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QuitoCulture & history

Our most recommended Quito Culture & history

Historic City of Quito and The Middle of the World

1. Historic City of Quito and The Middle of the World

Begin by a visit to one of South America's best preserved historic city centers. Go to the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, where you can climb up its high domes. Move towards the Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic place in the city, renowned for its beauty and giant statue of the Winged Virgin - here you can admire a beautiful landscape of both colonial and modern Quito (entrance to churches not included). Continue on to the traditional La Ronda neighborhood. In this romantic setting you can find workshops where you can learn from a group of authentic artisans how their work is done. See historic trades that keep alive the cultural traditions of this charming city. Stop at Zona Rosa for approximately an hour and a half to have some free time for lunch (not included). You will then go to the Middle of the World City, where you can see the monument that divides the northern and southern hemispheres of the planet. Entrance to the Middle of the World complex is included ,where you can enjoy experiences that defy the laws of physics and occur only in this part of the world. NOTE: On Sunday, this tour operates in an inverted way, first you visit the Middle of the World and then you have the city tour.

Quito: Middle of the World Tour with Tickets

2. Quito: Middle of the World Tour with Tickets

Begin your 3-hour tour in the northern part of Quito and head up to the middle of the city. This is where you will find the monument that stands on the line that divides the northern and the southern hemispheres. The Equatorial Monument was built during the 17th century when the precise dividing line between the hemispheres was defined by a French expeditionary team.

From Quito: Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike

3. From Quito: Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike

Visit Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains. The park is home to the active Cotopaxi volcano that towers 19,642 feet above sea level. When you reach the park your naturalist guide will show you the exceptional variety of flora and fauna. Hike to the Limpiopungo lagoon, located on the slopes of the volcano. Stop at the lagoon for a short rest to take in the landscapes and the spectacular views of the volcano. Continue the hike to the Jose Ribas shelter and experience the environment at almost 16,000 feet above sea level.

Quito: City Highlights and Food Walking Tour

4. Quito: City Highlights and Food Walking Tour

Explore Quito, the oldest capital in South America, from all of its angles. Get to know the main historical plazas, buildings, churches and parks. Admire downtown's colonial architecture with its mix of 16th century and modern style buildings. Get away from the main sites and explore lesser-known gems, like the main flea market in town, where you'll understand another side of every day local life. Eat at a top street food stop, and explore one of the main markets. Finish the journey sampling some of the best chocolate and coffee from the hands of a top chocolatier.

Quito: Full-Day Ciudad Mitad del Mundo Tour

5. Quito: Full-Day Ciudad Mitad del Mundo Tour

Board the Quito Tour Bus on Avenida Naciones Unidas in the heart of Quito, and then depart the city in the early afternoon. Journey to the Geobotanical Reserve of the Pululahua Crater at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo complex. Visit the new Beer Museum, see a miniature model that celebrates the architectural beauty of the Historic Center of Quito and more. Finally, you will visit the Agave Museum where you will have a tasting of this ancestral drink. Return to the start point in the evening.

Quito Tour, Teleferico & Pichincha Volcano Horseback Ride

6. Quito Tour, Teleferico & Pichincha Volcano Horseback Ride

You will begin your tour with a pick-up from your hotel. The tour will then continue from Basilica Church, where you will make a brief stop next to San Juan Mirador from where you will have a beautiful view of the colonial center of Quito.  After walking through the colonial streets, you will then stop at the Independence Plaza to admire the cathedral and the Government Palace. You will also visit La Ronda Street, the Company Church, Santo Domingo Church, Sagrario Church and San Francisco Church, which was built during the 17th century.  After visiting the historical sights, you'll go to the Teleférico. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the city with views of the beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains and Quito, the capital. From a point at more than 13,000 feet (4000 meters), you will enjoy magnificent views, as well as a horseback riding tour which will last between 2 to 3-hours going up to almost 3 miles above sea level.

