Quito & Middle of the World Private Day Trip

Stand with one foot on each hemisphere at the actual equator line.

A private guided day trip in Quito combines the Old Town's colonial churches and squares with a visit to Mitad del Mundo, the monument marking the equator 20km north of the city. You walk through the historic center past the Basilica, Independence Plaza and the Gold Church, then head to Panecillo viewpoint to see the contrast between colonial and modern Quito before traveling to the equator. In the afternoon, the Intiñan museum, just 200 meters from the monument, shows where GPS has verified the true equator line runs. Hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide are included. The trip runs 6 to 7 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Quito Old Town3h
2. Middle of the World Monument1h

Explore Quito and Middle of the World

• Visit Basilica Church viewpoint
• Walk through colonial streets
• Admire Independence Plaza and Cathedral
• See Compañia, Sagrario, and San Francisco churches
• Visit Panecillo viewpoint
• Travel to Middle of the World
• Visit Intiñan museum
• Return to hotel

The experience

The day starts in Quito's Old Town, the best-preserved historic center in Latin America. Your guide leads you through colonial streets to the Basilica Church, where you get a clear view across the Centro Histórico before moving to Independence Plaza to see the Cathedral and Government Palace. You'll walk past the Compañia church, known locally as the Gold Church, along with the Church of Sagrario and San Francisco. Each stop sits within a compact area, so the walking is manageable and the architecture stays in focus.

From the colonial center, you head to Panecillo, the most famous hill in Quito, where the city reveals itself in two layers: the ornate colonial buildings below and the modern skyline beyond. The contrast makes clear why the old quarter matters. Then the route turns north toward the equator. After about 20km, you reach Mitad del Mundo, where the monument itself marks the line travelers come to photograph: one leg in each hemisphere. Just 200 meters away sits the Intiñan museum, which displays what modern GPS has confirmed: the actual equator runs through this spot, not at the monument itself. The museum is the reason this stop matters beyond the photo op.

Private transportation and a local English guide are included throughout. You'll get a bottle of water per person. The itinerary is built for a single traveler or small group, so the pace stays yours and the guide can answer questions without managing a crowd. Hotel pickup means no navigating Quito's traffic or finding the starting point yourself.

What’s included

• All visits mentioned in the itinerary (Basilica Church, Independence Plaza, Cathedral, Gold Church, Church of Sagrario, San Francisco, Panecillo viewpoint, Mitad del Mundo monument and Intiñan museum).
• private transportation throughout the day.
• a local English-speaking guide.
• one bottle of water per person.
• hotel pickup and return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

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

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Ecuador Local Guide

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so it suits travelers who want to move at their own pace and ask questions without managing a group schedule. The fixed route and included guide mean you don't arrange the stops, the timing or the logistics yourself. The day holds together without building it piece by piece.

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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).

What is the Intiñan museum and why is it worth visiting if I'm already at Mitad del Mundo?

The Intiñan museum sits 200 meters north of the Mitad del Mundo monument and houses exhibits showing where GPS technology has verified the true equator line actually runs. While the monument is the famous photo spot, the museum explains the science and shows artifacts related to the equator's real location. It's the reason the stop goes beyond a picture.

How much walking is involved in the Old Town portion of the day?

The colonial center is compact, so the walking stays manageable as you move between the Basilica, Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, the Gold Church and other colonial landmarks. The route is designed to keep the historic architecture in view without exhausting distances between stops.

Will I have time to take photos at Mitad del Mundo?

Yes. The afternoon portion includes time at the Mitad del Mundo monument itself, where you can stand with each leg on a different hemisphere and take photos before visiting the Intiñan museum nearby.

What should I know about the churches in Quito's Old Town?

The Old Town holds several notable churches within walking distance: the Basilica Church offers a panoramic view of the colonial center; the Compañia church is known as the Gold Church for its ornate interior; the Cathedral and Church of Sagrario sit at Independence Plaza near the Government Palace. Each reflects the colonial period's architecture and craftsmanship.

How long is the drive from Quito's Old Town to Mitad del Mundo?

Mitad del Mundo is situated around 20km north of the capital. The private transportation is included, so the driver handles the route and timing as part of the full day itinerary.