Quito: Colonial Old Town, Teleferico & Equator Line Full Day

One Day Across Three Quitos: Streets, Sky & the Equator

You walk Quito's colonial core—Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, the gold-filled Compañía church, San Francisco—then ride the Teleferico cable car to 4,050 meters for panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. In the afternoon, you visit the Intiñan Solar Museum at the equator line for interactive demonstrations and photos straddling two hemispheres. Private transport, a guide, and water are included throughout the full day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Quito city tour and equator visit

• Walk colonial streets of Quito
• Visit Quito Main Square and Cathedral
• See Carondelet Palace
• Explore Compañía de Jesús Church
• Visit San Francisco Square and Church
• Tour Basilica del Voto Nacional
• Ride Teleférico to Cruz Loma
• Enjoy panoramic city views
• Visit Middle of the World at Intiñan
• Learn about equator phenomena
• Take photos and shop

The Experience

Most visitors spend a morning in Quito's Old Town and call it done. This tour doesn't stop there. You start early walking the colonial streets around Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, and the Compañía de Jesús Church—the one with the gold interior that catches you off guard when you step inside. The cobblestones are real, the churches are 16th and 17th century, and your guide points out the blend of Spanish, Moorish, and Indigenous details worked into the stone and wood. San Francisco Church and its plaza come next, then you're moving through the city's heart with someone who knows which corners matter and which are just tourist filler.

Then the day shifts. The Teleferico cable car takes you up Pichincha Volcano to 4,050 meters in minutes—Cruz Loma—and suddenly you're looking down at the entire city, the mountains around it, and the volcanoes beyond. The air gets thin and cold. You can see how Quito sits in this valley, how the city spreads below you, how small it all becomes from up there. It's the kind of view that resets your sense of scale. Your guide is with you the whole time, explaining what you're seeing, and there's time to stand and just look, or take the photos you came for.

By afternoon you're at the Intiñan Solar Museum near the equator line—the actual equator, not the tourist monument down the road. This is where you stand with one foot on each hemisphere, where the guide runs water down a drain and it spirals one way on the north side and the opposite way on the south. It's one of those moments that feels small until you're standing in it. There's time to walk around, shop if you want, and absorb the fact that you've crossed the line that divides the planet. Private transportation moves you between all three stops, so you're not figuring out buses or negotiating with taxi drivers between the colonial quarter and the cable car station.

What’s included

• Your day includes private transportation between all three main stops, a guide throughout, and a bottle of water per passenger.
• Entry to the Teleferico cable car and the Intiñan Solar Museum are included.
• The guide walks you through the colonial churches and plazas of the Old Town, explains the views from Cruz Loma, and leads the equator demonstrations at Intiñan.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by EcuadorianTourGuide

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Quito's colonial heart, ride the cable car, and stand on the equator—all in one day without arranging separate transport or tickets between stops. The private vehicle and guide handle the logistics, so you focus on the sights.

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Top questions

What time does the tour start?

Early morning, though the exact pickup time depends on your hotel location. Confirm with the operator when you book.

How long is the full day tour?

The itinerary covers the colonial Old Town, Teleferico, and Intiñan, typically running 8–10 hours depending on pace and photo stops.

Is the Teleferico cable car included?

Yes, the cable car ride to Cruz Loma at 4,050 meters is part of the tour.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation, a guide, and a bottle of water per person. Entry fees to attractions are typically included, but confirm when booking.

Can I do this tour with just one person, or do I need a group?

The tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers per departure.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes. Infants and small children can use a pram or stroller in the Old Town sections. Specialized infant seats are available for the vehicle.

How high is the Teleferico, and will altitude affect me?

The cable car reaches 4,050 meters (13,287 feet). Quito itself sits at 2,850 meters, so the climb is significant. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but take it slow if you're sensitive to altitude.

What should I bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket (it's cool at altitude), sunscreen, and a camera. Wear layers—the Old Town is warmer than the cable car summit.