Quito Old Town
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
UNESCO Heritage Site,
Neighborhood
Quito’s unmissable historic center, or ‘Old Town,' extends over 320 hectares (790 acres) and is the largest historic center in the Americas.
Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, Quito has taken great pride in restoring its colonial buildings and sprucing up its public spaces to ensure that both locals and visitors continue to breath life into the old town.
Life is certainly not lacking in Quito Old Town. The streets and plazas constantly buzz with colorful locals and vendors selling everything from roasted peanuts to giant roasted pigs,. Tourists drink it all in as they shuffle between the overwhelming number of restored churches and chapels, convents and monasteries, mansions and museums.
And of course, there are plenty of bars and restaurants and shady plazas to rest in when sightseeing fatigue kicks in.
Latest Reviews
Review by Thera B, April 2013
Doing what: Half Day Quito City Tour
The tour guide was very informative and was smiling all the time! She had a great energy about her country that she never hesitated in answering all our questions. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who would only have a short time in Quito.
In the evening, we recommend you to have dinner in Lua Restaurant, it blew us away! The reviews about this restaurant lived up to our expectations and more! When you get there, please say hi to Chef Alexander for us!
Review by Scott S, February 2013
Doing what: Half Day Quito City Tour
Guide and driver were great. Our guide took amazing care of us all.
Review by Jennifer O, February 2013
Doing what: Half Day Quito City Tour
This tour was very informational. Esteban was a great guide and took great care of me (I was the only English speaker on the tour). The group was small and personal. I would recommend for anyone who wants to know more about Quito.
Practical Info
Plaza Grande (Independence Square), marks the center of Quito Old Town which extends between La Mariscal in the north and El Panecillo in the south.
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