Quito Old Town: Small Group Cacao & Chocolate Tasting Walk
Walk Quito’s old streets, taste cacao, hear legends & church bells
You’ll walk Quito’s Old Town with a local guide, weaving through plazas and churches while hearing stories you’d never find online. Taste traditional candies and real Ecuadorian chocolate along the way, plus there’s time for questions or just people-watching on Independence Plaza. This tour leaves you with more than photos. It sticks with you long after.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Quito Old Town and taste cacao
- Visit Basilica of the National Vow
- See Military Forces Palace history
- Enter Archbishop's Palace
- Walk around Independence Plaza
- Visit a 17th-century baroque church
- Explore San Francisco Church
- Taste traditional candies and sweets
- Enjoy chocolate tasting
- Basilica of the National Vow 40m
- Palacio del Antiguo Circulo Militar 20m
- Archbishop's Palace 10m
- Independence Plaza 10m
- Cathedral of Quito 10m
- San Francisco Church 15m
- Calle de las Siete Cruces 10m
- Yumbos Chocolate 30m
What’s included
Your tour includes walking with an English-speaking local guide through Quito’s historic center, entry into several iconic churches, stops for traditional candies along bustling streets, plus a real Ecuadorian chocolate tasting before you finish up: all in a relaxed small group setting where you can ask anything or just soak up city life as it happens around you.
- Every day 09:30 12:00 15:00 17:00
Information
Feel Quito’s Old Town with a local guide, taste Ecuadorian chocolate, wander San Francisco Church & Independence Plaza. Includes snacks & small group setting.
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Traveler reviews
The experience
I nearly tripped over a cobblestone right outside the Basilica of the National Vow, not my most graceful start, but honestly, I was too busy gawking at those spiky towers to care. Our guide laughed and told us about the iguana gargoyles (I didn’t even notice them at first), and then he explained how this is actually the tallest church in Ecuador. He also told us the legend tied to the basilica: apparently one that locals still whisper about. The air felt thinner than I expected. Maybe that’s just Quito’s altitude or maybe I was nervous to say “basilica” in Spanish without butchering it.
We wandered down toward Independence Plaza, and suddenly everything got louder: shoe shiners calling out, school kids darting around in uniforms, someone selling sweet-smelling candied peanuts from a cart. Our guide stopped us by the Archbishop’s Palace and let us step inside the old baroque building. He told us stories about bishops and Spanish governors like they were old neighbors. At one point he paused and asked if we wanted to try some traditional candies. I grabbed something sticky and purple that tasted like flowers and sugar. Not what I expected but oddly comforting.
The best bit? That moment inside San Francisco Church when the afternoon light hit all the gold leaf just so, for a second everyone went quiet. It smelled faintly of incense and old wood. Later we ended up tasting proper Ecuadorian chocolate at a chocolate shop. The first bite was almost bitter, then suddenly it bloomed into this deep, earthy flavor. Our guide said real cacao is supposed to surprise you like that. I still think about that taste sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.
Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Is chocolate tasting included on this Quito walking tour?
Yes, chocolate tasting is included at the end of the tour.
Are snacks provided during the Old Town Quito tour?
Yes, snacks such as traditional candies are included during the walk.
What churches will we visit on this day trip in Quito?
You’ll see the Basilica of the National Vow, San Francisco Church, and a 17th-century baroque church.
Is this small group tour suitable for children or families?
The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants can join with prams or strollers.
Are there options for public transport near the meeting point?
Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access.
Operated by Ayllu Tour. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Quito Old Town: Small Group Cacao & Chocolate Tasting Walk
2h–3h · EN
from US$ 5 per group
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