We’ll be waiting for you in front of the Parish of the Holy Cross (Parroquia la Santísima Cruz), located on one side of Barranco’s Municipal Park. Look out for our Partner holding a green flag in their hand.

“The day this basilica is completely finished, the end of times will cover the face of the earth” — so says the legend, or perhaps the myth, that has “condemned” the majestic Basilica of the National Vow to remain unfinished to this day.

True or not, this belief — which intertwines a symbolic pact between God, the Church, and Ecuador — has kept the temple’s construction, which began in 1887, from ever being fully completed.

And really, you don’t mess with the end of the world. Best to leave it as it is. After all, it’s still striking with its towering spires and fulfils its main purpose: serving as a symbol of the nation’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Note: If you’d like to climb the basilica’s towers for fantastic panoramic views of Quito, there is a fee of four US dollars (not included in the tour).

Authentic and meaningful art — that’s the essence of the work of Camilo Egas (1889–1962), Quito’s most influential 20th-century painter, renowned for his masterful technique, his indigenist vision, and his ability to blend aesthetics with social commitment.

His sensitivity and versatility led him to explore various avant-garde artistic movements during the first half of the 20th century. This constant search was key to shaping his own distinctive style and securing his international reputation.

Founded in 1980 by the Central Bank of Ecuador and reopened in 2003, the museum is now run by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, ensuring the preservation of Camilo Egas’s invaluable artistic legacy.

This is the perfect spot in Quito’s Historic Centre to pause for a moment, reflect on the city’s past, or simply enjoy the unique details of the square — including several lizards.

They’re not real, of course. These decorative sculptures are such an eye-catcher that the square, where art, memory, and cultural heritage come together, is affectionately nicknamed Lizard Square.

Name aside, the square is the result of a project to honour the city’s urban memory, transforming the rear section of the colonial San Agustín convent (16th century) into a welcoming meeting place.

At first glance, the Guerrera Mora building —its real name— looks like just another construction in Quito’s Historic Centre. But once your guide shares the legend of the Beautiful Aurora, your perception will change forever.

It’s hard to believe what is said to have happened between a stunning young woman and a black bull with blazing eyes and extraordinary strength. Tragic events we won’t fully reveal here — though we’ll give you a little teaser.

Legend has it that the beautiful Aurora attended a bullfight in Independence Square. Upon seeing her, the bull leapt over the barriers of the ring to approach her; the young woman fainted and was taken to House 1028.

That was her home, where she lived with her parents. But what happened next? Well… you’ll find out when you explore Quito with us.

A silent witness to construction, relocation, and demolition, its history dates back to the 16th century, when a building as old as the city itself once stood here — later becoming the Selva Alegre Palace in 1787.

Its owner, Juan Pío Montúfar, the second Marquis of Selva Alegre, would host prominent figures of the time in this elegant and eye-catching residence. But the story didn’t end there: in 1919 it was rebuilt, only to be demolished in 1962.

Nine years later, the current Plaza Chica —also known as Sucre Square— emerged. Here, a statue of the influential Archbishop Federico González Suárez (1884–1911) stands, keeping watch over a place that has been at the heart of Quito since its very beginnings.

Once known as Quito’s Main Square and the counterpart to Plaza Chica, Plaza Grande has been the city’s beating heart since colonial times. Back then, the most influential families longed to live around it.

Simple and rectangular in shape, it once featured a water fountain that supplied the neighbours, making it a central meeting and gathering point. Its appearance changed in 1865 with the addition of modest gardens.

In the 20th century, the installation of the monument marking the centenary of the Revolution of 10 August 1809 —one of Latin America’s earliest calls for independence— gave the square a new look and renewed its role as an urban symbol.

Plaza Grande is surrounded by grand buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Carondelet Palace —seat of government and residence of the President of the Republic— as well as the Royal Houses and Quito’s City Hall.

In pre-Hispanic Ecuador, this historic area was an Inca trail that led the early inhabitants to nearby streams where they collected water. Everything changed with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

They polluted the waterways and altered them for structural purposes, transforming the ancient path into one of Quito’s main urban arteries. By the 17th century, artists, bohemians, and poets gathered along this street, filling it with culture.

That charm, which faded in the 19th century with the spread of taverns and brothels, was brought back in 2006 when the city authorities restored La Ronda’s cultural aura. Today, you can feel the living soul of Colonial Quito here.

More than just a temple, San Francisco is a testament to the artistic splendour that flourished in Quito from the 16th century. This jewel began construction shortly after the Spanish founded the city in 1534.

San Francisco’s importance goes beyond its architecture. The evangelising vision of the order turned its cloisters into spaces where teaching, art, and spirituality coexisted in harmony.

And because art can also be savoured, your free tour ends with a tasting of artisan chocolates —where you’ll learn about the production process of Ecuadorian cacao. And that’s not all. You’ll also discover why Quito is known as the cradle of beer.

A sweet and frothy finale! An unforgettable ending!

Your free tour ends at San Francisco Church, less than a 10-minute walk from Plaza Grande. We recommend staying in the Historic Center to explore more of our city.