Golden churches, a cry for freedom and legends of devils, roosters and bulls at 2,850 metres.
Quito sits about 2,850 metres above sea level at the foot of Pichincha volcano, and in 1978 its historic centre became one of the very first places named a World Heritage Site. Among its cobbled squares and gold-covered churches you'll hear about the Inca city Rumiñahui ordered burned, the First Cry of Independence of 1809 and legends Quiteños still pass down from one generation to the next. Three free walking routes to explore it at your own pace, one slope at a time.
Choose your free tour
All routes are free and can be combined. If it’s your first visit, start with the mixed route.
Five stops to follow Quito's story: the burned Inca city, the Spanish founding, the First Cry of Independence, the massacre of 1810 and the Battle of Pichincha.
A prophecy about the end of the world, a nightmare bull, an avenging rooster, a saint, a pact with the devil and the street of the bohemians.
The Plaza Grande, the tower of La Merced, the gold of La Compañía, the great monastery of San Francisco and the view of El Panecillo from the Arco de la Reina.
The map
The routes cross in the old town. Tap a point to see which story awaits you there.
Filled points already have a published article; the rest are in the works.
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Itineraries
We’ve planned it day by day for you: which routes to walk and in what order, what else to see and where to eat.
All three routes in one full day: the highlights, the history and the legends at dusk.
See the itinerary 2A gentler pace: the three routes over two days, plus extra sights and where to eat.
See the itinerary 3The city in depth: one route a day, extra museums and neighbourhoods, and a day for good food.
See the itineraryWhat to eat
The dishes you can’t leave without trying, and the classic spots that have been serving them for years.
A whole pig slow-roasted in the oven after marinating in garlic, cumin and chicha, served with llapingachos or mote, pickled onion and a tangy sauce. At the Mercado Central you'll see it on display at the stalls, its skin golden and crackling: it's a midday meal.
Where to try it
Quito's signature soup: potatoes cooked until they melt and thicken the broth, with fresh cheese and a touch of achiote, served with avocado. Just the thing on a cool Andean evening.
Where to try it
Goat or lamb stew slowly cooked with naranjilla, beer or chicha and spices, served with yellow rice, fried plantain and avocado. One of the classic main courses of an Ecuadorian lunch.
Where to try it
Potato patties stuffed with cheese and browned on the griddle, served with chorizo, a fried egg, avocado and peanut sauce. The Andes' ultimate comfort food and a good dinner in La Ronda.
Where to try it
Fruit ice cream whipped by hand in a bronze pan spun over a bed of ice and salt, a traditional Andean technique. Blackberry, naranjilla or soursop make the perfect dessert or afternoon treat in the old town.
Where to try it
