Explore Quito, the oldest capital in South America, from all of its angles. Get to know the main historical plazas, buildings, churches and parks. Admire downtown's colonial architecture with its mix of 19th century and modern style buildings. Get away from the main sites and explore lesser-known gems, like the main flea market in town, where you'll understand another side of every day local life. Eat at a top street food stop, and explore one of the main markets. Finish the journey sampling some of the best chocolate and coffee from the hands of a top chocolatier.

Your tour guide will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel, due to the viewpoint of the volcano Pululahua, one of the two inhabited craters in the world. This volcanic complex consists of a main boiler, a central volcano with two craters and the remains of a third party, and several volcanic domes within the caldera located on the edge and outside of it. Then we head to the Intiñan Museum, geographically located at 0 degrees, 0 minutes and 0 seconds, that marks the division between northern and southern hemispheres as established by the French Geodesic Mission in the eighteenth century, you will see beautiful displays of different ethnic groups in Ecuador, plus the story of their lifestyles, explained by a specialist tour guide! This is an opportunity to be photographed with both of your feet on the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time! On the way back to Quito, you will see from the road the Equatorial Monument. In the afternoon you go to the colonial town of Quito, officially considered the first world cultural heritage site (UNESCO 1978). During your walk, you will pass through the Independence Square, scenery of many dramatic battles of revolution in the history of the Republic of Ecuador. And you will have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Church of the Society of Jesus of Quito, summit of the Latin America Baroque style, the charming neighbourhood of La Ronda, and the Church and Convent of San Francisco, built in 1540. Finally you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city from "El Panecillo" hill. Then you will be back in your hotel approximately at 3:30 p.m. End of your first fantastic experience in Quito!

See Quito from above on this cable car and guided tour. Travel to Cruz Loma viewpoint, explore Quito with a guide, and learn about Quito's history. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Pichincha volcano. Take the cable car to the top and admire the view from Cruz Loma. See an unforgettable view of Quito and the snow-capped volcanoes Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe. After returning to the base of the mountain, begin your guided tour of Quito, the first World Cultural Heritage Site created. Before your tour, enjoy some time to have a coffee or a small lunch with recommendations from your local guide. Head to Independence Square, the scene of many dramatic revolutionary battles throughout Ecuador's history. Walk past the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and Church of the Secret Society of Jesus of Quito. Stroll through the charming La Ronda neighborhood and marvel at the ancient Church and Convent of San Francisco. Hop into a car and drive to the top of El Panecillo and see the tallest aluminum statue in the world, the winged Virgin Mary of Quito.

Walk from Independence Plaza to the impressive Independence Monument, the city’s cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the seat of the government, Carondelet Palace.  Your guide will tell you the stories and legends behind the city’s most famous buildings and the roles these sites have played in Ecuador’s rich history. Then continue on to La Compañía de Jesús, a breathtaking Jesuit church with a volcanic stone façade and an interior covered in gold leaf. Explore the University of San Gregorio and then walk down ancient streets on your way to La Ronda, one of the most traditional Quito streets. Next up, visit a woodcarving workshop. Watch the artisans carving, gold plating, and setting in the old Quito style. Ask them questions and maybe even give it a go yourself. Then, learn how to make chocolate in the local old-fashioned way. Taste several varieties of some of the best chocolate in the world. Finally, stop at one of the most traditional ice cream shops of the old town. Try local flavors such as morocho corn and quinoa.

Meet your guide at Plaza de San Blas located in the Old Town to begin your cultural tour into the city’s historical heart. Experience the sights, smells, and flavors of this sky-high capital as the day comes to life. Start this 4-hour adventure on the cobblestone streets of the city to visit: the Mercado Central, a vibrant and colorful market to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere; follow your guide past stalls bursting with exotic fruits and fresh vegetables and discover sizzling local dishes. You will also visit the Independence Plaza, home to the Independence Monument, Government Palace, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Stop to absorb the colonial charm of the La Compañía de Jesús, a Jesuit church boasting an elaborate façade made entirely out of volcanic stone, and an interior rich in gold leaf. Next, adventure to the legendary San Francisco Catholic Church to explore convents and a monastery, then walk down through Rocafuerte Street, which in the Seventeen Century was known as “the long Street to the hill”. Explore La Ronda, one of the most picturesque cobblestone streets in Old District of Quito. Following your guide’s recommendations and try flavors that you’re not likely to find back home — like colaciones, empanadas etc... Enjoy a shot of "Canelazo" using your newly learned phrases to greet locals or stop in a chocolatería to taste and have a full explanation of the whole process of making chocolate. Your guide is happy to provide assistance in getting back to your hotel.