Quito, the capital of Ecuador, stands out for its blue, glowing sky right in the middle of the world. A land blessed with a spring-like climate all year round. Quito is not only the center of the planet but also the center of the fascinating Inca Empire. Its architecture, art, and uniquely friendly people have earned it the title of the face of God. Surrounded by mountain ranges and sublime volcanoes, the city is home to the largest collection of colonial architecture in Latin America along with modern constructions. Therefore, you cannot miss the best Essential Free Tour of Quito to know all its streets and tourist locations. On this engaging tour led by a local guide you will go through more than 15 centuries of history, from the original “Quitus”, through the Inca and Spanish empires, until present day Quito.

Along the Free Essential Tour of Quito, you will learn about the ancient wisdom of the indigenous people of the Kingdom of Quito, who learnt how to measure time and created the first solar agricultural calendar 5,900 years ago. You’ll get to know how the old temples in the city, now Christian, before pagan, are aligned in synchrony with the sun, producing luminous effects in the summer and winter solstices. Nowadays, the most prominent monument of Christian faith is the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the most stunning temples in the continent. This white monumental church occupies the entire right side of the Plaza de la Independencia. The latter was the main center of the popular colony for its beautiful gardens. In the same area is the Basilica of the National Vow, a neo-Gothic building declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

As you walk with a local guide and a small group of international travelers, you will unfold all the layers of Quito’s history and walk through narrow curvy streets and plazas full of convents and crossings which were part of the Capac Nan of the ancient Incas (a 60.000 km network of paths through the Andes built in the pre-Hispanic era still used today). You will hear the stories of the last Inca King and of Ruminahui, the head of the Inca army, who burnt the city so that the Spanish couldn’t take it and then hid all the Inca gold — thus initiating the legends of the magical city of El Dorado, which remains unfound today! With so many landmarks to see and stories to hear, this Essential Free Tour in Quito is bound to be the highlight of your trip. So, book today!