Quito, Yaruquí, and the Hidden Route

The day begins at San Francisco Market, founded in the late 19th century. Its colors, aromas, and products showcase the heart of Andean traditions — fruits, medicinal herbs, flowers, and incense used in cleansing rituals that keep cultural memory alive. (Entrance: $5 – $10)

At  Colaciones Cruz Verde, visitors discover a century-old craft: the artisanal preparation of peanut and sugar sweets, along with mistelas, alfajores, and turrones that evoke the flavors of bygone days. (Cost: $2 – $5)

The route continues to the San Francisco Convent, one of Quito’s colonial treasures. Here, visitors can explore the city’s first brewery, climb its towers for panoramic views, and admire its baroque choir. (Entrance: $5)

The experience turns modern at Sinners, a microbrewery offering tastings and snacks with authentic Ecuadorian flavor.

Lunch follows. in recommended spots such as La Capilla, Real Audiencia, Los Geranios, or La Leña Quiteña, priced between $10 and $20.

The visit continues to the Santo Domingo Convent, another architectural gem that holds centuries of devotion and history

The stroll moves to La Ronda, the city’s emblematic street, where artisans keep alive the traditional crafts of tinwork and the Quito School of Art. The day concludes with a fine chocolate tasting at AT Store Experiences, where guests learn about the artisanal process. (Entrance: $5 – $10)

The day begins with a drive to Chaupiestancia Vineyard in Yaruquí,  the visit includes a full tour of the facilities and wine tasting, showcasing locally produced vintages from the heart of Ecuador. (Entrance: $30 – $50)

Lunch is served at Quinta Remanso, La Estancia del Sabor, or Ruta 66 Steak House.

The visit to the Mindalae Museum takes travelers on a journey through Ecuador’s ancestral cultures and traditional crafts, celebrating indigenous knowledge and oral traditions. (Entrance: $3)

The Manla Museum opens its doors to showcase Latin American Naïf art — admission is free.

The next stop is Santhorno, a creative empanada bar offering a demonstration and tasting of this beloved Quito specialty. (Cost: $2 – $5)

The first stop is Puéllaro, whose church houses Quito School artwork. From its towers, visitors enjoy sweeping views of the plaza and town. (Entrance: $3 – $5)

A hike leads to Cerro La Luz, a natural viewpoint covered with native vegetation, offering scenic views of the Alchipichi community and the surrounding mountain range.

The route reaches Perucho, a historic parish featuring its church and archaeological museum.

Lunch is enjoyed at local restaurants such as Isabuela or Charlawasi. (Cost: $5 – $10)

The afternoon continues with a visit to Clarita Organic Farm, where guests tour fruit orchards and taste mandarin wine and bread. (Entrance: $2)

El Trapiche Farm allows visitors to savor freshly pressed sugarcane juice and learn about traditional production methods. (Entrance: $2)