Quito Essentials: Colonial Past, Swing in the Clouds, and the Equator Line｜Ecuador

8:00 am – Start of the tour
We pick you up at your hotel to start an unforgettable day through the most iconic sights of Quito and its surroundings.
⛪ Basilica del Voto Nacional.
Visit the largest Neo-Gothic church in South America, an imposing building with towers, stained glass, and unique gargoyles in the shape of Ecuador's iconic animals.
️ Independence Plaza and surroundings.
Tour the political and historical heart of Quito, surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Archbishop's Palace and overlooking the Carondelet Palace, the seat of the National Government.
✨ Compañía de Jesús Church.
Marvel at one of the most impressive Baroque jewels in the Americas, with interiors covered in gold leaf, meticulous carvings, and an atmosphere that reflects colonial splendor.
San Francisco Church and Square.
Discover the first Catholic religious building built in Quito, a monumental complex that combines architecture, history, and religious art of great value.
Ancestral healing: At the Mercado San Francisco, experience the famous shamanic cleansing with sacred smoke (a ritual to ward off bad energies).
"Yumbos" Chocolate Experience.
Enjoy a tasting of high-quality Ecuadorian chocolate, discovering different flavors and learning about the process from the cocoa to the final bar.
Mirador del Panecillo viewpoint.
Go up to the city's most iconic vantage point and enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Quito, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.
Quito cable car (subject to weather) (If the weather doesn't allow it, we'll make adjustments to your sightseeing tour to your satisfaction).
Climb to the foot of the Pichincha volcano and see the city from above, with spectacular views of the Andes Mountains. The swing in the clouds is the highest in the world at 4,100 meters above sea level.
Santa Clara Market: If you prefer local cuisine and typical dishes such as the delicious locro de papa, the encebollado de pescado, the fritada, and the famous hornado de chancho, the caldo de pata de vaca, or exquisite dishes such as the yaguarlocro, the guatita, the caucara (potato omelette with beef), and the traditional fig sweet.
Intiñan Interactive Museum – Middle of the World
Enjoy a unique experience doing scientific experiments on the equatorial line and discover interesting facts about the Coriolis effect and the body's balance.
Equatorial Monument.
Take your official photos at the iconic landmark that marks the equatorial line, Ecuador's international symbol.
Return.
We'll wrap up the sightseeing tour with a transfer back to your place of stay.