Quito Churches Tour & Dome Climb

Tour Details

We'll meet at the designated time in the Plaza Grande. Ready to take a stroll through the heights of the Ecuadorian capital? If so, then it's time to start this tour of Quito's churches with a climb to their domes. You will have the best panoramic views of the city!

Quito boasts the largest and best-preserved historic center in South America, featuring an incalculable wealth of architectural and artistic treasures. To discover it, we can think of no better way than to explore its main churches.

First, we'll visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, a symbol of the city, located opposite the square. This precious building, whose construction began in 1535, combines Baroque, Neoclassical, and even Mudejar styles. When we climb to the dome, we'll be rewarded with a sublime panoramic view of the historic center, declared a World Heritage Site. From up here, we'll see how the red roofs form the picture-postcard image known as the Face of God.

Next, we'll walk a few steps to the Archbishop's Palace, where, while we tell you about its history, we'll sample a selection of traditional Quito sweets. We'll savor some mistelas—small liqueur chocolates covered in sugar.

We'll continue on to the Church of the Society of Jesus, one of the most admired churches in South America due to its lavish interior covered in gold leaf. This Baroque-style temple dazzles with its facade carved from volcanic stone and its main altar of breathtaking magnificence. After learning about its past and architectural details, we'll climb to its dome, from where we'll have a privileged view of the surrounding streets and buildings.

The last stop will be in the La Ronda neighborhood, a place steeped in history and tradition. Among its narrow streets and flower-filled balconies, we'll arrive at a traditional establishment where we'll sample paila ice cream, made in large copper bowls using ancestral techniques. What will it taste like?

We'll conclude the tour with a tasting of high-altitude Ecuadorian coffee, discovering its characteristic notes and aromas that have positioned this bean among the finest in the region.

After 4 hours, we'll end the guided tour of Quito's churches at this final stop.