Quito: Teleférico, Mitad del Mundo & City Tour with Pickup

Summary

Ride Quito’s cable car, cross the equator, wander colonial streets

You’ll taste real Ecuadorian chocolate near golden churches, ride high above Quito on the Teleférico cable car, and try quirky experiments at Intiñan Museum right on the equator line. With hotel pickup and stories from your local guide along winding colonial streets, it’s a day that lingers long after you’ve left those mountain views behind.

What’s the experience like?

Hands wrapped around a cup of thick hot chocolate—real Ecuadorian stuff, not the sweet powder—our guide Ana grinned as she passed it to me just outside the Church of the Society of Jesus. I’d been gawking at all that gold leaf inside (it’s everywhere, even on the ceiling corners), but honestly, it was Ana’s story about Saint Marian that stuck. She said locals come here for quiet prayers before work. I watched a woman light a candle and whisper something I couldn’t quite hear. The air smelled like old wood and incense—sort of comforting.

We zigzagged through Independence Plaza where pigeons outnumbered people that morning. Ana pointed out the monument to Quito’s independence heroes—she called them “dreamers with stubborn hearts.” Then we wound our way up to San Francisco Church. The steps are worn smooth in places; you can feel centuries under your feet. I tried to snap a photo but got distracted by a vendor selling tiny empanadas—couldn’t resist. Warm dough, salty cheese, gone in two bites.

The real surprise was riding the Teleférico up above Quito. My ears popped as we climbed past 4,000 meters—the city spread out like a patchwork quilt below us. It was colder than I expected; my breath fogged up the glass for a second. Some teenagers were laughing and taking selfies at the top. I just stood there for a while, watching clouds drift over the volcano rim. You don’t really get used to that kind of view.

Later at Mitad del Mundo, Ana laughed when I tried balancing an egg on a nail at Intiñan Museum (I failed spectacularly). There’s this odd feeling standing right on the equator line—like you’re in two places at once but also nowhere in particular. By then my head was spinning from all the stories and thin air, but I still remember her saying “Quito is always between worlds.” Not sure if she meant geography or something else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quito city tour and Mitad del Mundo

• Visit San Francisco Church
• Visit Church of the Society of Jesus
• Explore Independence Plaza
• Stop at Basilica of the National Vow
• Ride TelefériQo cable car
• Explore volcano viewpoint
• Stop at Middle of the World Monument
• Visit Intiñan Solar Museum experiments

Top questions

How high does the Teleférico go above Quito?

The Teleférico reaches over 13,400 feet (4090 meters) above sea level.

Is hotel pickup included in this Quito city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Quito.

What do you do at Mitad del Mundo?

You visit both the Middle of the World Monument and participate in experiments at Intiñan Museum on the equator line.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, admission to Intiñan Museum and Teleférico are included.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No traditional lunch is mentioned; however, there is an Ecuadorian chocolate tasting included.

How long do you spend exploring at altitude?

You’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring near 13,000 feet after riding up on the Teleférico.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What languages does the guide speak?

The certified guide speaks English and Spanish.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Quito city limits, private transportation throughout all stops like Teleférico and Mitad del Mundo with entry fees covered for both sites plus Intiñan Museum activities—and there’s even an Ecuadorian chocolate tasting along the way before returning back to your hotel with plenty of new stories (and maybe some altitude).