Quito: Full City Tour with Cable Car, Equator Line & All Admissions

Quito’s old city, cable car heights & real equator line in one full day

You’ll climb basilica towers for city views, ride the Teleferico cable car up above Quito, stand on both hemispheres at Intiñan Solar Museum, wander centuries-old plazas with your local guide, and maybe taste real Ecuadorian chocolate along the way. Expect moments that stick with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Independence Plaza15m
2. El Sagrario Church15m
3. Quito Old Town30m
4. San Francisco Church15m
5. Basilica of the National Vow45m · entry included
6. TelefériQo30m · entry included
7. Intiñan Solar Museum3h · entry included

Full day Quito city tour

• Visit Basilica de Quito and climb tower
• Tour San Francisco Church
• Explore Independence Plaza
• Visit El Sagrario Church inside
• Ride Teleferico cable car
• Hike to Swing in the Clouds
• Visit Intiñan Solar Museum at equator
• Chocolate tasting stop

The experience

“You want to try?” That’s how our guide, Andrés, handed me a piece of dark chocolate outside San Francisco Church. Just before noon and already I’d lost track of how many times I’d been surprised. The morning started at the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Climbing its tower was no joke (my legs still remind me), but the view over Quito was wild: patchwork roofs and misty edges. A woman selling tiny empanadas by the steps smiled when I tried my Spanish. Not sure what she thought of my accent but she laughed kindly.

The Teleferico ride was next: honestly, I didn’t expect to feel the altitude so much up there at 4,000 meters. The air tasted thinner and somehow cleaner. Clouds drifted right past us. It felt like being inside weather instead of under it. There’s a swing up there called “Swing in the Clouds”. I almost chickened out but Andrés just grinned and said, “It’s tradition.” So yeah, I did it. My hands were shaking after but that view of Quito below? Stuck with me.

Later we drove out to Mitad del Mundo: the real equator line at Intiñan Solar Museum. I’m not sure if balancing an egg on a nail is science or magic, but everyone cheered when someone managed it (not me). The guide there explained all these little tricks about gravity and hemispheres. I probably forgot half but I remember her energy. Lunch was optional. I grabbed a bowl of locro de papa because Andrés said it’s classic Quito comfort food. He was right.

Walking through Independence Plaza and ducking into El Sagrario Church felt different after all that altitude and science talk: like stepping back into another layer of time. The smell inside: old wood polish and candle wax. At some point we squeezed in another church (Iglesia de la Compania from outside), more stories about old presidents and saints than I could keep straight. But that’s Quito for you: layers on layers, sometimes confusing, always alive.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation around Quito with a knowledgeable local guide by your side, all entry tickets to major sites like Basilica del Voto Nacional and Intiñan Solar Museum, plus parking fees covered, so you can just focus on exploring without worrying about logistics or surprise costs along the way.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared Tour OptionGuide in English or Spanish · 08:45For small groups, pickup is included only within the main city; for locations around the airport or the valleys of Quito, pickup carries an extra charge.

Private Tour OptionGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Pickup is included only within the main city; for locations around the airport or the valleys of Quito, pickup carries an extra charge.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 08:45

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (19 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 75 years) · Youth (11 to 18 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (2 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Footprint-Journeys Ecuador

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 18 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (2 to 4 years).

How long does this Quito day tour last?

This is a full-day tour covering all main attractions in Quito with admissions included.

Is hotel pickup included for this Quito city tour?

The tour includes private transportation. Check details for pickup options.

Does this tour visit the real equator line?

Yes, you’ll visit the Intiñan Solar Museum located at the true equator line near Quito.

Are entry fees included in this Quito day trip?

All admissions and parking fees are included in your booking price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Lunch is optional. You can choose to join or explore local options nearby during lunch break.

What churches will we see on this city tour?

You’ll visit Basilica del Voto Nacional (inside), San Francisco Church (inside), El Sagrario Church (inside), and see Iglesia de la Compania from outside.

How much walking is involved on this day trip?

You should have moderate fitness. Some walking and a short hike to Swing in the Clouds are required.