Private Tour
Hidden Quito Private Tour: Culture, Food & Local Secrets
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover Quito beyond the typical walking tours on a private experience that blends culture, history, and authentic local flavors. Instead of just visiting landmarks, you’ll connect with the city through hidden gems, traditional sweets, and Ecuadorian chocolate.
With a personalized pace and expert local guide, you’ll explore the Historic Center in a more meaningful way—uncovering stories, traditions, and places that most visitors miss.
This is not just a tour, it’s a deeper, more authentic way to experience the real heartbeat of Quito.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Your experience begins at the iconic Basilica del Voto Nacional, one of Quito’s most impressive landmarks. From the outside, admire its unique neo-Gothic architecture while your guide shares the fascinating history behind this symbolic “Church of the End of the World.” You will also visit the entrance of the Ecuadorian Presidents’ Pantheon, a site rich in national history and significance. If you wish, you can climb the Basilica towers for stunning panoramic views of the city (optional, entrance fee approx. $4, not included).
Continue your journey to Casa Vásconez, a hidden gem in the heart of Quito’s Historic Center. This unique space blends tradition and contemporary art within its charming adobe walls and colonial ambiance. Discover handcrafted sculptures inspired by Andean folklore, including the iconic Vaca Loca, while your guide shares the cultural meaning behind these vibrant expressions. A perfect stop to connect with Quito’s artistic spirit and local creativity.
What‘s Included
Traditional sweets tasting
Private bilingual guide
Ecuadorian chocolate tasting
Entrance to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito
Tips are optional, but they are greatly appreciated. It’s a great way to show your appreciation for your guide’s expertise and passion.
Personal expenses
Entrance to the Basilica of the National Vow
Entrance to the Church of the Society of Jesus
Options
Walking among chullas (7h)
A short class on painting trad: Enjoy a short hands-on workshop to paint traditional masks, inspired by Andean culture and local festivities. Learn about the
Duration: 7 hours
Traditional lunch: Optional traditional Ecuadorian lunch available for an additional $10 per person. Enjoy authentic local flavors and complete
Admission fee: Optional entrance to the Convent of San Francisco available for an additional $6 per person. Discover one of Quito’s most ico
Walking among chullas (4h)
Duration: 4 hours
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good way to see historic Quito.
J9919JFkatieg,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Omg. Loved Marlon and his ability to give me relavant information in a chill way. Loved the mix of sights and food culture. Also, he had the best recommendation on a sandwich!!
Super Tour
L3082QRjuttaw,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really liked the tour with Marlon! He made the tour very entertaining. The three hours passed in flight!
Perfect tour if you don’t have long in Quito..!
Richard P,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great 3 hr tour of the old town. Marlon was a great guide, full of insights and fun facts. Highly recommended..! Must do the chocolate and coffee tours..!
BEST RIDE AND BEST GUIDE TO QUITO
J7475AQlilianm,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very interesting experience and the guide Marlon knows a lot about the history of the city, he is very patient to explain everything and expect us to take pictures and really, I was delighted with Quito and everything we did on the walk. Thank you very much Marlon, it was amazing!
Quito memorable
Discover752314,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sebas was an excellent guide, he gave us a real experience of Quito, very grateful. If I came back to this beautiful city I would love our guide to be Sebastian
Quiet experience that included a lot of knowledge of the city, culture and history of Quito.
elisvvieira,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We opted for the Private Tour. Who accompanied us was the guide Marlon who demonstrated deep knowledge about the city, culture and history of Quito and Ecuador. In addition to exploring the historic center we had the opportunity to know drinks and sweets typical of the region is a taste of chocolates where we had a deeper knowledge of cocoa cultivation in the region.
Unmissable free tour in Quito
michup2016,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It has been a super complete, dynamic and full of surprises! Where we’ve learned a lot about the city, kichwa expressions and even the opportunity to sample typical Quito sweets and drinks. We enjoyed it so much!! Thank you!!
Excellent walking tour
Hernan bertolotti,Jul 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The visit to the gastronomic places and all the historical reviews, Grace's patience knowing that we are with a small child. All very well.
Friendly and informative guide, who gave her best on a busy day
Pining ex londoner,Apr 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Grace was an informative and friendly guide with obvious enthusiasm for Quito and for Ecuadior. We covered a lot in 3 hours, despite Grace having to speak in both English and Spanish. It was a very busy day in Quito (palm sunday) so we couldn't get into all the buildings, but it gave us a good background and we soaked up the atmosphere. Personally we were not bothered by the sweets, ice creams snd chocolate making (would have preferred more architecture and art) but we appreciate that's part of the 'deal' on a free tour. This was our first free walking tour and we'd certainly consider them again.
Great tour
weijie32,Oct 10, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Grace took us on a walk around Quito and shared with us about the history and culture. We also got to taste some candy and chocolate. Highly recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting!
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Operated by Kunakkuna Experiences