Quito in 1 Day for Friends - Panoramic view from the Basilica towers
In Collaboration with TuristiK. Updated on February 23, 2026.
A 3.5-hour guided walking tour through Quito Historic Center that combines history, local culture and multiple tastings. The guide leads the group through the Basilica towers for a panoramic view, several short stops at galleries, craft shops and markets for local snacks and sweets, a chocolate tasting and a canelazo. The route moves on foot within the historic center and finishes with a view of (
This itinerary was created in collaboration with TuristiK, inspired by the tour Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Panoramic view from the Basilica towers
- Ecuadorian chocolate tasting
- Tasting of traditional sweets and canelazo
- Walk through Plaza de la Independencia and García Moreno street
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Parque Gabriel García Moreno. The guide leads a 3.5-hour walking route through Quito's historic center, following the agenda items in order. All stops are short, social, and designed for a groups-of-friends pace with time for photos and shared tastings.
Meet & Basilica towers panoramic view
The Neo-Gothic church similar to Notre Dame; guide accompanies the group up the towers for a panoramic view of Quito.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet at Parque Gabriel García Moreno 5 minutes before the start time to avoid delays.
- Wear comfortable shoes — there are steps to reach some vantage points; leave large bags at the hotel.
- Carry a lightweight jacket — higher viewpoints are windy and cooler than street level.
Visit to local art gallery (may be closed some days)
Short stop at an art gallery to learn stories, traditions and ideologies of Ecuador's indigenous groups (gallery opening depends on the day).
Tips from local experts:
- If the gallery is closed that day the guide will share the same content on the street nearby — stay within earshot.
- Ask the guide about photography rules before taking pictures inside smaller galleries.
- This stop is short; store larger purchases for later in the tour to avoid carrying them around.
Craft shop tasting and traditional mask experience
Visit a craft shop to taste local snacks (including the traditional roasted corn with panela) and take a short shot of a national or non‑alcoholic liquor; group may dance briefly while trying on 'diablo huma' masks.
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer not to wear a mask, let the guide know — participation in the brief dance is optional.
- Notify the guide of any food allergies before tastings begin.
- Carry a small bag for any small crafts you may buy at this stop.
Sandwich tasting (local variation)
Short tasting of a local sandwich — guide explains why local sandwiches are unique in each Quito neighborhood.
Tips from local experts:
- Portion sizes are small for tasting; if you have a larger appetite plan a full meal after the tour.
- Ask for vegetarian or vegan options in advance if needed — most vendors can adapt fillings.
- Carry a napkin or wet wipe; street tastings can be hands-on and a bit messy.
Sweets tasting on Mejía
Stop to taste Quito's well-known sweets, including local specialties described as 'miscellas'.
Tips from local experts:
- Taste only what you want — samples are typically small but sweet.
- If you have diabetes or sugar sensitivities, inform the guide to adjust tastings.
- Bring a small reusable bag if you plan to buy sweets to take home.
Photo stop at colonial house (Independence Square corner)
Take photos of a colonial house at Calle Chile corner Venezuela, in the Plaza de la Independencia.
Tips from local experts:
- This square is popular; keep personal items secure and close in crowded areas.
- Ask the guide for a suggested camera angle for the best colonial façade photos.
- Use the group photo opportunity to swap phones or cameras briefly for shared shots.
History briefing from Independence Square
Guide explains the history and evolution of Quito and shows the Government Palace and the Cathedral from the square to frame why Quito is a cultural heritage site.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand on the side of the square where the guide positions the group for the best view of the palace and cathedral.
- If you need closer access to any building afterward, note the guide's suggestion of which to return to after the tour.
- Wear sun protection — portions of the square are exposed and Quito's sun is strong at altitude.
Walk along C. García Moreno (touristy street)
Walk the most touristic street in the historic center; guide points out churches, the Royal Audience seat and the municipal library.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a walking segment; keep pace with the group to hear commentary and avoid crossing traffic.
- There are benches and small cafés along García Moreno if anyone needs a quick seat.
- If you prefer skipping a portion of the walk, inform the guide and rejoin at the next stop.
Outside view: Church bathed in gold leaf
Brief explanation of the façade and why this is considered the best expression of Quiteño Baroque (exterior only; inside visit optional after the tour).
Tips from local experts:
- The guide's explanation is from the street; entering the church is optional and may require a separate entrance fee.
- If you want interior access, note its opening hours and return after the tour.
- Avoid touching gilded surfaces; they are delicate and often protected.
Stop outside the Old Central Bank building
Brief stop to learn why Ecuador uses the US dollar and a short history of the national currency.
Tips from local experts:
- This is an external stop only — there is no interior access included.
- Ask the guide for recommended reading or museums if you want more economic history after the tour.
- Keep an ear on the guide's summary; it's intentionally brief to keep the pace.
Buy/try humitas and quimbolitos on García Moreno
Short purchase/tasting stop for vegetarian or vegan humitas and quimbolitos; local options available.
Tips from local experts:
- These items can be warm and wrapped — bring a small bag if you plan to carry them for later.
- If you have dietary restrictions, ask vendors for ingredient details (corn, cheese, sugar).
- Keep small local currency coins handy for small purchases at market vendors.
Visit outside the largest convent (San Francisco)
Guide explains the history and curiosities of what is described as the largest convent in South America (exterior commentary).
Tips from local experts:
- This is an exterior explanation; interior visits require separate entry and time if you return later.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the area around the convent has uneven cobblestones.
- Use this stop for a bathroom break if needed; the guide will indicate nearby public facilities.
Ecuadorian chocolate tasting
Tasting of Ecuadorian chocolate made with fine aroma cocoa and a short history of cocoa in Ecuador and the world.
Tips from local experts:
- Notify the guide of cocoa or nut allergies before the tasting begins.
- Chocolate tastings are typically seated — keep small items in a secure pocket while enjoying samples.
- If you plan to buy bars to take home, ask the vendor about packaging for travel.
Canelazo tasting (traditional drink)
Short tasting of canelazo — available with or without alcohol (location can vary within the nearby historic center).
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic canelazo, tell the guide or vendor before it is prepared.
- Canelazo is served warm — take care when holding cups and consider a small sleeve for insulation.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach if it contains alcohol; eat one of the small snacks provided earlier.
Finish with San Francisco view and souvenir
Final stop with a view of the Church of San Francisco; guests receive a small souvenir to conclude the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep the souvenir with you; the guide will give final remarks and confirm where the tour ends for independent returns.
- If you plan to continue exploring nearby, ask the guide for recommended cafes or museums that are open after the tour.
- Confirm your return route or taxi meeting point with the guide if you are heading to another part of the city.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Culture, Shopping, Meal, Neighborhood, Experience |
