Quito Old Town Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

Visiting Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is quite something. And when you’re there, checking out the Old Town, a UNESCO site, really is a must. If you’re thinking about taking a guided tour there with lunch included, well, this review is just for you. So, stick around, and let’s look at whether this popular tour lives up to the hype, alright?

First Impressions: Meeting Up and Getting Started

When I signed up, I wasn’t quite sure what to anticipate, is that fair? I mean, reading about it is different from being there. But first off, the meeting spot was simple enough to locate. So, I was on time, that’s a plus. Right from the beginning, the guide was actually quite cheerful and full of facts about Quito’s past, too. We started walking, and immediately I began seeing so much architecture dating back to the colonial era. Seriously, the attention to the historical info early on, it’s almost worth the price alone.

Exploring the Historic Center

Walking through Quito’s Old Town really does feel kind of like stepping back in time. The guide really took the time to explain so much about each location we visited. For instance, the Plaza Grande, it’s not just a pretty place; that is the spot where lots of Ecuador’s historical moments took place. And the churches, my goodness, they are filled with elaborate gold leaf, actually quite something to look at, you know? The guide’s narrative helped put all of that opulence into a story, so it wasn’t simply shiny things. Instead, each gilded piece told a tale, a story of skilled artistry.

Must-See Spots Visited on the Tour

The tour, that included quite a few popular places in Old Town. Let me give you the highlights:

Plaza Grande (Independence Square): The primary center of Quito, surrounded with the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building, and the Cathedral.
La Compañía de Jesús: Some would say that this is the city’s most spectacular church. Believe me, you’ve really got to witness the gilded interiors.
San Francisco Plaza and Church: An expansive plaza in which to wander and see the city. You can also check out the old monastery on site.
Calle La Ronda: One of Quito’s older streets. Very picturesque, it’s just filled with artisans and local craft shops.

Lunch: A Taste of Ecuador

Now, after that walking tour, I will say I was beginning to feel very hungry. Fortunately, that included lunch. That stop was at one of the quite conventional eateries in the Old Town. We, like your average tourist, were served a meal which offered local tastes – I’m talking about locro soup, probably some meat dish, plus some fried plantains. Anyway, everything tasted amazing, and it was that chance to actually experience the flavors that make the country special. I will also say that it was quite a neat touch to add in that kind of cultural component.

What I Really Liked

Actually, what was particularly good regarding the tour was that they took all the Old Town’s major spots and put all of them within just a few hours. Also, that guide, very cool, wasn’t just repeating some kind of script. The individual, sort of like a narrator, gave that impression of very clearly caring regarding Quito, its history, also its citizens. In that case, the food, you know, quite good, certainly. It was also more or less very delightful to try such flavors that I probably would not find all by myself, you know?

Potential Downsides

If you might be someone which isn’t so into walking, I will say that this tour might be more or less something that may get you tired rather quickly. Old Town’s streets, often narrow, can additionally become really full. If you might be wanting to get through the sights rather fast, that specific pace can perhaps prove somewhat frustrating. Too it’s almost so there are times at which it felt rather touristy, particularly nearby those pretty popular spots, you know?

Is the “Quito Old Town Tour with Lunch” Worth It?

Basically, so you want some very convenient, that’s a good overview involving Old Town, then that specific tour most certainly, usually, is worth checking out. Basically, what the tour does would be take the majority of this planning from this equation, providing you with knowledge that may make this complete location tick. Clearly, the meal offers some type of decent touch, giving an intro, right, into local cooking, alright? Just slightly bring really comfortable shoes, yet anticipate a number of crowds.

Some final considerations about Quito Old Town

Some thoughts when you arrange that specific travel towards Old Town (irrespective of whether one chooses any tour or not) include the below:

Best Times for Visiting: Quito enjoys generally good temperatures year round. Having said that, so you choose fewer crowds plus clear skies, next April thru May is actually excellent. Likewise, that point through September into October’s generally quite good.
Safety Precautions: Though Old Town’s rather secure, specifically through day, basically keep close tabs on all your belongings. Never show a lot of things which could tempt people, or even keep this mobile phone while not directly seeing. In fact, should you roam by itself by night, stay to all these very well-lit locations.
What things to wear: Have on actually comfy strolling footwear simply because you might be doing a large amount of that. Because weather varies, consider layering – just somewhat sun block may also demonstrate advantageous to guard people at high altitude.
Nearby currency and also exchange: Quito is effective alongside US bucks thus generating repayments simple; Even so, banking companies, in addition to trade suppliers may assist people obtain better exchange levels. Ensure you simply have adequate more compact debts obtainable – some tiny companies often encounter difficulty converting bigger ones!
Language basics: Even though some citizens may speak really English overseas through vacation spot elements, a good amount of simple Language phrase information allows substantially (greetings- Many thanks! “exactly what number may this particular charge? “). Consider those basics before going for walks with!

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