Wondrous Quito Old Town Tour
Quito’s Original Free Walking Tour started in 2008. Still Running.
CarpeDM started in a spare room of the Secret Garden Hostel back in 2007. In 2008, with coffee thermos, a few backpackers, and an Old Town route we figured out as we walked. We were the first free walking tour Quito had ever seen.
Word spread fast. Today that original tour is one of the biggest in the city, still run by some of the guides we trained back then. We’re proud of that part of the story. But somewhere along the way we wanted something different. Smaller groups. Slower pace. Deeper stories.
So we moved out, opened our own office in San Blas, next door 🙂 and built our own version.
What you get walking with us instead of the others
There’s no shortage of free walking tours in Quito these days. (We know. We helped start the whole category.) Here’s what’s still different about ours.
Small groups by design. Capped on purpose. Everyone hears the stories. Everyone gets to ask the questions they actually want to ask.
Two and a half hours, not ninety minutes of script. Long enough for proper context. Short enough that you still have a full day in front of you.
Bilingual guides. English or Spanish. Tell us which one when you book and we’ll match you with the right walker.
Locally owned. Not a franchise. Same operator since 2007. We live in Quito. We know which streets are worth your time and which ones to skip.
Honest tip system. No fixed price. No guilt-trip envelope at the end. Tip what the morning was worth to you. Walk away if it wasn’t.
No upsells. No add-ons. No theatre. Just a really good walk with a really good guide. If we send you somewhere afterward, it’s because we’d send a friend.
Safety built in. Vetted route. Daylight hours. Group size capped for a reason. We’ll also brief you on the streets to keep your phone in your pocket.
After the walk, the rest of Ecuador. Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Mindo, the Cuyabeno Amazon, the Galapagos. We’ve vetted the whole network. Ask your guide at the end.
What you’ll see (and what you’ll really learn)
La Basílica del Voto Nacional
Gothic spires, gargoyles shaped like Galapagos tortoises, and a tower climb that will make your legs hate you. Worth it.
Plaza Grande & the Presidential Palace
The political heart of Ecuador. Changing of the guard. Current-affairs commentary. A coup story your hostel won’t mention.
La Compañía de Jesús
The most ornate church in South America. Seven tons of gold leaf inside. We’ll tell you what it really cost to build.
Plaza San Francisco
Cobblestones, pigeons, the oldest convent in South America. Also where Cantuña struck his deal. We’ll tell that one in full.
La Ronda
The bohemian alley of poets, painters, and canelazo. By day it’s quiet. We’ll tell you when to come back.
San Blas & the Local Market
Where the guidebooks stop. Fruit you’ve never seen. Soup for $1.50. Details that change how you eat for the rest of your trip.
When & Where We Meet
Monday to Friday. Weekends upon request.
Meeting Point 1 · 9:30 AM
CarpeDM Adventures Office, San Blas
Easy to find. Dry if it’s raining. Coffee while you wait. The local-favourite start.
Meeting Point 2 · 10:00 AM
Plaza San Francisco, next to the fountain
In the heart of Old Town. The most photogenic start.
Reservation Required
Spots tend to fill 24 to 48 hours ahead. Send us a message and we’ll confirm right back.
Frequently Asked
Is the tour really free?
Yes. There’s no fixed price. We run on tips. If you loved it, tip what you think it was worth (most guests leave $10 to $20). If you didn’t, you owe us nothing.
Did you really start the free walking tour in Quito?
Yes. We launched the first free walking tour Quito had ever seen back in 2007, originally based out of the Secret Garden Hostel. The format caught on, and today there are several tours in the city. We left Secret Garden a few years later to run our own version. Smaller groups. Longer walks. The same Old Town we’ve been showing visitors for over fifteen years.
How long is the tour?
About 2.5 hours of comfortable walking. Old Town sits at 2,850m / 9,350ft, so pace yourself, drink water, bring a layer.
What language is the tour in?
English or Spanish. Most tours run in English unless the whole group is Spanish-speaking. Let us know on WhatsApp and we’ll match you to the right guide.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes. Group size is capped so everyone hears the stories. Reserve via WhatsApp +593 98 534 1575. Same-day spots sometimes open up. Just ask.
Is Quito’s Old Town safe?
During the day, in our group, yes. We walk smart routes and we know the city. We’ll also brief you on the streets to avoid after dark and where to keep your phone in your pocket.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes (cobblestones), water, sun protection, a light layer (Quito weather swings), and small bills for snacks or your guide tip at the end.
After the Walk?
We’ll send you off with restaurant picks, day-trip ideas (Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Mindo), and the easiest overnight route into the Cuyabeno Amazon if the jungle is calling.
See you in Old Town. #ExploreWithCarpeDM
Missed our free walking tour
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Explore the Old Town with our APP.
Your personal virtual guide with narration, stories, and the top highlights of the historic center, all at your fingertips.
Scan or visit the link: carpedm.app
Explore Quito With Us
Discover the Hidden Wonders of Quito Old Town with Our FREE Walking Tour! Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement as you explore breathtaking sights and uncover the secrets of Ecuador’s historic gem. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure!”