Quito: Private Historic Center, Cable Car & Equator Tour

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/13

Duration8h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Ride the Quito cable car, cross the equator and wander historic plazas with a local guide

You’ll ride Quito’s cable car for sweeping views, straddle two hemispheres at the equator line, wander through centuries-old plazas with your local guide, and end with a chocolate tasting that lingers long after you leave. Expect laughter, history, and small surprises—this day really stays with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Quito city tour and Half of the World

Visit cable car viewpoint
Walk and swing on super swing
Explore Intiñan Solar Museum
Visit Half of the World monument
Lunch at Ecuadorian restaurant
Drive to Historic Center
Climb Basilica of the National Vote towers
Visit Independence Square and monuments
Walk through historic churches
Chocolate tasting experience

The Experience

I was still catching my breath after that cable car ride up over Quito—my hands a little shaky, but not from fear, just altitude and excitement. Our guide, Andrés, pointed out Cotopaxi in the distance (or tried to; clouds had other plans). It’s funny how the city looks so calm from above, all those red roofs and church domes tucked between green hills. The air felt thin and cold up there, but somehow clean—like I could taste it. We took turns on that swing everyone talks about. I almost chickened out but ended up laughing so hard I forgot to be scared.

The Middle of the World monument was next—a bit touristy maybe, but honestly? Standing with one foot in each hemisphere is just fun. At Intiñan Solar Museum nearby, we tried balancing eggs and watched water swirl different ways (I failed at both). Andrés stamped our passports right on the equator line—I keep looking at that stamp now and grinning. Lunch was simple—locro soup and fresh juice in a spot he swore by—and I’m still thinking about that smoky flavor from whatever they put in the soup.

Walking through Quito’s historic center felt like stepping into another century. The Basilica’s towers looked even taller up close; climbing them made my legs ache but wow—that view. Instead of gargoyles there are iguanas and armadillos carved along the roofline (Ecuadorian animals everywhere!). In Plaza Grande people were selling ice cream from little carts while schoolkids chased pigeons around the statue. We wandered past San Francisco Church too—the stones outside are worn smooth where people have walked for centuries. At some point we stopped for chocolate tasting (don’t skip this), and I probably ate more than my share. Still can’t pronounce “cacao” right in Spanish—Andrés just laughed.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup and drop-off in Quito, bottled water throughout your journey, guidance from a knowledgeable local who brings stories to life at every stop, plus a generous chocolate tasting session before heading back into city streets buzzing with energy.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by ecuador4mundos