Basilica of the National Vote

First when you meet your guide, will give you some recommendations and your adventure will begin there, the points you will visit are: • Basilica of the National Vow (exterior), largest neo-Gothic church in Latin America, with its very striking gargoyles • “Camilo Egas” Art Museum, and learn about the indigenous people • Ñucanchi Shop, shopping time with Ecuadorian liquor tasting • Tasting of Canelazo, traditional Quito drink; with or without alcohol you decide • Archbishop's Palace, where we will taste the famous Mistelas, ice cream, and unique sweets. • Plaza Grande, Cathedral, Government Palace, where you will learn about the history of the city and the country • Visit the traditional García Moreno street or Seven Crosses, the most touristy street in the historic center • The Church of the Company of Jesus (outside) or also called the golden church • Former Central Bank of Ecuador (outside), we will talk about why we use dollars? • Place to eat Quito's famous empanadas • Plaza de San Francisco de Quito and its church, you will learn about its history as the origin of craft beer in South America • Tasting of Ecuadorian chocolate while we enjoy the panoramic view of the San Francisco de Quito church. Don't think twice and get to know the city of Quito in a unique and spectacular way... Chulla vida...!! (Yolo)

*Discover the syncretism of religious architecture with indigenous symbols. *Learn the history of the conquest and its various processes in the city of Quito. *Observe the geography of the city and its connection with astronomy. *Learn about the Kichwa language and its culture. *Try to recognize the cultural traits of Ecuadorians *Discover Inca vestiges around the city *Recognizes the Andean cultures that live and work in the historic center *Enjoy tastings of chocolate, toasted corn and typical drinks *Includes -Guide -Tastings *Does not include -Personal expenses -Tips

The Basilica del Voto Nacional: monumental work of the city of Quito. In the city of Quito, is built a very unique architectural work of neo-Gothic style. Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito: Discover cobblestone streets, colonial churches and historic squares as you immerse yourself in the cultural richness of this Ecuadorian jewel. A cultural and architectural experience that will transport you back in time. The Church of the Company of Jesus of Quito, is a temple built by the hands of countless artists of the Quito School, who perpetuated their skill and dedication to carve and gild with fine sheets of 23 carat gold. The San Francisco Church and Convent: is a Catholic basilica that rises in the middle of the historic center of Quito, in front of the square of the same name. The structure is the largest architectural complex within the historic centers of all America. San Francisco is considered a jewel of continental architecture for its mixture of different styles combined over more than 150 years of construction. The Plaza de la Independencia: better known as the Plaza Grande, is the heart of the historic center of Quito. This square is surrounded by four large buildings: the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito and the Municipal Palace. All these facts make it a must-see once you arrive in the capital of Ecuador. Quito Cable Car: Climb to new heights. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city as you glide into the heights. Experience the thrill and beauty of being on top of the Andean world. A unique experience that will leave you breathless, book now and reach new heights in Quito! Middle of the World: Discover the place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet, explore the museums and monuments that surround this iconic site and capture unique memories in a truly special place, an experience that will connect you with the history and geography of Ecuador! Book now and experience the wonder of being in two worlds at once. The Intiñan Museum: has for you an interactive tour, where you will learn from the history of our ancestral people, to the magnificent effects that the sun produces in our solar cylinder. Travel to the past through our centenary huts, discover and understand the physical phenomena of the earth with our didactic examples, observe the path of the sun (Intiñan) in the Acoratene, and of course enjoy a natural and privileged environment.

After years of research we’ve carefully selected the best street food stands in Quito in the most unexpected and hole in the wall locations. This tour prizes taste over aesthetic or price and is sure to make you craving the recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. You’ll try exotic fruits and juices, seafood delicacies and the best local bites, made with fresh ingredients. We will finish the journey with a top chocolate, coffee and cocktail tasting. In addition to getting a real taste of Quito, you will explore the city’s back streets, downtown’s flea market and cool off beaten path architecture, street art and more. We will wander through the parts of Quito that are home to the locals that dwell here and we will eat the food that natives have been enjoying for decades. By the time the tour is finished, you will understand the magic that makes our town one of the tastiest cities in Latin America, while feeling the impact that street food has on how we have built our culture.

Visit the Museum, the Choir, the Brewery and the Bell Tower of San Francisco de Quito and its beautiful landscapes. Taste and feel the delicious flavor of Ecuadorian cocoa. Explore the Historic Center of Quito, such as the Basilica of the National Vow, the Company of Jesus, the Arco de la Reina and the Central Plaza. Visit the Virgen del Panecillo and be able to see the city of Quito from its highest part, discover the north and south of the city. All activities with a certified guide and transportation to El Panecillo.

