Quito

Art & Craft Workshops

Begin by a visit to one of South America's best preserved historic city centers. Go to the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, where you can climb up its high domes. Move towards the Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic place in the city, renowned for its beauty and giant statue of the Winged Virgin - here you can admire a beautiful landscape of both colonial and modern Quito (entrance to churches not included). Continue on to the traditional La Ronda neighborhood. In this romantic setting you can find workshops where you can learn from a group of authentic artisans how their work is done. See historic trades that keep alive the cultural traditions of this charming city. Stop at Zona Rosa for approximately an hour and a half to have some free time for lunch (not included). You will then go to the Middle of the World City, where you can see the monument that divides the northern and southern hemispheres of the planet. Entrance to the Middle of the World complex is included ,where you can enjoy experiences that defy the laws of physics and occur only in this part of the world. NOTE: On Sunday, this tour operates in an inverted way, first you visit the Middle of the World and then you have the city tour.

During the course of this tour, you'll get to know the people and places of Quito, as your guide explains to you the cultural heritage of the city. You'll travel in a historic tram, similar to those that could be found in Quito in the 20th century. Firstly, you'll visit the historic centre of Quito, one of the largest and best-preserved sites in South America. Then, make your way to the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, making a brief stop during which you'll be able to climb it's high domes. Following this, you'll head to the Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic place in the city where a statue of the Winged Virgin is located. Take some time to admire the beautiful landscape of Quito. Then, you'll continue to the Plaza de San Francisco, a place full of history. The historical and political centre of the city is to be found at the Plaza Grande, which is surrounded by innumerable attractions including the Cathedral, the Palace of Government, the Archbishop's Palace and the La Compañía church. This part of the tour will finish in the traditional La Ronda neighbourhood, in whose romantic setting you can find workshops and learn from local artisans. Find out how their works are created and gain an insight into the trades of yesteryear, which keep alive the cultural traditions of this charming city.  Urban Legends of Quito at night: The nighttime tour will begin in the northern part of the city. You'll get to visit the more commercial areas, where you can find most of Quito's hotels and nightlife. Then, you'll head to the historic centre to admire the churches and historic buildings illuminated at night. The tour will continue to Mirador del Panecillo, where you can take in stunning views of Quito. At the end of the tour, you may wish to go to one of the local nightlife spots or to one of the recommended restaurants or simply return to your hotel.

Your experience begins as you are collected from your accommodation in Quito. From there you will take a small market tour, which will allow you to see cherished produce of the region. Following that, you will proceed onward to a restaurant where you will be introduced to your chefs who will be leading you for the next stage of your activity. The recipes you will prepare on the day include locro quiteño, ceviche, and encocado, among other delicacies. These recipes have been specifically chosen due to the fact that many of the required ingredients can be found in most countries, allowing you to cook them back at home. Throughout the class the chef of the restaurant will accompany you, providing you with guidance with the preparation and presentation of each dish. Details about the history of the dishes and their origins will also be passed on to you. After completing the 3 established dishes, you will have the pleasure of trying your handiwork in a unique location, as you sit down to dine on the patio of a colonial house. Once having savored your creations, you will be returned back to your tour starting point.

First enjoy a visit to the historic center, the largest and best preserved in South America, in a replica trolley, learn how these circulated in Quito in the last century. Visit to the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, where you will be able to climb up to its high domes, and later move towards the Panecillo viewpoint. This iconic place in the city, is renowned for its beauty, near by there is also a giant statue of the "Winged Virgin", where you can admire a beautiful landscape of colonial and modern Quito. Continue to the Plaza de San Francisco, one of the representative places of the city which is full of history. Enjoy a walk to the Plaza Grande, historical and political center of the city, where you will pass by innumerable attractions including: the Cathedral, the Palace of Government, the Archbishop's Palace and the La Compañía church. Then experience the traditional La Ronda neighborhood, in whose romantic setting, traditional workshops can be found. Here you will learn from a group of authentic artisans, how their works are informed from traditions, and the importance of trades from yesteryear that keep alive the cultural charms of this city. Quito is recognized as the first city to brew beer in South America, in the sixteenth century, 1566 religious orders injected the beer gene in the Quiteño people, which has awakened again in the 21st century. On this tour, learn about the passion Quito has, and with great care how the culture have crafted their unique beers. This part of the tour starts from selected hotels or at the starting point in the area of La Mariscal. Where you will walk to the first Pub located in a traditional neighborhood where a tasting will take place by a master brewer specialist. They will teach you to use all 5 senses to discover the flavors of craft beer. Then walk through the beautiful streets of the historic center until you reach the next stop, the former craft breweries of the city. Here you will continue enjoying the pleasures of beer and understand more about its processes.

Discover a wide array of local crafts on this day trip from Quito to the vibrant Plaza de Ponchos market in the city of Otavalo. Visit a fabric gallery at Casa Condor, an Andean Music House, and travel to Cotacachi to look for leather goods. Be picked up by your local guide at your accommodation in Quito. Relax on a scenic drive through the Guayllabamba countryside and stop to savor a custardy chirimoya fruit. Continue to the Andean highland city of Otavalo.  Head to the Plaza de Ponchos market where local crafts from northern Ecuador are sold. Peruse the colorful shops before continuing to the Casa Condor gallery for a demonstration on the traditional preparation and coloring of wool. Delight your ears at the Andean Music House where a musician will show you how Andean instruments are used in local performances. Drive to the charming town of Cotacachi to check out some fine leather products that the area is well-known for. Have the chance to stop to purchase a local lunch before returning to your accommodation in Quito.