Quito in a Day: Old Town, Middle of the World & Cable Car
Description
The best tour in Quito city. Your feet in both hemispheres. The center of the earth where the sun appears naked. Place yourself an egg on the head of a nail. Lose pounds by standing on the equatorial line. Make a video about the Coriolis effect. Learn more about the Pre-Inca ethnic groups that inhabited these territories. Explore the Intiñan Museum. See the city from the clouds (check weather conditions). This tramway was built in 2005 by French engineers, giving the city a touch of technology and modernity. The cable car reaches a maximum height of 4,000 meters. Explore the Quito colonial architecture. The most praised colonial center in Americas. Visit La Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús, Quito´s most prominent convent, La Ronda street. The beautiful colonial city of Quito is just a step away from your memories. Quito Unesco City.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Climbing up to the sky: (2,800 msl / 9,186 feet) You will be picked-up from the hotel. The first visit is in the morning to get the cable car, after 20-minute ride in the cabin, we get off from it to do a hike in the mountains until to arrive in a swing of the clouds. Usually, from this point, we have a mesmerizing view of the Quito city. Good place to take pictures or just enjoy nature on the western Andes. The entire Avenue of the Volcanoes can be spotted from the highs, especial in the months from July and September. The Quito cable car or TeleferiQo is open Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. And, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Jump up on the equator line: (2,439 msl / 8,001 feet) The second point of visit is the Equator Line in the famous Intiñan museum. Built in 1989, around a couple of centuries-old huts, and as a way to rescue the culture of the equinoctial peoples and the Lulumbamba indigenous people (San Antonio de Pichincha). In addition, to get information the equatorial line, you can see and perform experiments that demonstrate how the earth's forces work on the center of the earth, such as the Coriolis effect. Bring your passport to be stamped with the symbol of the middle of the world. This place is considering the real Equator Line.
Walking tour in the old town of Quito: At this point of the day, it is important to do a lunch break in one of the popular restaurants by the Plaza Grande. You can try a special locro de papas (potato soup) one of the popular dishes in Quito. After this, we can continue our tour to learn more about the first UNESCO city in the World, declared in 1978.
One of the most beautiful churches in the world for its baroque architecture. Also known as the golden church. A true gem of Quito. The guide will explain you about the historiography of the church, the year it was built, who built it and when the work was finished, the techniques used for decoration, and many more facts.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer pick-up transfer from the Quito airport at no extra cost
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(4)
Herman, our guide, was incredibly attentive, funny, engaging, and shared fascinating historical details about the landmarks and various locations we visited.
This private tour was great value. Marcello was full of interesting facts and went out of his way to show me aspects of Ecuadorean culture not explicitly included in tour. The views from the top of the Telerifico were unfortunately somewhat misty but still very dramatic. The church of La Compania was amazing with all its gold leaf. Thanks also go to Eduardo who did a great job of navigating the Quito traffic.
This was my second trip with Eduardo after a great time in the Mindo Cloud Forest. For this trip it was just me and Eduardo so we started with a trip up the Teleferico to enjoy the view before visiting the middle of the world museum at the equator. We then spent the afternoon visiting the old town where Eduardo gave his expert tour explaining the history of Quito before we had a traditional lunch. Highly recommended, brilliant door to door service and a very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly guide. Thanks Eduardo!
