Quito Old Town: Food & Culture Walking Tour with Chocolate

Walk Quito’s streets taste chocolate see golden churches

You’ll stroll Quito’s historic center with a local guide, tasting Ecuadorian chocolate and fresh empanadas along cobbled streets. Explore iconic churches like La Compañía de Jesús and San Francisco Church, soak up lively plazas, and share laughs over food stories. This walk leaves you feeling like you’ve seen more than just buildings—you’ve felt the city breathe.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Quito's culture and gastronomy

• Visit Basilica of the National Vow
• Learn about indigenous cultures
• Taste traditional food at Archbishop's Palace
• See Independence Plaza and colonial buildings
• View Church of the Society of Jesus facade
• Explore San Francisco Church
• Taste Ecuadorian chocolate

The Experience

“You can’t really know Quito until you’ve tried the chocolate,” our guide Maria grinned, holding out a tiny square wrapped in gold foil. I was still thinking about the Basilica of the National Vow — those stone animals poking out from the towers, not gargoyles but iguanas and armadillos. The air felt thin and bright that morning, and I remember my shoes clicking on the old stones as Maria told us how locals sometimes climb all the way up for city views (I didn’t dare — heights and I don’t get along). She pointed out tiny details in Spanish, then English for me, laughing when I tried to say “Basílica” with any kind of accent.

We wandered through Independence Plaza where kids chased pigeons and a couple of older men argued gently over something on a newspaper. The Archbishop’s Palace had this cool shade under its arches; it smelled faintly like coffee and fried dough from somewhere nearby. Lunch was an empanada — crisp edges, hot inside — eaten standing up because we were too curious to sit still. Maria explained how the city’s history is tangled up with food, religion, and these wild bursts of color everywhere: painted doors, woven shawls in shop windows, even the gold leaf on La Compañía de Jesús church (they call it the Golden Church for a reason — it almost glows).

I didn’t expect to laugh so much during a day trip in Quito old town. There was this moment at San Francisco Church where a woman selling snacks winked at us as we passed by — she handed me something sweet wrapped in banana leaf, no idea what it was but it tasted like cinnamon and home. The chocolate tasting was last; we learned about cacao’s journey from bean to bar while trying to guess flavors (I got one right! Maria cheered). Walking back through narrow streets, I kept thinking about how every block seemed to hold another story or smell or smile. Quito’s old town just sort of gets under your skin after a few hours.

Top questions

How long does the Quito Old Town walking tour last?

The tour covers several main sites in one day—expect around 3-4 hours total.

Is food included on this Quito cultural-gastro tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy tastings including empanadas, chocolate, liquors, snacks and more.

Are entry fees included for churches or attractions?

The tour includes guided visits outside major churches; some interiors may require extra tickets.

Does this Quito walking tour include shopping stops?

You’ll have time to browse local shops in old town during the walk.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes—it’s designed for all fitness levels with gentle walking and regular stops.

Are there vegetarian options during tastings?

The main food tastings are empanadas and chocolate; vegetarian options are available.

Where does the tour start in Quito?

The meeting point is centrally located in Quito’s old town; details provided after booking.

Can I bring service animals on this tour?

Yes—service animals are allowed on this walking tour.

What’s included

Your day includes tastings of Ecuadorian chocolate made from fine aroma cacao beans, traditional empanadas hot from the pan, snacks and local liquors along the way—all led by a certified guide who brings stories to life as you wander through Quito’s historic center together.