Spend the day visiting Quito which has preserved its colonial atmosphere, with squares, fountains, public buildings, and houses built in the typical Spanish or Moorish style. Most attractive is Plaza Mayor, with its seventeenth-century cathedral, government palaces, municipal hall, and other buildings. Quito is also well known for its many small workshops producing native arts and for its outdoor Indianmarkets.

We’ll visit downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture.  Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   The stroll starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Campania de Jesus and its awesome gilded interior.  We’ll continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the greatest religious buildings of the New World. It has an impressive façade and atrium that leads to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. The tour ends at a lookout point with a great view of Quito.

Then, we’ll relax, as the local people do, over a leisurely lunch of typical Ecuadorian cuisine.

This tour also offers an optional visit (after lunch) to the Botanical Garden of Quito, located in Carolina Park. Plants from all the different ecosystems of the country are represented in the garden.  Cost is an extra $15 per person. (Let us know if you would like the additional excursión added on)

This is a walking tour at an altitude of 2800 meters (9200 feet) and involves climbing stairs. Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket).  Women should not wear shorts as visits to churches are included. Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny. Bring sun protection (SPF 40) and good walking shoes. 

Staying on in Ecuador? Whether your interest is wildlife or culture, in a short extension tour you can experience more of the living heritage of this vibrant country. Day trips are also a great way to see Quito and the nearby sites. We can even arrange hotels and transportation.