Independence Square, Quito: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Quito: Cable Car, Intiñan Museum, & Colonial Town Tour

1. From Quito: Cable Car, Intiñan Museum, & Colonial Town Tour

Meet the tour guide at 9:00 am at “Plaza Foch”, Hotel Nu House, in order to start this gorgeous adventure in Quito. Take a ride on a cable car, located at the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano, in an area of 160 hectares. Travel 15 minutes per way, starting at 3,045 meters (9,990 ft) and ending up at 4,100 meters above sea level (12,500 ft). Reach the top and enjoy a beautiful view of the eastern valleys, old town, south and north of Quito. Head to the famous Intiñan Museum, geographically located at the division between the northern and southern hemispheres as established by the French Geodesic Mission in the eighteenth century. See beautiful displays of the many different ethnic groups in Ecuador, plus the story of their lifestyles, explained by a specialist tour guide. Travel back to Quito, and see the Equatorial Monument on the way, before moving on to the colonial town of Quito. Stroll through the colonial town, pass through Independence Square, and see the scenery of many dramatic battles of revolution in the history of the Republic of Ecuador. Visit the Cathedral of Quito, the Archbishop's palace, the Church of the Secret Society of Jesus of Quito, the summit of the Latin American Baroque style; the charming neighborhood of "La Ronda", and the Church and Convent of San Francisco, which was built in 1540. Finish the tour at approximately 4:30 pm, after enjoying one of the most complete sightseeing tour experiences in the capital city of Ecuador.

Quito: City Sightseeing Guided Night Walking Tour

2. Quito: City Sightseeing Guided Night Walking Tour

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.

Quito: Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer

3. Quito: Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer

Your tour guide will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel, due to the viewpoint of the volcano Pululahua, one of the two inhabited craters in the world. This volcanic complex consists of a main boiler, a central volcano with two craters and the remains of a third party, and several volcanic domes within the caldera located on the edge and outside of it. Then we head to the Intiñan Museum, geographically located at 0 degrees, 0 minutes and 0 seconds, that marks the division between northern and southern hemispheres as established by the French Geodesic Mission in the eighteenth century, you will see beautiful displays of different ethnic groups in Ecuador, plus the story of their lifestyles, explained by a specialist tour guide! This is an opportunity to be photographed with both of your feet on the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time! On the way back to Quito, you will see from the road the Equatorial Monument. In the afternoon you go to the colonial town of Quito, officially considered the first world cultural heritage site (UNESCO 1978). During your walk, you will pass through the Independence Square, scenery of many dramatic battles of revolution in the history of the Republic of Ecuador. And you will have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Church of the Society of Jesus of Quito, summit of the Latin America Baroque style, the charming neighbourhood of La Ronda, and the Church and Convent of San Francisco, built in 1540. Finally you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city from "El Panecillo" hill. Then you will be back in your hotel approximately at 3:30 p.m. End of your first fantastic experience in Quito!

Quito: Old Town Highlights & Food Tour

4. Quito: Old Town Highlights & Food Tour

Walk from Independence Plaza to the impressive Independence Monument, the city’s cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the seat of the government, Carondelet Palace.  Your guide will tell you the stories and legends behind the city’s most famous buildings and the roles these sites have played in Ecuador’s rich history. Then continue on to La Compañía de Jesús, a breathtaking Jesuit church with a volcanic stone façade and an interior covered in gold leaf. Explore the University of San Gregorio and then walk down ancient streets on your way to La Ronda, one of the most traditional Quito streets. Next up, visit a woodcarving workshop. Watch the artisans carving, gold plating, and setting in the old Quito style. Ask them questions and maybe even give it a go yourself. Then, learn how to make chocolate in the local old-fashioned way. Taste several varieties of some of the best chocolate in the world. Finally, stop at one of the most traditional ice cream shops of the old town. Try local flavors such as morocho corn and quinoa.