-Basilica del Voto Nacional: Your tour guide will explain the Neo-Gothic Church similar to Notre Dame, one of the symbols of the city, country and catholic religion. You will find some incredible secrets about this place and story behind. 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included -Museo Camilo Egas: Here we find the artistic legacy of Camilo Egas, a renowned Ecuadorian painter. Visitors can explore a collection of his paintings, murals, and other works that reflect his distinctive style and his impact on the indigenist art movement. (Available depending on the day). 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free -Nucanchi Shop: In this place, we will learn more about the indigenous cultures of Ecuador, their diversity, and artistic and cultural forms of expression in the best way, celebrating like one of them to immerse ourselves in new vibes and energy. 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free -Palacio Arzobispal: One of the most beautiful sites with an exceptional “Andaluz” style Place where you can taste traditional gastronomy from Ecuador 35 minutes • Admission Ticket Free -Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande): Our guide will clearly show you the history and evolution of Quito and Ecuador, from the square you will be able to see "El Plalacio de Gobierno", and other important buildings of the colonial era. 10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free -Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania: Best expression of the Quiteño Baroque, where your guide will explain from the outside why it is called the Golden Church and its main facade. 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included -Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco: You will find one of the biggest catholic complex in South America and learn about Franciscans religious order. 10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included -Yumbos Chocolate Do you like chocolate? Well, we will have a tasting of Ecuadorian chocolate made with highest quality "fine aroma cacao" and its history in Ecuador and the world. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Following morning pick-up from your hotel in Quito, get to know the highlights of the city with a professional guide. Journey down Gran Colombia Avenue to the monumental Basilica del Voto Nacional and admire its impressive neo-Gothic façade. Continue to Plaza de la Independencia in the colonial heart of the city center and visit the striking white cathedral and Government Palace. Admire the gold altars of the ornate Jesuit church of La Compañía de Jesús, along with the 16th-century Church of San Francisco. Journey up El Panecillo hill to see a statue of the Virgin Mary and get panoramic city views. Next, visit the Middle of the World City to learn more about the equator at the Intiñan Solar Museum. Look at representations of the colonial era architecture and visit the monument that divides the northern and southern hemispheres.

Tour the city of Quito by bicycle and discover iconic places such as the Basilica of the Voto Nacional or the famous street of the 7 crosses, stories like the legend of Cantuña or the love of Simon Bolivar, customs of the Quiteños, local flavors such as pristiños or empanadas de morocho. Explore the city from its modern part to the historic center, the largest and best preserved in Latin America, is a real journey through time to the first site to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, on this trip you will see the city in its different facets, the modern Quito of contemporary architecture and shopping malls, centuries-old neighborhoods and of course the colonial architecture. Experience the city from a unique perspective on a bicycle in a safe route that adapts to your physical level and visiting interests and best of all, without generating carbon emissions. The personalization of each tour is our commitment, we adapt the stops and sites we visit according to your interests, if you want to enjoy more local cuisine then we do it or if you want to enter some museums is also possible, we seek that each tour is unique and personalized for you. The bike tour is always done in small groups (maximum 5 people) in this way you can enjoy the most of the experience of touring Quito by bike.

This excursion takes from two and a half to three hours. Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at 7:00 p.m. to start a short evening drive along Quito's most interesting sites, like The Church and Square of San Blas, founded in 1568; the Sucre Theatre, an exceptional building of the 19th century; the Convent of El Carmen Bajo and many other architectonic jewels! You will do a wonderful full walk along the main streets, plus quick stops in the most beautiful spots of Quito's colonial town, in order to see the incredible structures, buildings, monasteries, churches and squares lighted up by the moonlight and splendid colours! This is the best and safest opportunity to enjoy the lovely atmosphere of Quito at night. It is also possible to visit the charming neighbourhood of La Ronda where we can try one the most famous home-made-cocktails of the sierra region called “Canelazo”, which is a mixture of a hot cinnamon tea, passion fruit juice and a few drops of a safe local “moon shine”. After your unforgettable walk, you will drive up to the top of "El Panecillo" hill, which is located at 3.200 meters above sea level (10,000 ft), to appreciate the beautiful contrast of colourful lights on the squares and avenues, distributed in the irregular topography of the city. On the way back to the hotel you will stop in front of the Basilica de Quito, an extraordinary church built with neo-gothic style! You will be back in your hotel approximately at 9:30 p.m.

I will meet and greet you in English, German or Spanish at your hotel, bus station, airport or wherever you want. Together we go to the Basilica of Quito, the largest church of the city. The neogothic church is not very old, but an excellent view point. From the towers we can appreciate the historical part of the capital, but also the modern city center with its high-rise buildings and the surroundings of Quito. The capital of Ecuador is situated on a kind of balcony on the slopes of Pichincha, an still active volcano. As well we can see a lot of high mountains of the Andes, some of them glacier capped. After enjoying the view from the Basilica we may visit a market hall. The covered markets are used by the inhabitants to provide their families with fresh vegetables, fruits, meat and seafood. You will be surprised about the wide range of offers! Ecuador is a small country and so you will see not only highland products. All the fresh agricultural products from the hot tropics of the Amazon and the coast area await you as well! I will show you the different kinds of potatoes, rice, vegetables and fruits. For sure you will find a lot of unknown products and often my guests buy and taste some fruits. Or would you like a fresh juice? Now it's time to stroll around in the narrow streets and beautiful squares of the old part of Quito! We will visit the most important churches, may enter to some monasteries, will appreciate beautiful court yards and admire the typical small balconies of Spanish styled colonial facades. Quito is the capital of Ecuador, but you will feel, that it is less hectic than other capitals. There is enough time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of old Quito. Lunchtime? Ecuador is a very diverse country and so we have very diverse Ecuadorian dishes as well. If you want, you can taste something typical. Don't miss to experience the culinary part of my country! We continue walking around and have the opportunity to learn more about something really delicious, Ecuadorian chocolate. We get informations about the whole process of elaboration from the bean to the final product. You will taste a lot and may buy the best! Now we can stroll in direction to the narrow street of La Ronda, well known for its small bars, popular restaurants and some handicraft shops. Or, we can go by taxi to the station of one of the highest cable cars of the world. We "climb" up to 4000m Cruz Loma mountain and can enjoy an exceptionally wide view over the Ecuadorian capital and the surrounding Andes. Wherever we go, it might be good to warm up from inside with a hot beverage! For sure you have already tasted the Ecuadorian coffee or tea, but do you know Canelazo? This is something very typical for the highlands of our country, made by a special fruit, cinnamon and other spicery, sugar and devotion. I recommend to enriches it with Ecuadorian liquor! Be surprised how tasty it is! After a day with a lot of excitements we say goodbye wherever you want (at hotel?).