Quito city tour: Cable car, equator and volcano crater

See Quito's three zones from above, then cross the equator on foot

An eight-hour tour of Quito departing from your hotel includes the Virgin of El Panecillo viewpoint, the cable car ride, the Middle of the World Monument, the Pululahua volcano crater, the Basilica of the National Vow, and lunch at a local restaurant. A certified bilingual guide and private transportation are included. Entrance tickets to attractions are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Middle of the World Monument1h
2. TelefériQo2h
3. Basilica of the National Vow1h
4. El Panecillo30m

Quito city and surrounding attractions

• Depart from downtown Quito accommodation
• Visit Pululahua volcano crater
• Visit Middle of the World City
• Ride Quito Cable Car
• Lunch at typical Quito restaurant
• Visit Basilica of the National Vote
• Visit Virgin of El Panecillo
• Return to accommodation

The experience

The tour picks you up from downtown Quito around morning and heads first to the Pululahua volcano crater, one of the very few inhabited craters in the world and part of one of Ecuador's most important geobotanical reserves. From there you move to the Middle of the World City, where the equator monument marks the exact line that gave the country its name. You can stand with one foot on each hemisphere. The operator may adjust the order of stops to take advantage of weather conditions.

Next is the cable car ride up TelefériQo, which lifts you high enough to see the south, center and north of Quito spread below. After that comes lunch at a typical Quito restaurant with meat, vegetarian and dessert options included. The afternoon takes you to the Basilica of the National Vow and then to the Virgin of El Panecillo, the iconic statue in the heart of the city where the panoramic views tie together everything you've seen. The tour returns you to your accommodation around 18:30.

Your guide speaks both Spanish and English and travels with you the whole day. Transportation is private, so the pace stays yours and the stops don't rush. Intiñán and Templo del Sol museums are optional additions you can arrange separately if they interest you.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• a certified bilingual guide in Spanish and English.
• lunch at a local restaurant with meat, vegetarian and dessert options.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Friends Expeditions

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from downtown Quito means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to reach the cable car, the equator monument or the volcano crater. The guide handles the route and timing so you see all three in one day and return by evening.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Middle of the World Monument and why does it matter?

The Middle of the World Monument marks the equator line that runs through Ecuador. You can stand at the monument with one foot on each side of the equator, and the site is the main attraction in the Middle of the World City where the tour stops.

Can I visit the museums at Pululahua or the Middle of the World on this tour?

The Intiñán and Templo del Sol museums are near the stops but their entrance tickets are not included in the tour price. You can arrange entry to either one separately if you want to add them to your day.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch at a typical Quito restaurant with meat, vegetarian and dessert options is included in the tour price.

What time does the tour end and how do I get back to my hotel?

The tour returns you to your accommodation around 18:30. Private transportation is included, so your driver brings you back from the final stop.

Is the cable car ride included?

The cable car stop at TelefériQo is part of the tour itinerary, but the ticket to ride it is not included in the tour price and is paid separately.