Quito: Cable Car Ride and Private City Tour

5. Quito: Cable Car Ride and Private City Tour

See Quito from above on this cable car and guided tour. Travel to Cruz Loma viewpoint, explore Quito with a guide, and learn about Quito's history. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Pichincha volcano. Take the cable car to the top and admire the view from Cruz Loma. See an unforgettable view of Quito and the snow-capped volcanoes Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe. After returning to the base of the mountain, begin your guided tour of Quito, the first World Cultural Heritage Site created. Before your tour, enjoy some time to have a coffee or a small lunch with recommendations from your local guide. Head to Independence Square, the scene of many dramatic revolutionary battles throughout Ecuador's history. Walk past the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and Church of the Secret Society of Jesus of Quito. Stroll through the charming La Ronda neighborhood and marvel at the ancient Church and Convent of San Francisco. Hop into a car and drive to the top of El Panecillo and see the tallest aluminum statue in the world, the winged Virgin Mary of Quito.

Old District Quito City: Private Walking Tour

6. Old District Quito City: Private Walking Tour

Meet your guide at Plaza de San Blas located in the Old Town to begin your cultural tour into the city’s historical heart. Experience the sights, smells, and flavors of this sky-high capital as the day comes to life. Start this 4-hour adventure on the cobblestone streets of the city to visit: the Mercado Central, a vibrant and colorful market to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere; follow your guide past stalls bursting with exotic fruits and fresh vegetables and discover sizzling local dishes. You will also visit the Independence Plaza, home to the Independence Monument, Government Palace, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Stop to absorb the colonial charm of the La Compañía de Jesús, a Jesuit church boasting an elaborate façade made entirely out of volcanic stone, and an interior rich in gold leaf. Next, adventure to the legendary San Francisco Catholic Church to explore convents and a monastery, then walk down through Rocafuerte Street, which in the Seventeen Century was known as “the long Street to the hill”. Explore La Ronda, one of the most picturesque cobblestone streets in Old District of Quito. Following your guide’s recommendations and try flavors that you’re not likely to find back home — like colaciones, empanadas etc... Enjoy a shot of "Canelazo" using your newly learned phrases to greet locals or stop in a chocolatería to taste and have a full explanation of the whole process of making chocolate. Your guide is happy to provide assistance in getting back to your hotel.

From Quito: 10-Day Ecuador Highlights Private Tour

7. From Quito: 10-Day Ecuador Highlights Private Tour

Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture with a 10-day trip through the country's must-sees. Learn about local history as you stroll through the streets of Quito, Riobamba, and Cuenca. Marvel at the majesty of Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lake, the Pailón del Diablo waterfalls, and more magical sites. Day 1 - Overnight in QuitoGet picked up at your chosen location in Quito and begin your adventure by exploring the Old Town. Discover the Basílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía, El Panecillo, Plaza Grande, and Intiñam Museum. Enjoy the unique chance to stand at the Middle of the World monument. Day 2 - Overnight in QuitoSurround yourself with nature on a tour of the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve, the land of hummingbirds, and the paradise of butterflies. Walk through the forest with your guide and come across a variety of plants, then taste some local chocolate. Day 3 - Overnight in QuitoTake a day trip to two neighboring towns. Watch Ecuadorian culture come alive in Otavalo, and see the artisans that come to the main square every day to sell their products. Head over to Cotacachi, a town known for its leather production. Day 4 - Overnight in Cotapaxi ProvinceDepart from Quito and stop by the striking Cotopaxi Volcano. Experience the beauty of this rural area, marvel at panoramic views from the volcano, and spend the night in the Cotapaxi province. Day 5 - Overnight in Baños de Agua SantaDive even deeper into the beautiful natural landscapes of the area with a visit to Quilotoa, a crater with a gorgeous tranquil lake inside of it. Enjoy a walking tour around the crater, then continue to Baños de Agua Santa. Day 6 - Overnight in RiobambaGet your adrenaline pumping with the incredible outdoor attractions in Baños de Agua Santa. Seize the chance to. go zip lining, ride a cable car, and admire famous waterfalls, such as the Pailón del Diablo falls. Discover the incredible tree house with a giant swing. Afterward, drive to Riobamba. Day 7 - Overnight in AlausíStroll around the small town of Riobamba and buy some traditional slow-roasted pork from the local market. Admire Chimborazo, the tallest volcano in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun on Earth. Arrive in Alausí and visit the colorful old train station. Day 8 - Overnight in CuencaLeave Alausí and wander around the ancient Ingapirka ruins, where Ecuadorian history started. Continue your journey in Cuenca, one of the country's most beautiful cities, and take part in a Panama hat workshop if you'd like to get to know the town's traditional production process. Day 9 - Overnight in CuencaEmbark on an insightful walking tour of Cuenca Old Town and gaze at its main buildings. Explore the picturesque town of Gualaceo, famous for its handwoven 'makanas'. Day 10 - Overnight in GuayaquilTake the route to Guayaquil, stopping at the breathtaking Cajas National Park along the way. Arrive in the city and visit the 'malecon' area on the Guayas River or choose to take the cable car for a nice aerial view of the city.

