Quito: Double Decker City Bus Tour & Panecillo Stop

Summary

See Quito’s neighborhoods, churches & viewpoints by open-top bus

You’ll ride an open-top double decker bus through Quito’s lively neighborhoods with a bilingual local guide, stopping to explore plazas and churches at your own pace. Taste fresh fruit in Old Town and take in all of Quito from Panecillo hill lookout—the city feels different from up there.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clang of church bells echoing over the rooftops as we rolled through Quito’s Old Town on the top deck. There’s something about seeing the city from above—laundry flapping on balconies, the tangle of narrow streets below, and that wild patchwork of old and new buildings. Our guide, Maria, pointed out the Basilica’s spires poking into the sky. She told us how locals call it “the unfinished church”—I guess they say if they ever finish it, the world ends? She laughed when she said it, but I still glanced up just to check.

I hopped off near Plaza de la Independencia because honestly, you can’t not. The square was busy with people feeding pigeons and vendors selling little bags of fruit—mango slices with lime juice that made my hands sticky. I tried to ask for directions in Spanish and got a big smile in return; people here are patient even when you mangle their language. Later, back on the double decker bus, we wound past La Ronda where music drifted out of open windows (someone playing guitar, maybe?) and you could smell sweet bread baking somewhere close by.

The main stop everyone talks about is El Panecillo—the hill with that huge Virgin statue watching over everything. We had about 20 minutes there. The air felt thinner up high (or maybe that was just me), and Quito spread out below like a map you could almost touch. Maria pointed out neighborhoods by name—San Juan, San Roque—and I realized how much more there is than what you see from street level. The wind up there carried a hint of rain but nobody seemed to mind; everyone was busy taking photos or just staring quietly at the view. I still think about that moment sometimes when I hear church bells back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quito city tour by hop-on bus

• Depart from Naciones Unidas Boulevard
• Visit Basilica of the National Vow
• Hop off at San Francisco Church
• Explore Independence Plaza
• Visit Church of the Society of Jesus
• Hop off at craft market
• Visit Old Town area
• Stop at Panecillo hill lookout
• Return to bus and continue tour

Top questions

How long does the Quito city tour bus stop at El Panecillo?

The bus makes a stop of about 20 minutes at El Panecillo lookout.

Is there a guide on board the Quito double decker city tour?

Yes, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish) is included on the tour.

Can I get off and rejoin the bus during this Quito city tour?

Yes, it’s a hop-on hop-off style tour so you can get off at various stops and rejoin later.

Are infants or small children allowed on this Quito city tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

What main attractions are included in this Quito city bus route?

Main stops include Calle La Ronda, Basilica del Voto Nacional, El Panecillo hill, Plaza de la Independencia, Iglesia San Francisco, and Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with service animals?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Are meals or drinks included in this Quito day trip?

No meals or drinks are included; you can buy food at stops along the way.

Does this double decker bus tour operate in both English and Spanish?

Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by double decker tourist bus around north and Old Town Quito with flexible hop-on hop-off stops plus a 20-minute visit to Panecillo hill lookout—all led by an English- and Spanish-speaking local guide who shares stories along every turn.