Quito Private Full Day: The Old Town & The Equator Line

Quito Historic Center and Mitad del Mundo Tour

This guided tour explores Quito’s historic sites, panoramic viewpoints, and the Equator monument, suitable for culture and history enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Explore Quito's historic sites, churches, and plazas
• Enjoy panoramic views from El Panecillo
• Stand on the Equator and visit cultural exhibits at Mitad del Mundo

Description

The tour starts at 8:00 AM from the designated meeting point. First, visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional, a neo-Gothic religious building once considered the largest and tallest of its kind in Spanish America. Optionally, climb the towers for views over Quito's historic center (not included).

Next, explore Plaza Grande, the capital’s main square and historical center of Ecuador, located at 2,818 meters (9,245 feet). It features the Independence Monument commemorating the 1809 independence movement.

Visit the Compania de Jesus Church, known for its gold leaf-covered interior architecture. Entry is optional and not included.

Proceed to San Francisco Plaza, the largest square in the historic center, dominated by the Church and Convent of San Francisco. The square has been a community focal point since colonial times, featuring a historic central fountain.

Continue to El Panecillo hill at 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), a natural lookout point offering panoramic views across Quito. It is topped by the aluminum sculpture of the Virgin of Quito by Agustín de la Herrán Matorras. An optional visit to the Panecillo Museum is available (not included).

The tour concludes at Mitad del Mundo, the Equatorial Line landmark. Here, visit the tourist complex housing the Equatorial Monument (not included) or the Intiñan Museum. The museum features interactive exhibits on ancestral history, solar phenomena, and earth science demonstrations in a natural setting. Visits to the museum and related attractions are optional.

Includes

• Bilingual certified tour guide/driver
• Comfortable transportation
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Visit to El Panecillo lookout
• Private walking tour through Quito’s old town, including facades of San Francisco de Quito, Compania de Jesus, Cathedral, and Basílica churches

Excludes

• Meals
• Entrance fees to museums and churches
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips

Important Information

• The tour involves 2-3 hours of walking through Quito’s old town.
• Private tours available on request for groups of 3 or more.
• Tour may be private if there are no other reservations.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and plan for high-altitude conditions. Morning departures are recommended to avoid afternoon weather changes.