First Day Essentials

Three men stand in front of a textile shop in Quito

Two people walking in Plaza Grande, Quito, with the Independence Monument behind them.

Three people enjoying drinks at an outdoor cafe in a small alley in Quito

Three people enjoying drinks on a terrace overlooking Quito, Ecuador.

People walking and sitting in Plaza Grande, Quito, with the white cathedral in background.

El Panecillo hill with the Virgin of Quito statue in Ecuador.

5 (58)

Your First Day in Quito: Old Town, Andes & Local Rhythm

3 hours English

5 (58) 100% Personalized

Start your Quito trip with a flexible, local-led walk. Learn how the city moves, where to go, and how to explore easily.

How It Works

Book your date

Choose your preferred date, start time and group size for your experience.

Share your interests

Complete your personalisation form after booking, for a tailored experience.

Explore with your matched host

We match you with a local host who shapes the route around you.

Experience Overview

Time:

3 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Transport Mode:

Walking experience (May use public transport for longer distances)

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’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 Excluded:

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Mostly walking, with food, drinks, transport and entry fees paid separately unless stated.

Reviews of Our Quito Experiences

Quito has a beautiful historic center. I think a 2-hour tour is enough if you don't plan to go inside every church. Our tour guide Pamela was very knowledgeable, and we could see how she loves her city and the culture.

Nella

Quito

Isabel was fantastic! Her knowledge, engagement and passion were all phenomenal. Thank you Isabel!

Nick

Santiago

We’ve never been to Argentina and this was our first stop on our trip to the South American country. We found our guide, Nayla, to be exceptional in every way. She was full of interesting stories of historical and cultural significance and we learned a lot.

Jenifer

Buenos Aires

Informative, interesting and fun tour with Mateo!

John

Cartagena

We enjoyed our time with Nayla, we learned so much about Buenos Aires and the stores she told have given us a place to start learning more. The personalized option was a great fit for us as it allowed us to change things up on the spur if there moment. We highly recommend Nayla.

Carla

Buenos Aires

Pamela spoke excellent English and gave us a very good customized tour of the sights of the historic centre of Quito. We tried a few local foods and were able to buy some local handcrafts. The tour was very flexible and adaptable to what we wanted to see. And we really enjoyed chatting to Pamela about Ecuador and life here.

Susan

Quito

See all reviews

A possible route, not a fixed script

This sample shows what the experience could include. Your host will shape the route around your interests, pace, weather and plans.

Suggested meeting point

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

The Heartbeat of Plaza Grande

Quito’s central square, where daily life and politics quietly intersect

Your First Day in Quito: Old Town, Andes & Local Rhythm

Start in the city’s central square, where key buildings and everyday life sit side by side. Your host might offer local context or keep it simple, letting you take in the space. You could step inside a historic building or stay outside and get a feel for the city’s pace.

Cultural Threads in the Side Streets

Mural-lined alleys and glimpses into local pride and protest

Your host might lead you down quiet walkways where stories live in murals and small shops. Some guests explore Casa Manuela Sáenz, a tribute to a revolutionary woman; others browse stalls where Andean textiles reveal meaning through color. Your route flexes with your curiosity.

Time-Travel at San Francisco Square

A quieter plaza steeped in legend and layered stone

If you’d like to keep going, your host might suggest heading into this lively nearby street. You could walk a bit further, pause for a drink, or stop into a local space if something catches your eye. This part of the day flexes easily with your interest and energy.

Optional Close: Viewpoint over the City

Quiet steps to a final view of Quito’s iconic hilltop Virgin

If the timing feels right, your host might suggest a final pause at a tucked-away lookout. From here, the winged Virgin of El Panecillo glows above the rooftops, your first mental map of Quito now taking shape below.

Quito, Our Guests Way

Here are our guests exploring on a City Unscripted experience.

Beneath the towering statue, they share a moment of awe.

Relaxing in Quito's historic square, smiles capture the moment perfectly.

Exploring Mexico City’s Bustling Streets with New Friends

Tasting local flavors, one bite at a time

Balcony views and happy family vibes

Smiles Over the Mercado Sonora Skyline

Capturing Moments by the Iconic Talavera Tiles

Good Company, Great Tacos, and Cold Cervezas

Taco Time and Local Flavors Shared Around the Table

Toasting to Authentic Cantina Vibes

Sun-Soaked Stroll Through Historic Mexico City

Immersed in Mexico’s Colorful Fiesta Spirit

Relaxing on the water with friends

Laughs on the move

Capturing memories inside a stunning landmark

Exploring grand architecture together

A colorful embrace against iconic tiles

City strolls and bright conversations

Your FAQs

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.

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.

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 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.

How much walking is involved?

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

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.