Quito & Middle of the World Private Day Trip: Equator Tour

Colonial churches, Independence Plaza, and a photo straddling two hemispheres

A private day trip through Quito that combines the Old Town's colonial architecture with a visit to the Intiñan Solar Museum, where GPS has confirmed the true equator line. You'll walk through the Centro Histórico to see the Basilica, Cathedral, Compañía Church and other landmarks, stop at Panecillo viewpoint for the city's contrasts, then head north to stand with each leg on a different hemisphere. An English-speaking guide and hotel pickup are included. The tour runs 6 to 7 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Quito Old Town3h
2. Intiñan Solar Museum1h

Explore Quito and Middle of the World

• Visit Basilica Church viewpoint
• Walk through colonial streets
• Admire Independence Plaza
• See Cathedral and Government Palace
• Visit Cathedral, Compañia, Sagrario, San Francisco churches
• Go to Panecillo viewpoint
• Visit Intiñan Solar Museum
• Return to hotel

The experience

If you've just arrived in Quito or have a free afternoon, this private tour covers the city's best-preserved historic center and the equator in a single day. You start in the Old Town, where the Basilica Church gives you a view across the Colonial Center before you walk through the old streets to Independence Plaza. There you'll see the Cathedral, the Compañía Church (known as the Gold Church for its interior), the Church of Sagrario and San Francisco. The route is compact enough that you move through centuries of architecture without long gaps between stops.

After the colonial section, you head to Panecillo, the most famous hill in Quito, where you can see the contrast between the old center and the modern city spread around it. In the afternoon, the tour continues north about 20 kilometers to the Intiñan Solar Museum, situated just 200 meters from the Mitad del Mundo monument. This museum marks what GPS has now confirmed as the actual equator line, not the monument itself, but the site the museum occupies. You get the moment travelers come for: standing with one leg on each hemisphere and taking the photo. After that, you return to your hotel.

Your guide speaks English and travels with you in the private vehicle throughout. A bottle of water is provided. Entrance fees to the museums and attractions are not included in the price, so budget for those separately.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the day.
• visits to Quito Old Town, the Basilica, Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, Compañía Church, Church of Sagrario, San Francisco, Panecillo viewpoint and the Intiñan Solar Museum.
• an English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup.
• and a bottle of water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ecuador Tour Guide

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably whether this is your first time in Quito or you're returning. The private vehicle means the pace and stops adjust to your interests without waiting for a group.

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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: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What's the difference between the Mitad del Mundo monument and the Intiñan Solar Museum?

The Mitad del Mundo is the famous monument marking the equator, but the Intiñan Solar Museum, located 200 meters north of it, is where GPS has confirmed the true equator line actually sits. The museum is what you visit on this tour.

How much walking is involved in the Old Town section?

You walk through the colonial streets and squares of the Centro Histórico, moving between the Basilica, Independence Plaza, and several churches in a compact area. It's not a strenuous hike, but you should be comfortable on your feet for this portion of the day.

Are entrance fees to the churches and museums included?

No, entrance fees are not included. You'll need to budget separately for entry to the Basilica, Cathedral, Compañía Church and the Intiñan Solar Museum.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in this tour. The day runs 6 to 7 hours with stops at various sites, so you may want to eat before or after, or plan a meal break during the afternoon portion.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour is 6 to 7 hours long and includes hotel pickup, but specific start times depend on your hotel location and the operator's schedule. Confirm the pickup time when you book.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible as well. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.