Quito

Secret Quito: Artful Wanders & Local Rituals

Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5

(69)

Secret Quito: Artful Wanders & Local Rituals

Wander La Floresta’s murals, rituals, and calm corners with a host who plans the day around what sparks your curiosity.

What makes this experience special

Your host plans the walk around your pace and interests, exploring Quito’s quieter corners, where art, memory, and ritual shape everyday life in ways most visitors miss.

Key highlights

Walk mural-lined stairways through La Floresta’s lesser-known corners
Pause if a local altar draws your attention, your host shares its story
Some guests linger, others move on, your host adapts to your rhythm
Visit a quiet spiritual space, if that’s what the moment calls for
Browse a tiny bookshop or rest with local poetry and coffee
Hear live music in a quiet square or take a more reflective path
Your route is planned flexibly around what most interests you

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

La Floresta, La Floresta, Quito, 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

La Floresta, La Floresta, Quito, Ecuador

Secret Staircases & Wall Stories

Painted tiles, backstreet murals, and stories at your feet.

Secret Quito: Artful Wanders & Local Rituals

Start by walking narrow staircases that weave through La Floresta’s calmer corners. Murals, layered with decades of voices, line the alleyways, while tiles underfoot mark old paths.

Inside an Artisan’s Studio

Step through a quiet doorway into a world shaped by clay.

Just off the street, an unmarked door opens into a space where time moves differently. You might explore slowly, drawn to worn tools, scattered materials, or the calm rhythm of work in progress.

A Hidden Spiritual Space

A place of pause, not performance.

A short walk away, the rhythm quiets further. This spiritual retreat, rarely on maps, is a space of reflection for locals, not just ceremony. You might light a candle or listen to the courtyard fountain. Stay if it feels right or keep moving when the moment has passed.

The Librería Nobody Knows

Behind vines and iron gates: a place of pages and pause.

You might come across a quiet doorway or vine-covered gate, easy to miss, easy to follow. Some guests feel drawn in, choosing to linger in whatever space lies beyond. Others keep walking, letting the rhythm of the street guide what comes next.

Street Corner Serenade

As the sun lowers, let the music find you.

In late afternoon, you might hear music before you see it, retired musicians gathering on a quiet street, playing for whoever passes by. There’s no show, just rhythm shared in the open air. You could stay for a song or let it carry you toward the day’s end.

Optional Close: El Mirador del Itchimbía

If energy allows, end with a view that’s just yours.

If you're not quite ready to say goodbye, your host can suggest one final detour, a peaceful viewpoint where fog rolls in over the city below. It’s a place for sketches, journaling, or simply sitting in silence. Getting there is slow and quiet, but that’s the point.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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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!

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What travelers think of our Hidden Gems experiences in South America

Ray Aug 2025

Very nice tour of the city. Informative as well. A great way to start your trip. Highly recommended.

John Aug 2025

Ray Aug 2025

Nicha Aug 2025

Sheenam was one of the kindest and friendliest people I’ve ever met. She knows all the landmarks in the city well, and she took a beautiful picture of me. By the end of the trip, we had become good friends. I highly recommend her! Hope to see you again soon.

Osam Aug 2025

I enjoyed the interactions with thr tour guide. Very knowledgeable and attentive.

Jessica Aug 2025

Sheenam was extremely knowledgeable about each site we visited as well as the local culture and history. I had an excellent time and would highly recommend.

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

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 complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

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 request specific places to visit?

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.

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 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.