Artisanal Quito: Discover Local Artisans and Living Culture

The tour lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes

Available in English and Spanish

Description

Not all travel memories tell a story... but in the Historic Center of Quito, you'll discover that every handcrafted piece has a life of its own.

This is not a shopping tour. It is a cultural experience to connect with the most authentic side of the city through its local artisans.

We will walk through colonial streets full of history while you discover traditional workshops where Ecuadorian hands shape unique pieces that reflect centuries of identity, culture, and tradition.

More than souvenirs, you will find stories.

More than objects, you will meet the people who create them.

During the tour, you will experience a close encounter with the local culture, learning about ancestral techniques and the meaning behind each craft, in an authentic environment away from mass tourism.

If you are looking for more than just a photo of Quito and want to take away a real connection with its people, this tour will show you the human, creative, and vibrant side of the Historic Center.

Guide: Kunakkuna Experiences

PRO

Guiding since 2019

We are a tour operator offering free walking tours, private tours and VIP tours for national and foreign tourists who want to know more about the wonders hidden in the land of four worlds, Ecuador.

7 stops

1.4 km walking

3 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:Basílica del Voto NacionalMeeting point: Main entrance of the Basilica of the National Vow, located on Venezuela Street, between Caldas and Carchi, in front of García Moreno Park, in the Historic Center of Quito. Our guide will be waiting for you wearing a wine-colored hoodie with the Kunakkuna Experiences logo or with a wine-colored umbrella identified with the name Kunakkuna Experiences.Open in Google Maps →

Outside visit

Basílica del Voto NacionalBasílica del Voto Nacional: history, mystery and panoramic views of Quito We begin at one of the most iconic landmarks in Quito’s Historic Center: the Basilica del Voto Nacional, known as the “Church of the End of the World”. Here you’ll learn about its history, symbolism, and unique architecture, while admiring its famous gargoyles and sculptures representing Ecuadorian wildlife. A perfect introduction to Quito’s mystical and historical essence.

Free entry

Casa VásconezArt and culture shops: living artisan traditions We enter the world of authentic Ecuadorian craftsmanship. We will visit spaces where local artisans transform materials like wool, wood, clay, and metals into unique handmade pieces full of cultural identity. More than shops, these are living spaces where you’ll experience tradition, craftsmanship, and Ecuadorian creativity up close.

Free entry

Ñucanchi ShopÑucanchi Shop: folklore and cultural treasures of Ecuador We will discover Ñucanchi Shop, a space dedicated to Ecuadorian traditions and cultural expression. Here you will find authentic handmade souvenirs that represent the country’s identity. If open, we will also visit the historic Claustro del Carmen Bajo, where traditional techniques have been preserved since colonial times.

7 stops

1.4 km walking

3 hours and 30 minutes

Outside visit

Free entry

4.6

5 reviews

Professionalism

4.67

Entertainment

4.33

Communication

4.67

Quality

4.67

Route

4.33

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Accepts bookings of up to 100 people.

Pets

Not suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 1 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour requires payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.