Quito Old Town Private Walking Tour – Local Market – Fruits & Chocolate Tasting

Exploring the vibrant culture and rich culinary heritage of Quito’s historic Old Town is an enthralling experience. This private walking tour invites visitors to enjoy the lively Mercado Central, where they’ll discover a tantalizing array of fresh fruits and traditional Ecuadorian delicacies. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, guests will uncover the stories behind these local specialties and savor the rich flavors of Ecuadorian cacao in a delightful chocolate tasting. With this perfect blend of cultural exploration and gastronomic delight, the tour promises an unforgettable journey through the sights, sounds, and tastes that define Quito’s unique identity.

Key Points

• A 3-hour private walking tour of Quito’s Old Town, including a visit to the bustling Mercado Central and tastings of traditional Ecuadorian street food and drinks.
• Accompanied by a professional certified guide who provides insights into the local cuisine, cultural significance, and history of the landmarks explored.
• Complimentary chocolate-making experience for groups smaller than 5 participants, offering a unique hands-on culinary activity.
• Strolling through the charming Calle La Ronda, known for its traditional atmosphere, shops, art galleries, and the opportunity to sample warm canelazo.
• Pickup and drop-off service included, with the tour meeting at the Francisco de Caldas location and ending at the Palacio Municipal de Quito.

Tour Overview

The Quito Old Town Private Walking Tour is a comprehensive private tour that invites guests to explore the historic district of Quito, Ecuador.

This small-group experience, limited to a maximum of 12 participants, takes approximately 3 hours and provides visitors with an in-depth look at the city’s key monuments, local street food, and cultural heritage.

Priced from $65 per person, the tour includes an entrance fee, one street food tasting, and a complimentary canelazo drink or chocolate taste.

The tour departs from Francisco de Caldas 51-83, Quito, and concludes at the Palacio Municipal de Quito, Venezuela.

Cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the start of the experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This private walking tour includes a range of features to enhance the overall experience.

The tour covers the entrance fee and a street food tasting, as well as one canelazo drink or chocolate taste per participant. Travelers will be accompanied by a professional certified guide who speaks both English and Spanish. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included.

For groups smaller than 5 participants, there’s a complimentary chocolate-making experience. However, the tour doesn’t provide wheelchair accessibility, and participants should dress appropriately for the weather conditions as it operates in all weather.

Exploring Mercado Central

Visitors explore the bustling Mercado Central, a vibrant marketplace where locals shop for traditional and affordable foods.

They’ll find an array of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and natural products. The market’s stalls brim with colorful fruits and vegetables, offering a glimpse into the diverse agricultural bounty of Ecuador.

Guides share insights into local cuisine and point out specialties like the fragrant tree tomatoes and unique Andean tubers.

With an included admission, guests can spend an hour immersed in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this iconic Quito institution, gaining a deeper appreciation for the city’s culinary culture.

Strolling Calle La Ronda

After exploring the vibrant Mercado Central, the tour continues along the famous Calle La Ronda.

This cobblestone street is known for its cultural significance and traditional atmosphere. Visitors will stroll past quaint shops, art galleries, and street vendors, soaking in the lively ambiance.

The highlight of this stop is sampling a warm canelazo, a traditional hot beverage made with aguardiente, naranjilla juice, and spices.

On weekends, the street comes alive with music and local festivities.

The tour guide will provide insight into the history and significance of this iconic Quito neighborhood, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Meeting and Departure Points

The meeting point for the Quito Old Town Private Walking Tour is at Francisco de Caldas 51-83 in Quito.

Participants will depart from the tour at 9:00 am or 2:00 pm from Plaza de San Blas.

The tour ends at the Palacio Municipal de Quito, located on Venezuela Street.

The key details for the meeting and departure points are:

1. Meeting point: Francisco de Caldas 51-83, Quito
2. Departure: Plaza de San Blas at 9:00 am or 14:00 pm
3. End point: Palacio Municipal de Quito, Venezuela
4. Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Additional Tour Details

What else should participants know about this Quito Old Town Private Walking Tour? The tour operates in all weather conditions, so travelers should dress appropriately.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour is operated by Latin Adventures Cía Ltda, a reputable local tour company. Reviews for the tour are overwhelmingly positive, with highlights including the excellent guides and engaging local food experiences.

Participant Reviews

Participants have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for the Quito Old Town Private Walking Tour.

The tour boasts an impressive 4.5/5 rating from 6 reviews, with 4 being 5-star and 2 being 4-star.

Key highlights from the reviews include:

1. Excellent, knowledgeable, and engaging guides who provide a comprehensive introduction to Quito’s history and culture.

2. Immersive local food experiences, such as sampling traditional canelazo drinks and chocolate-making.

3. Well-organized itinerary that covers the city’s top landmarks and hidden gems.

4. Small group size allowing for personalized attention and interaction with the guide.

Highlights and Experiences

Immersive cultural experiences and captivating historical narratives lie at the heart of the Quito Old Town Private Walking Tour.

Visitors will explore the city’s historic district, encountering key monuments and indulging in local street food. The tour includes a visit to the lively Mercado Central, where travelers can discover traditional and affordable Ecuadorian fare.

Another highlight is the famous Calle La Ronda, known for its cobblestone streets and cultural significance. Participants will also savor a canelazo drink or chocolate tasting, providing a flavorful introduction to Quito’s vibrant culinary scene.

Smaller groups even receive a complimentary chocolate-making experience, ensuring an unforgettable and personalized adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather. The tour description recommends dressing comfortably and bringing any necessary layers or rain protection, as the tour will proceed rain or shine.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Groups smaller than 5 participants receive a free chocolate-making experience, and the tour operator accommodates group size preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts specifically for students or seniors. However, they may be able to provide a group discount if you have a party of 5 or more participants.

Does the Tour Include Any Visits to Museums or Art Galleries?

The tour does not include any visits to museums or art galleries. It focuses on exploring the historic district, key monuments, and local street food experiences in Quito, Ecuador.

What Is the Maximum Number of Participants Allowed on the Tour?

The tour has a maximum of 12 participants. It’s a small-group experience, allowing for a more personalized and engaging exploration of Quito’s historic district, local landmarks, and street food.

Recap

This Quito Old Town private walking tour offers a compelling blend of culture and culinary delight. Visitors can explore the vibrant Mercado Central, savor the rich flavors of Ecuadorian cacao, and stroll along the historic Calle La Ronda, all while learning about the region’s gastronomic heritage from a knowledgeable guide. It’s a perfect experience for food lovers seeking to enjoy the vibrant culture of Quito’s Old Town.