A Complete Guide to Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour
Taking the Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour is an amazing way to explore Quito city and its surroundings. The tour is designed to give visitors an immersive experience of Quito’s top attractions, including fascinating landmarks, historical and cultural sites, and a chance to visit the Middle of the World. In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about the Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour.Overview of the Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour
The Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour is a full-day guided tour that takes visitors to some of the city’s most notable attractions. With a personal bilingual guide and private transportation, you can explore Quito’s steep hills and landmarks, covering more ground than you could on foot. The tour allows you to see some of Quito’s top sights, including the Basilica, Intiñan Museum, and La Compañia, in just one day.What’s Included
The Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour is packed with several amazing features. Some of the things included in the tour package are:Private Transportation
The tour comes with the convenience of personal transportation, enabling you to cover more locations in less time. You’ll enjoy a comfortable ride in a private car, which also guarantees your safety during the tour.Professional Bilingual Guide
To make the most of the Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour, you’ll have a bilingual guide accompany you throughout the day. The guide is knowledgeable about Quito’s history, culture, and local customs, making it easier to engage with people and learn more about each location.Entrance Fees
The entrance tickets to the Basilica ($2), Intiñan Museum ($4.5), and La Compañia ($4) are included in the tour price. With these tickets, you’ll have access to some of Quito’s most prominent landmarks, and you’ll be able to learn more about the city’s culture and history.Lunch
A delicious lunch is also included in the tour package. The lunch is generally traditional Ecuadorian food, giving you an opportunity to sample the local cuisine.Itinerary
The Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour begins at 9:00 am, and guests are picked up from their hotels by the personal guide. The itinerary for the day typically goes as follows:Visit to Old Town
The tour kicks off with a visit to Quito’s Old Town, which is renowned for its colonial architecture and charming plazas. The highlights of the Old Town visit include the Basilica del Voto Nacional, San Francisco Monastery, and La Compania de Jesus.Middle of the World
The next stop on the tour is the Middle of the World, where visitors get to experience the unique sensation of being in two hemispheres at the same time. There are numerous attractions at the Middle of the World, including Intiñan Museum, which offers interactive displays and demonstrations about Ecuador’s cultures, and ethnography.Traditional Ecuadorian Lunch
After the visit to the Middle of the World, guests will enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant.Visit to Pululahua Crater Viewpoint
To cap off the day, visitors get to enjoy stunning views of the Pululahua Crater, which is an active volcano with a distinctive landscape characterized by its rolling hills and lush vegetation.Booking the Tour
Booking the Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour is easy and effortless. Head to the tour page on Viator’s website, select your preferred date, enter your details, and pay for your tour. It’s as simple as that! Remember, the tour includes everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable day out in Quito.Book Your Tour Now
If you’re looking to discover the best Quito has to offer, then the Quito Old Town and Middle of the World Shared Tour is for you. It’s the perfect way to learn about the city’s rich history, culture, and traditions while taking in some of its most famous landmarks. Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the magic of Quito!
Everything You Need to Know About Quito
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and one of the highest capital cities in the world, located at an altitude of 2,850 m (9,350 ft) above sea level in the Andes mountains. It is a beautiful city with stunning architecture, rich history, and diverse culture. In this FAQ, we will answer some of the most common questions about Quito.1. When is the Best Time to Visit Quito?
The best time to visit Quito is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. The weather during this time is mild, and you can enjoy long sunny days. The rainy season runs from October to May, with the heaviest rainfall in April and May. During the rainy season, the city can be cloudy and cool, and some roads may be difficult to navigate due to landslides.2. What is the Local Currency in Quito?
The official currency in Quito is the US dollar. The country adopted the US dollar in 2000 as its official currency after a financial crisis. There are ATMs all over the city, and most shops and restaurants accept credit cards.3. What Language is Spoken in Quito?
The official language in Quito is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. You may find that people in smaller towns and villages outside the city may not speak English, so it can be helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases.4. What are the Top Tourist Attractions in Quito?
There are many things to see and do in Quito. Here are some of the top tourist attractions:4.1. Historic Center of Quito
The historic center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. Wander along the cobbled streets and marvel at the stunning colonial architecture.4.2. TelefériQo
TelefériQo is a cable car that takes you to the top of Pichincha Volcano, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains.4.3. La Mitad del Mundo
Translated as “the middle of the world,” this site marks the equator line and allows you to stand in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres at the same time.4.4. Museo del Banco Central
The Museo del Banco Central is a museum that showcases Ecuadorian art and culture, including pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial art, and contemporary works.4.5. Cotopaxi Volcano
Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, located about 50 km (31 miles) south of Quito. You can take a day trip to the national park and hike up to the refuge for stunning views of the snow-capped volcano.5. What Should I Eat and Drink in Quito?
Ecuadorian food is diverse and delicious, and Quito has no shortage of tasty options. Some local dishes to try include:5.1. Ceviche
A seafood dish made with shrimp, fish, or both, marinated in lime juice and spices.5.2. Hornado
Roast pork served with potatoes, corn, and avocado.5.3. Locro
A potato soup with cheese, avocado, and corn on the cob.5.4. Chicha
A fermented corn drink that has been enjoyed in Ecuador for centuries.6. Is Quito Safe for Tourists?
