Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito

Quito , Ecuador

Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito

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(2 reviews)

11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This tour will have you feeling like a true local. You will visit the market, cook Ecuadorian food, visit the Guayasamin Museum, shop till you drop at the Artisanal Market, visit the Panecillo Virgen Statue and have a wonderful dinner at Pims restaurant with the best views of Quito. You will be accompanied by Andres the owner of the company. Andres is a true local who loves showing his native town to travelers. It's truly an amazing tour and experience you can't miss!

Available options

Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Entrance to Guayasamin Museum

Lunch

Cooking Class in Old Town Quito

Dinner reservations at Pim´s Restaurant Panecillo

Detailed itinerary

Our first stop is at Mercado Central or Central Market. This is one of the oldest markets in Quito and my favorite. We will explore the market, have a local fruit juice, learn about the immense variety of fruits and vegetables available, meet market vendors, and have a traditional snack "mote con fritada". After this fun-packed adventure, we will head to our cooking class.

Stop 2

Following the market visit we will head to the Historic Center to our cooking class venue. The class takes places inside a colonial house with open space for cooking and having a great time. We will meet the chef here and you will learn Ecuadorian cooking techniques to create a delicious meal. The entire experience is fantastic and a whole lot of fun!

Stop 3

After our wonderful cooking class, we head to the Casa Museo Guayasamin (Guayasamin Home and Museum). This is an amazing experience. You get to visit and explore the last home of Guayasamin and his art studio. All while learning about this incredibly talented art genius. Next, is a tour of the Guayasamin Museum. Here you get to see some of Guayasamin's largest and most impressive paintings. Truly an amazing experience.

We will make a stop at the Mercado Artesanal (Artisanal Market) for souvenir shopping. Here you can find great stuff for gifts for your loved one back home. Alpaca jackets and blankets, ponchos, Panama hats, and Ecuadorian chocolate and coffee are available for purchase here.

Stop 5

After a quick stop at your hotel, we head to El Panecillo to visit the statue and get the best views of Quito at night. We have reservations at the Pims restaurant for dinner with a spectacular view.

What's not included

Dinner

Additional Food and Drinks

Tips for the guide and driver

Pick-up at or close to the airport incurs a $35 USD surcharge for roundtrip.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.

Historical Half to full day Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums

TelefériQo

A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Mitad del Mundo

A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Historical Half day Moderate

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

Nature Half to full day Budget

Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Capilla del Hombre

A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Llocro de Papa

A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Cuy Asado

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Dinner Contains meat

Encebollado

A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.

Lunch Contains fish

Empanadas de Viento

Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest Paragliding over Quito Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center Exploring local markets and shopping areas

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Getting there

By air

Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By bus

Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)

Getting around

Public transport

Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center (Centro Histórico) La Floresta González Suárez El Panecillo

Day trips

Cotopaxi National Park

50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day

A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Mindo Cloud Forest

80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day

A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

Papallacta Hot Springs

65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day

Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quito • Early December Inti Raymi • June 21-24 Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.