Walk from Independence Plaza to the impressive Independence Monument, the city’s cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the seat of the government, Carondelet Palace.  Your guide will tell you the stories and legends behind the city’s most famous buildings and the roles these sites have played in Ecuador’s rich history. Then continue on to La Compañía de Jesús, a breathtaking Jesuit church with a volcanic stone façade and an interior covered in gold leaf. Explore the University of San Gregorio and then walk down ancient streets on your way to La Ronda, one of the most traditional Quito streets. Next up, visit a woodcarving workshop. Watch the artisans carving, gold plating, and setting in the old Quito style. Ask them questions and maybe even give it a go yourself. Then, learn how to make chocolate in the local old-fashioned way. Taste several varieties of some of the best chocolate in the world. Finally, stop at one of the most traditional ice cream shops of the old town. Try local flavors such as morocho corn and quinoa.

Sightseeing tour of the city of Quito. The duration of the excursion day, including transfers, is 3 hours. Height - 2800m. The average temperature is +20C during the day, +10C at night. During the sightseeing tour of Quito, you will see fascinating panoramas, churches, domes and roofs that are historical relics, and learn about colonial art, architecture, culture, legends and traditions. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of the Inca city and is located at an altitude of 2800 m. Despite the earthquake of 1917, the city has the best preserved and least modified historical center in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors are examples of the Art School of Quito, which is a mix of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and Indigenous arts. The artists of this school worked on stone and wood to give form to the most important religious events. After an hour and a half walking tour exploring the Old Town, you will understand why Quito was the first city in the world to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Quito takes its name from the Kitus tribe that inhabited the region long before the Spanish conquest. In 1533, Sebastian de Benalcazar took possession of the city, which was at first the capital of the Inca Empire, and in 1541 it was elevated to the title of a Spanish city. Its full name is San Francisco de Quito. The city was the capital of the state of Quito until the end of the Spanish colonial rule. The Franciscan order was the first of the orders to establish itself in Quito. The Franciscans immediately began building the monastery, which became a center of education and art, and has its own schools of painting and sculpture (the Church of San Francisco is visited during the tour). Around the main Plaza Grande there are the main buildings of the country: the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall. We will visit the best example of colonial art in the city, the Jesuit temple, the facade of which is covered with intricate carvings. Quito is a metropolitan city and has many contrasts, you can appreciate this by visiting the old city and new areas. You will have a beautiful view of the whole city from the Panecillo observation deck with a statue of the Virgin Mary with wings, the patroness of the city. Transfer back to your hotel.