Quito is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it is important to take precautions to avoid petty crime. Avoid flashing expensive cameras or jewelry, don’t carry large amounts of cash, and be aware of your surroundings. It is also a good idea to use licensed taxis and avoid carrying valuables in backpacks.7. What is the Climate Like in Quito?
Quito has a subtropical highland climate with mild temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) to 22°C (72°F), with cooler temperatures at night. The climate can vary greatly depending on altitude, so be prepared for changes in temperature and humidity if traveling to higher elevations.8. What is the Local Culture Like?
Ecuadorian culture is diverse and influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions. Quito is a melting pot of cultures and has a vibrant arts scene with music, dance, and theater performances throughout the city. It is also known for its festivals and carnivals, which showcase traditional costumes, music, and dance.9. What Should I Pack for a Trip to Quito?
When traveling to Quito, it is important to pack for the altitude and varying temperatures. Here are some items to consider packing:9.1. Layers of clothing
On sunny days, it can be warm, but the temperature drops quickly in the evenings. Layers of clothing will keep you comfortable throughout the day.9.2. Sunscreen and sunglasses
At high altitude, the sun can be intense, so it’s important to protect yourself from UV rays.9.3. Comfortable shoes
Quito is a hilly city, and you may need to walk up steep streets and stairs to reach some of the attractions, so comfortable shoes are essential.9.4. Waterproof jacket
Quito experiences rain throughout the year, so a waterproof jacket will come in handy.10. What are some Useful Phrases to Know in Spanish?
Here are some useful Spanish phrases that may help you navigate Quito:10.1. Hola
Hello10.2. Gracias
Thank you10.3. Por favor
Please10.4. Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?10.5. Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?Book Your Tour Now
Quito is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture, stunning architecture, and scenic views. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic center or venturing outside the city to hike the mountains, there’s something for everyone in Quito. By learning some basic Spanish phrases, packing for the altitude and weather, and taking typical safety precautions, you can make the most of your visit to this vibrant city.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Quito
If you’re planning a trip to Quito, Ecuador, you’re in for a treat! Quito is a vibrant city with a rich culture and history, as well as stunning natural beauty. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. Below are some suggestions for how to spend your time as a tourist in Quito.1. Visit the Historic Center of Quito
The historic center of Quito is one of the most well-preserved colonial centers in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll through the narrow streets to see the beautiful colonial-style buildings, plazas, and churches. The most famous church is the Basilica del Voto Nacional, where you can climb up to the top for panoramic views of the city. You’ll also find several museums, galleries, and handicraft markets in the historic center.2. Experience the Culture of Quito
Quito has a rich cultural heritage that you can experience through its food, music, and festivals. One of the best ways to do this is by taking a cultural tour that will introduce you to the different aspects of Quito’s culture. For example, you can take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as ceviche or empanadas. Or you can take a music and dance lesson to learn about the different styles of Latin American music, such as salsa or merengue.3. Explore the Nature Surrounding Quito
Quito is located in the Andes mountains and surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. One of the most popular day trips is to the Cotopaxi National Park, where you can see the Cotopaxi volcano, hike through the Andean paramo, and spot wildlife such as llamas and condors. You can also take a trip to the Mindo Cloud Forest, where you can go birdwatching, hiking, or zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy.4. Visit the Mitad del Mundo Monument
The Mitad del Mundo Monument, which marks the Equator line, is a popular tourist destination located just outside of Quito. You can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere and take some fun photos. There are also several interactive exhibits that demonstrate the different scientific phenomena that occur at the Equator.5. Try Ecuadorian Food and Drink
Ecuador has a unique cuisine that you should try while you’re in Quito. Some of the most famous dishes include ceviche, a seafood dish marinated in lime juice and served with corn and popcorn, and locro, a potato soup with cheese and avocado. To wash it down, you can try some of the local drinks, such as horchata or canelazo. Horchata is a refreshing, nutty drink made with rice, while canelazo is a hot cocktail made with cinnamon, naranjilla fruit, and aguardiente, a sugarcane liquor.6. Relax in the Hot Springs
If you’re looking for some relaxation, you can take a trip to the Papallacta Hot Springs, located about 2 hours from Quito. Here you can soak in the natural hot springs while enjoying the stunning Andean scenery. There are several pools of varying temperatures, as well as spa services such as massages.7. Attend a Festival
Ecuador is known for its colorful and lively festivals, and Quito is no exception. Throughout the year, there are several festivals celebrating everything from food to music to religion. One of the most famous is the Fiestas de Quito, a week-long celebration in December that includes parades, concerts, and street food.Book Your Tour Now
These are just a few suggestions for how to spend your time as a tourist in Quito. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or food, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Don’t forget to take advantage of the local guides and tours to learn more about the rich culture and history of Quito. Happy travels!Table of Contents
