Free Walking Tour Quito
Read our Reviews
See what some of our amazing guests have been saying about the tour and the guides 🙂
About the Tour
Join us on an adventure in Old Town Quito, get to see Colonial Quito through the eyes of a local!
About the Free Walking Tour
Come Join us on a free walking tour and get to know the History of Quito and Ecuador, see the main plazas in Old Town Quito (and maybe even our president), the Central Market, a chocolate tasting, and the stories behind the Basílica, La Compañía and Plaza San Francisco.
See for yourself why UNESCO named Quito the first world heritage site, and all of this guided in a fun and interactive setting, by English speaking Ecuadorians!
Tours run Monday to Saturday at 10:30 and 14:30, and Sunday at 10:30!
The route
- Community Hostel rooftop – we meet and start with views over Old Town.
- Central Market – we go inside and explore Ecuador’s fruits, juices, food and traditional remedies.
- Plaza del Teatro – a short stop and a little history.
- Basílica del Voto Nacional – on the way to Plaza Grande we stop with a view of the Basílica and share its history and secrets.
- Plaza Grande and the Presidential Palace – the political heart of Ecuador.
- La Compañía de Jesús – the story of one of the most famous churches in the Americas, told from outside.
- Plaza San Francisco – the best photo spot of the tour.
- Museo de la Ciudad – a quick walk by, with tips on what to see inside.
Along the way we stop for a chocolate tasting. We keep the pace moving, so we see the churches from outside rather than going in.
Where to Meet
- All tours start at Community Hostel
Pedro Fermin Cevallos N6-78, Quito, Ecuador (see map)
Starting points
- Morning tour:
Gather at 10:20 am
Tour starts at 10:30 am
Every day, Monday to Sunday! - Afternoon tour:
Gather at 2:20pm
Tour starts at 2:30 pm
Rain or Shine!
Monday to Saturday only.
What to Bring
- Your Camera!
- Rain Jacket
- Warm Layer (i.e. Fleece)
- Sunscreen
- (Quito can have all 4 seasons in one day so be prepared for change of weather)
- Tips for your guide 🙂
Frequently asked questions
Is the walking tour really free?
Yes. There is no fixed price: at the end you tip your guide what you think the tour was worth.
How long is the tour?
About 2 hours 45 minutes. The morning tour runs 10:30–13:15 and the afternoon tour 14:30–17:15.
Where do we meet?
At Community Hostel, Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78, Quito. Ring the doorbell and come up to the rooftop 10 minutes before the start.
Do I need to book?
Please reserve online so we can save you a spot. We accept a limited number of walk-ins.
What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine, so bring a rain jacket and a warm layer.
Is the altitude a problem?
Quito sits at 2,850 m. The pace is relaxed with regular stops, but drink water and take it easy on your first day.
Can I do more tours from Quito?
Yes. Our partner Community Adventures Ecuador runs day trips to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Mindo and Otavalo, jungle tours to Cuyabeno and trips to the Galápagos.
Reviews from our Guests
We found out about the Free Walking Tour Ecuador from our hostel, Community Hostel, as we arrived to Quito and it couldn’t be a better introduction to this beautiful city!
I generally do the free walking tours in most cities when I’m travelling, and Ovi’s was definitely one of the most fun. His tour is a really great way to get to know the city, learn about Ecuador’s history, and taste some local food and sweets. Ovi is a fun & friendly guy with a lot of energy, and he really makes you feel at home and comfortable straight away. I would really recommend doing this tour in Quito, and I might even do it again while I’m here!