. I highly recommend.

Oksana Aug 2025

My tour guide was Ana Maria. She was wonderful. She planned the day perfectly, so not I was only able to see the things on my list but also much much more. Ana Maria was easy going and a pleasure to spent the day with. Thank you for this great experience.

Sarah Aug 2025

Mat provided a beautifully customized tour of Munich for us as first time visitors. He took us to city highlights and off the beaten path locations. We learned history, fun facts and so much about the people of Munich and how they compare to other regions of Germany. There was never a dull moment during our six hour walking tour. Mat is a wealth of knowledge - history, culture, political and social topics. He also made the BEST restaurant recommendation for our dinner that night. It was the highlight of our trip.

Elena Aug 2025

The guide was knowledgeable about the history of the city he take his time to explain things very friendly!

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.