Half-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town Quito

Tucked away in the heart of Ecuador’s capital city, Old Town Quito is a captivating destination that invites travelers to step back in time. This half-day guided sightseeing tour promises an immersive exploration of the city’s rich colonial heritage, unveiling the architectural marvels and historic treasures that have earned Quito’s Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage status. From the gilded splendor of the Church of the Society of Jesus to the panoramic vistas from the Santo Domingo Church, the tour offers a unique window into the past, leaving visitors eager to uncover more of Quito’s enduring allure.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Guided Tours In Quito.

Key Points

• Comprehensive guided tour of UNESCO-designated Old Town Quito, focusing on colonial architecture and historic churches.
• Visits to the iconic Church of the Society of Jesus, known as the ‘Golden Church,’ and the Santo Domingo Church.
• Admission tickets to both churches included in the half-day tour package.
• Small group size capped at 12 for a personalized sightseeing experience.
• Opportunity to explore lesser-known sites and climb church domes for panoramic views of the historic center.

Overview of the Tour

This guided sightseeing tour of Old Town Quito offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site‘s colonial architecture and historic churches.

Over the course of a half-day, travelers will be led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide through the city’s picturesque streets, with numerous opportunities to capture photos of the stunning landmarks.

The tour includes admission to two of Quito’s top attractions: the Church of the Society of Jesus, known for its ornate golden interiors, and the Santo Domingo Church, which provides panoramic views from its domes.

Catering to small groups of up to 12 people, this experience provides an intimate and personalized way to discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Ecuador’s capital city.

Key Attractions

The tour explores two of Quito’s top attractions – the Church of the Society of Jesus, known for its ornate golden interiors, and the Santo Domingo Church, which offers panoramic views from its domes. The Church of the Society of Jesus, also called the "Golden Church," was built over 163 years and features exquisite Baroque architecture and gilded interiors. Visitors can access the church’s domes for stunning views of the Plaza de San Francisco and Quito’s historic center. At the Santo Domingo Church, guests can admire the church’s architecture and climb to the domes for panoramic vistas of the city. The tour allows ample time to explore these two iconic sites.

Key Attractions	Duration	Admission
Church of the Society of Jesus	1 hour 10 minutes	Included
Santo Domingo Church	45 minutes	Included

Church of the Society of Jesus

Why is the Church of the Society of Jesus, also known as the ‘Golden Church,’ widely considered one of Quito’s top attractions?

This stunning Baroque-style cathedral was built over the course of 163 years, from 1605 to 1768, and features exquisitely gilded interiors that captivate visitors.

The tour includes access to the church’s domes, providing panoramic views of the Plaza de San Francisco and the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Travelers can spend approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes exploring this architectural marvel, with admission costs included in the overall tour package.

The Church of the Society of Jesus is a must-see highlight on any guided sightseeing tour of Old Town Quito.

Santo Domingo Church

Alongside the iconic Church of the Society of Jesus, the Santo Domingo Church stands as another captivating attraction on the guided sightseeing tour of Old Town Quito.

Visitors can explore this historic church and climb to its domes for sweeping views over the city’s colonial architecture and landmarks.

The tour allows guests 45 minutes to wander the interior of Santo Domingo, taking in its ornate altars, intricate carvings, and stunning stained glass.

From the church’s domes, participants are treated to a bird’s-eye perspective of Quito’s UNESCO-recognized historic center, providing an unparalleled vantage point to appreciate the city’s striking blend of colonial and modern elements.

Tour Details

A walking tour with numerous photo stops allows guests to discover less-known sites alongside the two top attractions, all while accompanied by a knowledgeable bilingual guide.

Admission tickets for the Church of the Society of Jesus and the Santo Domingo Church are included, providing access to the domes of both historic churches for panoramic views over Quito’s colonial architecture and landmarks.

The comprehensive tour covers a duration of approximately 2 hours, offering an immersive exploration of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town.

With a small-group setting limited to a maximum of 12 people, the experience provides an intimate and personalized sightseeing adventure through Quito’s captivating historic center.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour begins at Independence Square, located at Chile St Venezuela, García Moreno N5-16 in Quito’s historic center, with a scheduled start time of 10:00 am. Guests will conclude the experience at Plaza Grande.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase, ensuring a smooth start to the tour. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.

Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as accessing the domes of the churches involves climbing stairs. The small-group experience, capped at 12 people, allows for a more intimate and personalized exploration of Quito’s historic sights.

Additional Information

Guests can receive confirmation of their booking at the time of purchase, ensuring a smooth start to their tour.

The small-group experience is capped at 12 people, allowing for a more intimate and personalized exploration of Quito’s historic sights. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as accessing the domes of the churches involves climbing stairs.

The tour offers:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

2. Admission tickets to two top attractions, the Church of the Society of Jesus and Santo Domingo Church.

3. Discovery of lesser-known sites with a bilingual guide.

4. An overall rating of 5.0 based on 27 reviews, with no negative feedback.

Traveler Recommendations

Travelers enthusiastically recommend this guided sightseeing tour of Old Town Quito, with 100% of reviewers praising the experience. The tour has earned a prestigious Badge of Excellence, reflecting its exceptional quality. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and personable guides, the well-paced itinerary, and the opportunity to explore Quito’s iconic landmarks, including the stunning Church of the Society of Jesus and Santo Domingo Church. Many visitors appreciate the small-group format, which allows for personalized attention and a more immersive experience. The tour’s seamless organization, excellent value, and convenient meeting point further contribute to its popularity among travelers.

Highlights	Reviewer Feedback
Knowledgeable Guides	"Our guide was phenomenal – extremely knowledgeable and engaging."
Iconic Landmarks	"Seeing the beautiful churches and learning about the history was a true highlight."
Small-Group Experience	"The small group size made it easy to ask questions and get personalized attention."
Organizational Efficiency	"The tour was well-organized, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish."

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tour Accommodate Children?

The tour does not explicitly mention accommodating children. However, it specifies a maximum group size of 12 people, suggesting the tour may be suitable for families. More information would be needed to confirm the tour’s child-friendliness.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience, allowing flexibility to reschedule if needed. Customers can easily modify their booking as long as they provide advance notice.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator does not currently offer any student or senior discounts. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility for those who may need it.

Can I Bring My Own Camera or Is Photography Prohibited?

Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras on the tour. Photography is allowed and welcomed throughout the experience, as capturing the historic sites and architecture is a highlight for many visitors.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, there is an option to book a private tour instead of a group tour. Many tour companies offer private tours for an additional fee, allowing visitors to have a more personalized sightseeing experience.

Recap

This guided sightseeing tour of Old Town Quito offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s rich colonial history and stunning architecture.

Exploring the exquisite Church of the Society of Jesus and the panoramic views from the Santo Domingo Church, travelers will gain a deeper appreciation for Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage status.

With a small group size, the tour provides a personalized and informative experience for discovering the charm of this historic destination.