Golden churches and evocative 16th-century palaces dominate the heart of Quito. Streets of cobblestone and intrigue suggest a time of the early Spanish colony, while lanes evoke more indigenous styles. 

Quito’s old centre was officially the first ever World Heritage Site. You will explore with a local historian, discovering eclectic imported styles and an astonishing quantity of gold. Sights like La Compania and the Presidential Palace are among your stops. 

This is a city with a very living history and almost every street offers a hidden surprise. A morning will reveal iconic highlights in the centre, then the afternoon can be tailored to your historical and cultural interests.