Quito: Private Teleferico, Old Town & Middle of the World Tour

Summary

Quito cable car views, gothic basilica towers, equator line fun and old town flavors

You’ll ride Quito’s Teleferico high above the city for wild views, climb gothic basilica towers with your guide’s stories echoing behind you, wander Old Town’s colorful streets at your own pace, then play with quirky science experiments right on the equator line—all with private pickup so you can just relax into it.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel my ears pop before breakfast. Quito’s Teleferico goes way higher than I thought—4,050 meters is no joke. Our guide, Andrés, grinned when he saw me clutching my water bottle like a lifeline. The city just sprawls below you in every direction, all those red roofs and green hills. There’s this swing called “Swing of the Clouds” up there—my hands were freezing but I tried it anyway. Wind in my face, shoes dangling over nothing. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home stuck in traffic.

We headed down and drove past murals and corner fruit stands to the Basilica of the National Vow. It’s this huge gothic thing with spiky towers—looks almost out of place here but somehow fits. Andrés told us you can climb up inside if you’re not scared of heights (I was, but did it anyway). The stone steps are narrow and everyone moves slow. At the top, Quito’s old town looks like a patchwork quilt—white walls, blue domes, laundry flapping from balconies. Some local kids waved at us from below; I waved back and nearly dropped my phone.

Walking through Quito Old Town felt like stepping into a painting—there’s music drifting from open windows and that faint smell of fresh bread mixing with car exhaust. We stopped at Independence Square where people were feeding pigeons (one landed right on my shoe). Andrés pointed out little details everywhere: carved wooden doors, a tiny bakery he swears has the best empanadas (he was right). Lunch was whatever we wanted—he gave us options for local spots and didn’t rush us at all.

The last stop was Intiñan Solar Museum at Mitad del Mundo—the actual equator line (not just the big monument everyone takes selfies at). There were these odd little science tricks to show how water spins different ways on each side of the line; I tried balancing an egg on a nail and totally failed. If you bring your passport they’ll stamp it for you—I almost forgot mine but Andrés reminded me just in time. The sun felt sharper there somehow, or maybe it was just me being dramatic after all that altitude.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quito city tour and equator visit

• Pickup from hotel at 9am
• Drive 20 minutes to Teleferico
• Take cable car to 4050m
• Explore hiking trails and fauna
• Visit Basilica of the National Vow exterior
• Climb towers for city views
• Walking tour of Quito Old Town
• Lunch at local cuisine restaurant
• Visit Intiñan Solar Museum
• Experience equator line experiments

Top questions

How long does this private Quito tour take?

The tour starts around 9am and covers all main sites in one day.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, private transportation picks you up directly from your hotel in Quito.

Do I need to bring my passport for the Intiñan Solar Museum?

If you want an equator line stamp in your passport, bring it along.

Are meals or lunch included during this tour?

No set lunch is included but your guide will suggest good local restaurants for lunch stops.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; strollers and specialized seats are available if needed.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your national guide is bilingual; English and Spanish are both available.

How high does the Teleferico go above Quito?

The cable car reaches about 4,050 meters (13,200 feet) above sea level.

Can I use public transportation to reach any stops if needed?

Public transportation options are nearby most attractions if required.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup by certified bilingual guide, all transportation between sites including Telefériqo Quito cable car tickets, entry to Intiñan Solar Museum (bring your passport if you want an equator stamp), plus plenty of time to explore historic Old Town—with flexible lunch stops based on your taste before heading back comfortably.