Embark on a journey through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to immerse yourself in the heart of the capital’s rich artisan culture and neighborhood life.
Explore Quito’s oldest market and meet traditional healer Rosita Lagla to learn about medicinal plants and local fruits.
Visit Gonzalo Gallardo’s workshop to witness restoration craftsmanship dating back generations.
Experience the opulence of La Compañía de Jesús church and try your hand at applying gold-leaf with an experienced artisan.
Participate in community activities like planting geraniums, then enjoy a leisurely lunch at Casa Gangotena.
Conclude in San Marcos, painting alongside artist Bolívar Araujo in his Colonial-era studio, celebrating Quito’s vibrant arts and neighborhood life.
Wander the San Francisco Market, Quito’s oldest market dating back to the 1800s. You’ll discover a vibrant array of vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants.
Restoration workshop
Continue the walk through San Roque to visit the workshop of Gonzalo Gallardo, a fourth-generation artisan specializing in the restoration of religious figures. His eclectic workshop, filled with tools, broken statues and wooden figures, offers a genuine glimpse into the meticulous craft of restoration.
La Compañía Church
Step into one of the city’s most important examples of baroque architecture in the Americas, La Compañía de Jesús, renowned for its opulent gold-leaf interior. Here, witness Yolanda, one of Quito’s few female gold-leaf artisans, demonstrate her craft. Try your hand at applying gold-leaf under her expert guidance, surrounded by this impressive and extravagant church.
Planting Geraniums
In one of the patios that make up the Jesuits’ complex, join the local community in planting geraniums, the iconic and colorful flowers of Quito’s Old Town. Metropolitan Touring collaborates with De Vuelta al Centro (Back to the Centro, a local initiative) to promote a deeper connection with the city’s history and its people.
Casa Gangotena
Enjoy lunch at Casa Gangotena, a historic mansion turned elegant hotel in the heart of Old Town Quito. Treat yourself to a delightful meal in a setting that exudes charm and sophistication, offering a perfect blend of traditional Ecuadorian flavors and contemporary culinary finesse.
Art workshop in San Marcos
Stroll along Junin Street, lined with quaint pastel-colored houses, until you reach the art workshop of Bolívar Araujo. Located in a historic Colonial-era house, Bolívar opens his studio for a glimpse into his paintings and invites you to create your own masterpiece with his guidance.
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