Quito Old Town: Market Walk, Ice Cream Making & Historic Churches

Summary

Walk Quito’s lively streets, meet locals in the market, taste ice cream and see gold-filled churches

You’ll wander Quito’s Old Town with a local guide, tasting fruits in the Central Market and learning legends around Independence Plaza. Step inside gold-laden churches, then end your day making Ecuadorian ice cream on La Ronda street. Expect laughter, new flavors, and stories you’ll want to tell later.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the smell—spices and ripe fruit all mixed together as we squeezed into Quito’s Central Market. Our guide, Ana, waved us over to a stall where a woman was grinding something green (I never caught the name). She handed us tiny cups of juice that tasted like nothing I’ve had before—sharp and sweet at once. There was this older man joking with Ana about which fruit brings luck in love; she said it’s just an excuse to buy more passionfruit. I laughed but honestly, I still wonder if it works.

We wandered out into the sunlight toward Independence Plaza—so much stone underfoot and people everywhere, selling newspapers or just sitting on benches. Ana pointed at the Metropolitan Cathedral and told us about secret tunnels underneath (I half-expected her to show us a hidden door). The Government Palace looked serious but there were kids chasing pigeons right outside. It felt strange thinking about revolutions happening here when now it’s all just busy city noise and old walls.

The Church of the Society of Jesus is… well, gold. Like really gold. I tried to take a photo but it never looks right—too much shine, too many details carved into every inch. Ana explained how long it took local artists to finish all that work (decades), and I remember running my fingers along one of the cool stone columns while she talked. We could’ve climbed San Francisco Church’s towers for a view but honestly, my legs were already complaining from those cobblestones.

La Ronda was our last stop—music coming from somewhere above us, a couple arguing gently over empanadas at a window. We made helado de paila (that ice cream spun in a big metal bowl) with naranjilla fruit. Mine turned out weirdly sour but everyone else seemed happy with theirs. Someone said you have to try three flavors before you find your favorite—I guess that means I’ll be back someday.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Quito Old Town and Market

• Meet guide at Central Market
• Explore market stalls and stories
• Visit Independence Plaza
• See Metropolitan Cathedral and Government Palace
• View Jesuit church La Compañía de Jesús
• Option to climb San Francisco Church towers
• End tour at La Ronda street

Top questions

Is this Quito Old Town tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children aged 6 and up can join if accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to bring anything special for the walking tour?

Just comfortable clothes and shoes—a sweater or light jacket is smart since weather changes quickly in Quito.

Does the tour include entry to churches like La Compañía de Jesús?

Yes, entry to main churches including La Compañía de Jesús is included.

How big are the groups on this Quito Old Town tour?

The walking tour runs in small groups with no more than 12 guests.

Is lunch included or just an ice cream tasting?

No full lunch is included—just an ice cream making session using local ingredients.

What’s included

Your day covers guided walks through Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town markets and plazas, entry into colonial landmarks like La Compañía de Jesús church with its golden interior, hands-on Ecuadorian ice cream making using native fruits on La Ronda street, plus stories from your local guide throughout—all within a relaxed small group setting.