Quito tour with Teleférico cable car and Panecillo views

Four colonial churches and a cable car ride above the clouds

A private tour of Quito combines the Historic Center's colonial landmarks (the Basilica of the National Vow, Church of the Society of Jesus, San Francisco Church, and Independence Plaza) with a visit to El Panecillo viewpoint and a Teleférico cable car ascent up Pichincha Volcano. You hike high-altitude trails and stop at a famous swing overlooking the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Basilica of the National Vow15m
2. Independence Plaza20m
3. Church of the Society of Jesus45m
4. San Francisco Church15m
5. El Panecillo30m

Explore Quito and Teleférico hike

• Admire Basilica del Voto Nacional facade
• Explore Independence Plaza and monuments
• Visit Church of the Society of Jesus interior
• Discover San Francisco Church and legends
• View Quito from El Panecillo viewpoint
• Ascend Teleférico and hike trails
• Stop at famous swing above clouds

The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup in central Quito and moves through the Historic Center on foot, guided by a bilingual professional who shares the stories behind each stop. The Basilica of the National Vow opens first: Ecuador's most significant Neo-Gothic structure, with details inspired by the country's wildlife carved into its facade. From there you walk to Independence Plaza, the civic heart where the Archbishop's Palace and independence monuments frame the daily rhythm of the city, then enter the Church of the Society of Jesus, a colonial Baroque interior where gold leaf covers nearly every surface. San Francisco Church, one of Quito's earliest colonial landmarks, follows with its own collection of period art and local legends woven through the visit.

After the churches, you head to El Panecillo, the iconic viewpoint that separates Old Quito from the modern city. Standing at the feet of the Virgin of Quito, the country's most prominent Catholic symbol, you see the contrast between the two halves of the city laid out below. The guide helps you read the landscape and understand what you're looking at. Then comes the Teleférico: a cable car ascent to the foothills of Pichincha Volcano, where you hike along high-altitude trails with views of the surrounding mountains. A stop at the famous swing lets you sway out over the landscape with the city visible beneath.

The tour runs eight hours total and includes a bottle of purified water. Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Quito are part of the booking. Entrance fees for the churches and cable car are separate, as are any meals or personal expenses. The route is wheelchair accessible, and the tour operates in all weather. Bring layers and appropriate clothing for the altitude and conditions.

What’s included

• Private tour with a professional bilingual guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Quito hotels.
• bottle of purified water.

Options for this experience

3 options

Grand ExpeditionUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 08:00Driver and professional guide with transport: mini van (5 passengers plus guide) or mini bus (6–10 passengers plus guide), pickup is included

Family and FriendsUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 08:00Driver guide with transport: special SUV (up to 4 passengers) or mini van available, includes pickup

Mini GroupUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 08:00Driver guide in an SUV (Toyota, Renault, Kia), pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (4 to 80 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Andean Roots Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the Mini Group option if you want a smaller party, or the Grand Expedition and Family and Friends options if you're traveling with others and want to split the private guide cost. The eight-hour itinerary is built around the cable car schedule and the high-altitude hike, so the full day is needed to move through all four churches, El Panecillo, and the Teleférico without rushing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's inside the Church of the Society of Jesus that makes it worth the stop?

The Church of the Society of Jesus is considered the finest example of colonial Baroque art in South America, with gold leaf covering the interior details throughout the space.

Can I actually go inside the Basilica of the National Vow, or just see the outside?

You admire the facade and appreciate the monumental scale and intricate details of the Basilica during the stop. The interior is not part of the tour itinerary.

Is the Teleférico hike difficult, or can anyone do it?

The Teleférico hike is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator, though it takes place at high altitude on the foothills of Pichincha Volcano, so dress warmly and bring water.

Does the tour include lunch or snacks?

Food and drinks are not included. You'll want to plan for meals before or after the eight-hour tour, though a bottle of purified water is provided.