Quito City: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

7. Quito City: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a 4-hour tour of Quito City. Visit Panecillo Hill and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Continue to the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional and the "San Juan Mirador,” where you can take in the Colonial center of Quito. After walking through the colonial streets, stop at the Plaza de la Independencia ("Independence Plaza") to admire the cathedral and the Carondelet Palace, the seat of the government. Visit Ronda Street, the Compañía de Jesús church, Santo Domingo Church, La Iglesia de El Sagrario and the Church and Convent of St. Francis, which was built during the 17th century.  Finally, return to your hotel.

From Quito : 2-Day Mindo Private Excursion with Lodging

8. From Quito : 2-Day Mindo Private Excursion with Lodging

Discover the evergreen wilderness and spectacular natural diversity of the Andes’ western slope. Day 1: Depart Quito in the early morning and visit El Pahuma Orchid Reserve for a 1-hour hike to the waterfalls. Stop off at the Alambi Reserve to take photos inside the hummingbird garden. Enjoy lunch in Mindo, and take advantage of free time in the afternoon to explore the city on your own. Spend the night at a hotel in Mindo. Day 2: Wake up to a relaxing breakfast at the hotel before you start your day. Choose from a variety of activities to participate in at your own expense, including river tubing, ziplining, rappelling, or visiting the butterfly farm. Return to Quito at the end of the day.

Quito: Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer

9. Quito: Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer

Your tour guide will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel, due to the viewpoint of the volcano Pululahua, one of the two inhabited craters in the world. This volcanic complex consists of a main boiler, a central volcano with two craters and the remains of a third party, and several volcanic domes within the caldera located on the edge and outside of it. Then we head to the Intiñan Museum, geographically located at 0 degrees, 0 minutes and 0 seconds, that marks the division between northern and southern hemispheres as established by the French Geodesic Mission in the eighteenth century, you will see beautiful displays of different ethnic groups in Ecuador, plus the story of their lifestyles, explained by a specialist tour guide! This is an opportunity to be photographed with both of your feet on the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time! On the way back to Quito, you will see from the road the Equatorial Monument. In the afternoon you go to the colonial town of Quito, officially considered the first world cultural heritage site (UNESCO 1978). During your walk, you will pass through the Independence Square, scenery of many dramatic battles of revolution in the history of the Republic of Ecuador. And you will have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Church of the Society of Jesus of Quito, summit of the Latin America Baroque style, the charming neighbourhood of La Ronda, and the Church and Convent of San Francisco, built in 1540. Finally you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city from "El Panecillo" hill. Then you will be back in your hotel approximately at 3:30 p.m. End of your first fantastic experience in Quito!

Quito: Cable Car Ride and Private City Tour

10. Quito: Cable Car Ride and Private City Tour

See Quito from above on this cable car and guided tour. Travel to Cruz Loma viewpoint, explore Quito with a guide, and learn about Quito's history. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Pichincha volcano. Take the cable car to the top and admire the view from Cruz Loma. See an unforgettable view of Quito and the snow-capped volcanoes Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe. After returning to the base of the mountain, begin your guided tour of Quito, the first World Cultural Heritage Site created. Before your tour, enjoy some time to have a coffee or a small lunch with recommendations from your local guide. Head to Independence Square, the scene of many dramatic revolutionary battles throughout Ecuador's history. Walk past the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and Church of the Secret Society of Jesus of Quito. Stroll through the charming La Ronda neighborhood and marvel at the ancient Church and Convent of San Francisco. Hop into a car and drive to the top of El Panecillo and see the tallest aluminum statue in the world, the winged Virgin Mary of Quito.

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What people are saying about Quito

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 110 reviews

The guide brought me closer to Quito, Ecuador and the center of the world. His broad knowledge, many stories and his friendly and considerate nature filled the time wonderfully. THANKS to the guide and the bus driver!

We had two guides with us on the van as we went through the park. Both were very knowledgeable about the volcanoes themselves as well as the geology, plant life and history of the area.

Mauricio the Guide he’s so kindness and take care of all the people at any moment! Amazon experience that I really loved..! Please don’t miss this opportunity.

Daniel was fun & informative. He was also patient with every person wanting to have that perfect photo.

Unique experience and worth the money to learn, explore, and adventure in the mountains.