Quito old town and local life

8. Quito old town and local life

From your hotel, the tour starts with a visit to Santa Clara Market where we will see exotic fruits that you will see just in Ecuador. Smell some delicious flavors coming from the typical food that Quiteños eat here. History, art and culture is something that you will see everywhere in Quito old town. You then continue onto Panecillo Hill, a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the city. Leaving the old town, head to the cable car Teleférico, traveling to 4,200 meters above sea level to view all of Quito.

Quito: City Highlights Private Guided Tour & Food Tasting

9. Quito: City Highlights Private Guided Tour & Food Tasting

We deeply recommend to start this morning without having any breakfast. Your tour guide will pick you up at 10:00 a.m., to start an exciting adventure in the old town! While he explain you all about the history of Ecuador and Quito, the Inca Empire, the Spanish invasion and finally the independence and the republican period, you'll have the opportunity to discover new flavours! We drive first to visit a local market, well-known as Mercado Central or Mercado Iñaquito, where we can try different exotic tropical fruits and local specialties from the Sierra region! During our walk, we will pass through the Independence Square, scenery of many dramatic battles of revolution in the history of the Republic of Ecuador; here you'll have the privilege to try different types of traditional salty and sweet pastries. We will have the privilege to see the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Church of the Sacred Society of Jesus of Quito, summit of the Latin American Baroque Style. Then we continue with the charming neighbourhood of La Ronda, where it will be possible to do a chocolate tasting, and finally the Convent of San Francisco, built in 1540. Then you'll have the opportunity to drive, uphill way, to visit the top of "El Panecillo", where the winged Virgin Mary of Quito is located, and it is considered the tallest aluminium statue of the world. Then, enjoying a tasty traditional home-made cocktail known as "canelazo", you will have an incredible view of the old town, new town and south of Quito; including the amazing snow-capped volcanoes: Cotopaxi (19.350 ft), Antisana (18.874 ft) and Cayambe (18.996 ft). You will be back in your hotel approximately at 2:00 p.m. End of our authentic and tasty city tour!

City tour Quito Private

10. City tour Quito Private

You'll begin the tour at 9:00 from the lobby of the hotel and go towards the center of the first city named Historic Cultural Heritage of Humanity.  Follow the Gran Colombia Avenue past the church of the Basilica del Voto Nacional (The Basilica of the National Vow), to the Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square) through the colonial streets. Continue on a walking tour visiting the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop, the church of the Jesuits where you can appreciate its adornments and gold altars, the tabernacle and the church of San Francisco built in the sixteenth century. After you arrive at the Panecillo’s Balcony where the statue of the Virgin Mary is located and where you can to admire a beautiful landscape of Colonial Quito and modern. The tour ends with your return to your hotel.

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Independence Square, Quito

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What people are saying about Independence Square, Quito

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 12 reviews

Our guide met us promptly & immediately started letting us know about the history of the streets we passed through. His English was excellent and his connection to all the vendors in the markets we visited was lovely to see and gave us inside access to the food & beliefs of local people. The history of colonial buildings and their stories was very interesting and we were fascinated by the information provided. Excellent value and a really fun and interesting few hours.