Quito: Old Town, Teleférico & Equator Private Day Trip

Walk colonial streets ride teleférico reach equator line in quito

You’ll stroll through Quito’s historic center with a local guide who brings legends to life, ride high above the city on the Teleférico cable car for sweeping Andean views, and stand right on the equator line at Intiñan Solar Museum. Expect laughter, unexpected flavors, and moments where you just pause to take it all in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Quito old town and equator

• Walk historical center of Quito
• Visit Basilica del Voto Nacional
• Explore Plaza Grande and Carondelet Palace
• See Primary Cathedral and La Compañia de Jesús
• Ride Teleférico to viewpoint
• Walk to Swing in the Clouds viewpoint
• Visit Intiñan Solar Museum at equator

The Experience

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect Quito’s old town to feel so alive. We wandered through narrow streets where every corner seemed to have someone selling tiny pastries or calling out greetings in Spanish. Our guide, Andrés, had this way of weaving stories into each stop—like when he pointed at the Basilica of the National Vow and joked that its gargoyles look more like local animals than anything you’d see in Europe. He was right. The stone iguanas are kind of hilarious once you notice them.

Plaza Grande was buzzing with people—kids chasing pigeons, street musicians somewhere off to the left. I kept catching whiffs of roasted corn from a vendor nearby. We ducked into La Compañía de Jesús for a minute (they call it the gold church for a reason), and honestly, my eyes needed a second to adjust after all that glittering gold leaf. After that, we took the Teleférico up above Quito. It’s colder up there than you think—definitely glad I brought a jacket like Andrés warned. The clouds kept drifting past so close it felt like you could reach out and grab them. There’s this swing at the top—Swing in the Clouds—they dared me to try it and I did, legs flying over nothing but mist and city far below.

The last part was Intiñan Solar Museum, right on the equator line. I thought it’d be cheesy but ended up laughing as we tried those “balance an egg” tricks—harder than it looks, by the way. The guide there explained some Kichwa words; Li laughed when I tried to say one in Mandarin—probably butchered it but nobody cared. Standing with one foot in each hemisphere is sillier than it sounds but also kind of cool? The sun was already slanting low by then and everything felt softer somehow.

Top questions

How long does this Quito day trip take?

The tour covers a full day from morning until late afternoon, including Old Town, Teleférico, and Equator line stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included for your convenience.

Do I need special shoes or clothing?

A jacket and comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended due to changing weather at higher altitudes.

Are entrance fees covered?

The tour includes visits and entry to main sites such as churches and museums mentioned in the itinerary.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome on this route.

What is special about riding the Teleférico?

The Teleférico takes you up to 13,000 feet for panoramic views of Quito and surrounding volcanoes—bring warm clothes!

Will we visit both historical sites and natural viewpoints?

Yes, you’ll explore colonial landmarks in Old Town plus scenic mountain vistas from the cable car ride.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is specified; however, there are opportunities to buy snacks or meals along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with city pickup, guided walks through Quito’s Old Town (including Basilica de Voto Nacional and Plaza Grande), entry to key attractions like La Compañía de Jesús church and Intiñan Solar Museum at the equator line, plus a ride on the Teleférico cable car up above Quito—with time for photos at Swing in the Clouds before heading back down together.