Private Quito Old District Tour & Teleferico including entrances

This review is for Latin Adventure travel - City Center and Teleferico tour. It is not a review of our guide, Fernando, who was awesome and works as an independent contractor. The website advertised this tour as being a seven hour tour (see attached screen shot). However, immediately upon meeting our guide he informed us that it was only a four-hour tour. He called the tour company and they told him that we were mistaken. When I booked this tour, I thought $180 for two people was quite high but it included all entrance fees and “menu lunch” (see attached screen shot). I thought that maybe all the entrance fees, lunch and driving added up so that the price was justified. The first place we went was to catch the 10-minute cable car to the top for the fantastic view (price is $8.50 pp). Nice view, a few pictures, then ride back down. We stopped at a Gothic church and again took a few pictures (outside only) then headed to the Plaza Grande. This involved two more churches (inside), statues in the square, and walking to a few other plazas. We were on our way to a third church and found out it was closed that day. Since we now had extra time, we asked Fernando if we could improvise and go to the Farmers Market where the locals shop. He took us to San Roque, and this was the highlight of the whole tour. Afterwards, we went to lunch and found out it was NOT included. We paid $20 for two soups and two sparkling waters. Then we walked down La Ronda and went into a chocolate store. The tour was now over. We spent $225 once we added tips for the guide and driver. After traveling to more than 32 countries and trusting TripAdvisor reviews, this is the first time I’ve been completely disappointed. This tour was not even close to being worth the price. Since taxis are cheap and plentiful, do this on your own and save about $175.

Although I purchased a private tour for myself (x1) through the Latin Adventures website, this is the same tour (TripAdvisor/Viator unfortunately required 2 min). Granted, a shared tour would have been alright, but the private tour you get real 1:1 interaction. Glad I did the private tour. Tour began at 8:30a and lasted 6-7 hours (lots of traffic in town due to protest). My guide was Ana. She was very nice, knowledgeable, and accommodated and answered everything I asked. This is the best perk of a private tour. I think knowing your guide, their background and personal life, makes the tour more fun...like a friend. Just stating historical facts about sights can sometimes get boring, so this true interaction made it fun. The driver was great too... I am so glad he had a lot of patience in traffic. I highly recommend this tour and with Ana. Thanks Latin Adventures for a great day and guide. Very memorable. Suggestion: I think for private tour customers paying the premium price, perhaps lunch should be included. This would be a good gesture. :)

Gabriel's English was very good for our tour. He is very knowledgeable about the history, architecture, geography and art of this beautiful city. He paced the walking and hiking to my needs and was gracious and interesting in responding to my many questions. Our transportation was prompt and the drivers courteous. The tour was everything I had hoped for. Remembering personal items for our day such as sunglasses, light rain gear, solid walking/hiking shoes and sunscreen made the day pleasant. Lunch was tasty and regular washroom breaks were made available.

We (family of four) took a private tour of historical city center, teleferico ride to Pichincha and Intinan museum. Dante was very prompt and professional right from the initial email/query to help us schedule our tour. Francisco, our guide was fabulous! He spoke good English, gave us excellent insights and talked to us about history of Ecuador. Francisco picked us up from our hotel, adjusted the schedule based on local weather, took us to lunch at a local place and dropped us off at our hotel. Very professional and courteous!

<p>Good city tour. Guide was knowledgeable. Unfortunately it was totally cloudy, so no view from the telefinicular.</p>

<p>We have used your company many times in other countries. However, this time was not good! First, we were told to meet in the lobby at 8:30 but your guide, Daniel, didn't come until a few minutes after 9 am. He immediately told us we would be done by 1:00 pm 4 hours I informed him that this was a 6 hour tour. I got the impression he had somewhere else to be and wanted to cut it to 4 hours. I showed him the paper work that stated the 6 hours. There were many sites in Independence square we could have enjoyed such as the market/tents that we set up for the holiday being celebrated but he breezed along the outside of them to rush the tour. He also parked his car in an underground parking garage 6 levels underground and we had to walk 6 flights of stairs to go out and come back. Most guides would drop us at a location, park their car and meet us as we would be browsing. Upon return to get the car, Daniel said he left all his money in his car so we had to pay the parking cost. We were back in our hotel room at 2:00 pm which shows you how rushed the tour was. NOT a 6 hour tour that we expected to have and that we paid for. NOT happy at all. Will seriously consider another tour agency next time!</p>

<p>Tour was excellent and informative. Daniel arrived on time, was courteous at all times. Spoke English extremely well. As very knowledgeable about Quito and surroundings. Would recommend with no caveats.</p> <p>Steve T.</p>