Quito

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

City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours 5

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

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

What makes this experience special

This isn’t a checklist of sights, it’s a meaningful welcome. Your host shares rhythms, routes, and quiet details that help you feel at home in Quito from the very start.

Key highlights

Walk passageways, plazas, or cloisters—your host adapts to your interests
Ease into Quito’s pace starting at a landmark locals still use
Learn where locals go, what they eat, and how the city moves
Hear stories that reveal the layers behind colonial architecture
See how Indigenous and Spanish traditions shape everyday rituals
Choose where to pause or wander—your host adjusts in real time
Leave confident, with local tips and a sense of what feels worth returning to

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

3 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

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.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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

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.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

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Here’s what travelers think of our experiences worldwide

Susan Oct 2025

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.

Timothy Oct 2025

Naveen was a great guide in the Munich old town area. He was very well prepared and informed on the so much of the Munich history and sites. He offered excellent recommendations for food, drinks and restaurants as well. Highly recommend Naveen.

Justin Oct 2025

Santi was the perfect quide with excellent English and knowledge of Medellín history and culture. He engaged with us very well and was very flexible in personalising our tour. Would highly recommend Santi. Gracias!!

Pubali Oct 2025

For this private walking tour in Medellin, I had to fill out a questionnaire prior to the activity, and based on our answers, our guide Julian customized the tour catering to our preferences, focusing more on art and culture. As we had hoped for, it was a good mix of some city highlights and some local spots. This being a private tour, there were a couple of pros: - Our guide offered to take photos of us at all prominent locations, and also suggested some very local photo op backgrounds. - We were late to arrive due to transport delays but he was kind enough to wait for us.

Juan Carlos Sep 2025

A fun walk with lots of visits to beautiful places in Cartagena. Mateo was super punctual and totally open to tailoring the visit to what we were into. Really nice. He even helped us take tons of photos. Highly recommended.

Peter Aug 2025

Rodrigo, was punctual, personable and informative. He gave us an overview of BA's culture, architecture and history.

SEE ALL REVIEWS

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..

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.