Quito Old Town: Food & Culture Walking Tour with Chocolate

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/6

Duration3h–4h

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

3h–4h

Step-by-step itinerary

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.

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kevsa Tours