Quito: Private Day Tour, Middle of the World & Cable Car

Summary

Colonial streets cable car volcanoes and equator line in one private day from quito

You’ll wander Quito’s historic center with a local guide, sample Ecuadorian chocolate, ride a cable car above volcanoes, and stand right on the Equator line. Expect warm smiles from locals and small surprises along the way—like balancing an egg or catching your breath at 4,000 meters. This private day trip from Quito lets you set your own pace and soak it all in.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up Panecillo Hill when I realized I’d forgotten my sunglasses — not that it mattered, because the clouds kept playing tricks on us. Our guide, Andrea, was telling us how Quito’s old town was the very first UNESCO site in the world. She pointed out the way people greet each other here, with a quick smile and sometimes even a little nod — it’s small but you notice it. The air smelled faintly of roasted corn from a street cart as we walked past San Francisco Church, which is so much more massive than photos make it look. I tried to take a picture but my lens fogged up; Andrea just laughed and said that happens to everyone.

The cable car (Teleferico) ride was honestly higher than I expected — 4,000 meters is no joke. My ears popped and there was this weird silence at the top except for wind and some distant dogs barking. You could see Cotopaxi volcano way off if you squinted through the haze. We didn’t rush; Andrea let us linger as long as we wanted, which I appreciated because I needed to catch my breath (and maybe my nerves). On the way back down, she pulled out some dark chocolate for us to try — apparently Ecuadorian cacao is famous but I’d never tasted anything like that before.

The “Middle of the World” monument looked kind of touristy at first but then we went over to the Intiñan Museum next door. There was this local guy showing us how water swirls differently right on the equator line — he made me balance an egg on a nail (I failed). He stamped our passports with an official-looking seal; I’m still weirdly proud of that page now. We could’ve added more stops — Andrea offered markets or museums — but honestly by then my brain was full of new things already.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Quito and Middle of the World

• Visit Quito Historic Centre
• See San Francisco Church
• Visit La Compania Church
• Explore Independence Square
• Tour Basilica
• Visit Panecillo Hill and Virgin
• Ride Teleferico cable car
• Visit Middle of the World Monument
• Explore Intinan Museum

Top questions

How long does this private day tour of Quito last?

This full-day tour can be customized for timing, but usually lasts about 7–8 hours including all main sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this Quito day trip?

Yes, round-trip private transportation with hotel pickup (including airport hotels) is included at no extra charge.

Do we visit both the Middle of the World monument and Intiñan Museum?

You can visit either or both—the tour is flexible based on your interests.

Is lunch included in this private Quito tour?

No lunch is included by default, but food stops or tastings can be added if you wish.

What should I wear for weather in Quito?

Wear layers since weather changes fast; sunblock is recommended due to high altitude.

Are entrance fees included in this tour?

The tour includes chocolate tasting and bottled water; other entry fees may depend on your chosen sites.

Can I get my passport stamped at the Middle of the World?

Yes—bring your passport if you want an official stamp at the Equator line site.

What’s included

Your day includes private round-trip transportation with hotel pickup (even from airport hotels), bottled water throughout, an English-speaking local guide who adapts stops to your interests, plus Ecuadorian dark chocolate tasting along the way before returning to your hotel whenever you’re ready.