Quito in a Day: Old Town, Middle of the World & Cable Car

Quito , Ecuador

Quito in a Day: Old Town, Middle of the World & Cable Car

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About this experience

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.

Available options

Quito in a Day: Old Town, Middle of the World & Cable Car

Pickup included

What's included

Pick-up from the hotel

Guide/Driver with private transportation

Itinerary according to the description

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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.

Stop 2

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.

Stop 3

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.

What's not included

Travel insurance

Meals

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

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

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.

Historical Half to full day Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums

TelefériQo

A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Mitad del Mundo

A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Historical Half day Moderate

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

Nature Half to full day Budget

Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Capilla del Hombre

A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Llocro de Papa

A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Cuy Asado

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Dinner Contains meat

Encebollado

A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.

Lunch Contains fish

Empanadas de Viento

Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest Paragliding over Quito Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center Exploring local markets and shopping areas

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Getting there

By air

Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By bus

Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)

Getting around

Public transport

Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center (Centro Histórico) La Floresta González Suárez El Panecillo

Day trips

Cotopaxi National Park

50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day

A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Mindo Cloud Forest

80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day

A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

Papallacta Hot Springs

65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day

Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quito • Early December Inti Raymi • June 21-24 Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.