A self-guided walking tour through Quito’s historic center lets you explore South America’s best-preserved colonial city at your own pace.
Quick Route Overview
This walking route covers 2.5 miles (4 km) through Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage historic district and takes about 3-4 hours at a relaxed pace.
Recommended Starting Point: Plaza Grande
- Address: García Moreno N3-35, Centro Histórico
- Metro Station: Plaza Grande
- Best time: Start between 9-10 AM
Key Stops Along the Route
- Plaza Grande (Independence Square)
- Presidential Palace
- Metropolitan Cathedral
- Archbishop’s Palace
- La Compañía Church
- Address: García Moreno N3-77
- Entry fee: $5
- San Francisco Church & Plaza
- Free entry to plaza
- Church entry: $3
- La Ronda Street
- Historic arts district
- Traditional craft shops
Safety Tips
- Keep valuables hidden and secure
- Use official taxis or rideshare apps
- Walk in well-lit areas after dark
- Carry only necessary items
- Keep a copy of important documents
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Distance | 2.5 miles (4 km) |
| Difficulty | Moderate (some hills) |
| Best Months | June-September |
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Water bottle
- Light jacket (weather changes quickly)
- Small bills for purchases
- Camera
Food Stops
Stop at Café Plaza Grande (García Moreno N5-16) for traditional Ecuadorian coffee and pastries.
Sample local chocolate at República del Cacao (García Moreno N5-24) while learning about Ecuador’s cacao history.
Try authentic Ecuadorian cuisine at Vista Hermosa (Mejía Oe7-02) with panoramic views of the historic center.
Alternative Routes
For a shorter walk, focus on just Plaza Grande and La Compañía Church (1 hour).
Extended route option: Add Basílica del Voto Nacional and El Panecillo viewpoint (adds 2 hours).
Tourist Information
- Tourist Office: Plaza Grande (north side)
- Emergency number: 911
- Tourist Police: +593 2-254-3983
Transport Options
Public transport and taxis connect all major points along the route. The Trole bus system runs north-south through the historic center with stops at Plaza Grande and San Francisco.
- Metro: Plaza Grande station (main hub)
- Trole Bus: Multiple stops along route
- Taxis: Available at designated stands
Photography Spots
The historic center offers multiple scenic viewpoints for photographers:
- Plaza San Francisco at sunrise
- La Compañía’s golden altar
- Plaza Grande’s colonial architecture
- La Ronda’s balconies at sunset
Accessibility
Most major sites are wheelchair accessible, though some colonial streets have cobblestones and steep inclines.
- Ramps available at main churches
- Elevator access in Plaza Grande
- Accessible restrooms at major attractions
Conclusion
This self-guided walking tour provides an intimate look at Quito’s colonial heritage, combining architectural marvels, local cuisine, and cultural experiences. The flexible route allows customization based on interests and available time while covering the historic center’s main attractions.
Additional Resources
- Download offline maps
- Check individual site opening hours
- Monitor weather forecasts
- Consider guided tours for deeper historical context
FAQs
- What are the best areas in Quito for a self-guided walking tour?
The Historic Center (Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the prime area for walking tours, including Plaza Grande, La Ronda street, and San Francisco Plaza. La Mariscal district is another walkable area featuring modern attractions. - Is it safe to do a self-guided walking tour in Quito?
While generally safe during daylight hours in tourist areas, it’s recommended to stay vigilant, avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables secure, and stick to well-populated areas, especially in the Historic Center. - What is the best time of day for a walking tour in Quito?
Morning to early afternoon (8 AM to 2 PM) is ideal due to better weather conditions and increased security. The equatorial sun can be intense at midday, so carrying sun protection is essential. - How should I handle the altitude during my walking tour?
Quito sits at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), so take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, walk at a moderate pace, and consider spending a day acclimatizing before extensive walking. - Which historical churches should I include in my walking route?
The Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía de Jesús (known for its gold interior), San Francisco Church, and Santo Domingo Church are must-visit religious sites. - Do I need to pay entrance fees for attractions along walking routes?
Yes, many churches and museums charge entrance fees, typically ranging from $2-$5. Some attractions are free on Sundays, and many museums are closed on Mondays. - What should I bring for a walking tour in Quito?
Essential items include comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, a light rain jacket, a map or offline GPS, camera, and small bills for entrance fees and purchases. - Are there any reliable walking tour apps for Quito?
Apps like Maps.me and Google Maps work well offline. GoWalkingTours and IziTravel offer specific Quito walking tour guides with historical information. - How long does it take to walk through the main historical sites?
A comprehensive walking tour of the Historic Center’s main attractions typically takes 4-6 hours, not including time spent inside museums and churches. - Where can I find public restrooms during my walking tour?
Public restrooms are available in major plazas, museums, restaurants, and shopping centers. Many charge a small fee (25-50 cents), so carrying coins is advisable.
