A Half Day City Explorer in Quito: Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Quito, Ecuador, make sure to include the city’s historical center in your itinerary. The largest and best-preserved colonial center in South America, Quito’s historical district is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s rich in culture and history. And there’s no better way to explore Quito’s old town than with a local supplier on board a trolley that’s a replica of the historic trams that once circulated in the city. This half-day city explorer tour is the perfect introduction to Quito’s fascinating history, colonial architecture, and religious landmarks. Here’s everything you need to know about this must-see tour:

Experience

On this half-day tour, you’ll explore Quito’s historical center on board a comfortable trolley, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who’ll help you navigate the city’s winding streets and uncover its fascinating history. You’ll make stops at several of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, the Panecillo viewpoint, and the Plaza Grande. This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and small groups alike who are looking to learn more about Quito’s history and culture.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Quito Half Day City Explorer Historical Quito tour:

Explore Quito on board a trolley that’s a replica of a historic tram

The trolley is a replica of the trams that circulated in Quito in the last century, providing a unique and immersive way to explore the city’s historic center. The trolley is equipped with comfortable seats, large windows, and an open-air top deck for panoramic views of the city.

Admire the churches and colonial monuments of the historic center

As you make your way through Quito’s historic center, you’ll see a variety of colonial-era churches, plazas, and monuments that highlight the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Your guide will provide detailed commentary on each landmark you visit, making this a truly enriching experience.

Take in views of colonial and modern Quito from the Mirador del Panecillo

The Mirador del Panecillo is an iconic place in the city renowned for its beauty. Here you’ll find a giant statue of the “Winged Virgin” and can admire a beautiful landscape of colonial and modern Quito. It’s the perfect spot for taking photos and soaking in the incredible views.

Visit the Plaza de San Francisco, one of the representative places of the city and full of history

The Plaza de San Francisco is a bustling public square that’s located in the heart of Quito’s historic center. Surrounded by colonial-era buildings and landmarks, this plaza is full of history and is a great place to people-watch and soak in the local culture.

Walk to the Plaza Grande, the historical and political center of the city

Located in the heart of Quito’s historic center, the Plaza Grande is a must-visit landmark that’s full of history and political significance. This expansive public square is surrounded by important buildings such as the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace.

How to plan your tour

Book the tour here: Book The Tour Here. To plan your tour, head to the ‘Book The Tour Here’ link, select your preferred date and time, and follow the booking instructions. The tour operates in English and Spanish, and it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot. The tour departs from La Mariscal neighbourhood in Quito, and it’s recommended to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the start time. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing as the tour involves some walking.

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re looking to explore Quito’s historical center and learn more about its rich history and culture, this half-day city explorer tour is the perfect introduction. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable trolley, and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks on the itinerary, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Quito’s unique and fascinating heritage. Book your tour today and experience the best of Quito’s historic center in just half a day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quito City

Quito, known fully as San Francisco de Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador. Located in the Andes mountain range, it is the highest official capital city in the world. Quito is a vibrant destination in South America laced with culture, colonial architecture, and buzzing streets. Here are some frequently asked questions about the city of Quito.

1. How Do I Get to Quito?

Quito can be accessed through its Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Several airlines operate scheduled flights to and from the city, making it accessible from different parts of the world. You can find direct flights from major cities across the world, including Miami, Madrid, Amsterdam, and New York.

2. What is the Best Time to Visit Quito?

Quito has a subtropical climate with fairly consistent temperatures year-round, that range between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The Best season to visit Quito is between June and September. During these months, the weather is dry and sunny, creating perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, the climate varies according to the altitude, and you may need to carry warmer jackets if you plan on visiting some of the higher zones.

3. What Currency is Used in Quito?

Ecuador has adopted the US dollar as its official currency, so it’s what you’ll use while in Quito. There are ATMs across the city as well as currency exchange shops. It’s advisable to carry small denominations of both coins and notes since larger banks may not accept high-denomination bills.

4. What are the Best Places to Eat in Quito?

Quito is home to a number of gastronomic delicacies, ranging from typical Andean dishes to international cuisine. You may try some of the street food that is affordable and unique to the region, including empanadas, grilled corn, and ceviche. The Plaza Foch neighborhood is a center for nightlife and dining, with several restaurants and eateries that offer both local and international menus.

5. What are the Best Places to Stay in Quito?

Quito is a city that caters to all kinds of travelers. The city has a range of accommodation options from budget hostels to luxury hotels, ensuring that all visitors enjoy their stay. The historic center is a UNESCO site and a popular location among tourists. Plaza Foch and La Floresta are also neighborhoods that offer a range of accommodation options and entertainment spots.

6. What Are the Must-Visit Attractions in Quito?

Quito is an interesting destination filled with plenty of attractions that cater to all kinds of tourists. Some of the must-visit places include:

a) The Historic Center:

Quito’s historic center is one of the largest and least altered preserved centers in the Americas. It features cobblestoned streets, beautiful churches, and historic buildings that span centuries.

b) TeleferiQo:

This cable car service rises high into the mountains and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city below.

c) La Mitad del Mundo:

This tourist attraction is located on the equator line and features a monument marking 0° latitude.

d) The Museum of National Identity:

This museum showcases Ecuador’s indigenous history and cultural heritage, including humans’ origins, the commercial routes, daily life, music, art and religion.

7. Is Quito Safe?

Quito is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime is average compared to most Latin American cities, but petty theft is a common problem in the city. It’s advisable to take precautions such as avoiding deserted areas and not showing off your valuables to minimize the risk of being mugged.

8. What is the Local Language in Quito?

Spanish is the official language spoken in Quito, but indigenous people still use their native languages. However, most hotels, restaurants and tour operators understand and speak many variations of the language. Some other languages such as English, Italian, and French are also commonly spoken.

9. What Outdoor Activities Are Available in Quito?

Quito and the surrounding valleys have plenty of outdoor activities that cater to different preferences of tourists, including:

a) Hiking and Climbing:

Quito is surrounded by some of the Andes’ tallest peaks, making it a prime spot for hiking and climbing enthusiasts.

b) Paragliding:

You can soar like a bird above the city and the surrounding valleys while paragliding with trained pilots.

c) Biking:

The city offers biking opportunities on several trails that showcase the beauty of the city’s surroundings.

d) Wildlife Excursions:

Quito is home to several protected wildlife areas, including El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, which offers a chance to see exotic plant and animal species.

10. How Do I get Around Quito?

Quito has an extensive public transport system that includes buses, cable cars, and taxis. The Ecovía bus system is a fast and cheap way to get around the city, while taxis are safe if hailed from a reputable taxi service provider. It’s advisable to avoid hailing taxis from the streets since some may not be licensed.

Book Your Tour Now

Quito is a beautiful city filled with breathtaking views and a rich history. With multiple unique attractions, cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and great food, it is a destination that you will never get enough of. We hope this FAQ has provided you with the necessary information needed to plan an unforgettable trip to Quito.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Quito

Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is a stunning and vibrant city that is well worth exploring. From its rich history and architecture to its stunning views and vibrant culture, there is something for everyone in Quito. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best things to do and see in Quito so that you can make the most of your time there.

1. Visit the Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 and is home to numerous colonial-era buildings, churches, and plazas. The heart of the historic center is Independence Square, where you can see the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Things to see in the Historic Center of Quito

• La Compañía de Jesús Church, a stunning Baroque church with an intricate gold leaf interior
• The Church of San Francisco, a stunning complex of churches and convents that dates back to 1535
• The Basilica del Voto Nacional, a stunning Neo-Gothic church that offers incredible views of the city from its towers
• The Plaza Grande, a historic plaza that is surrounded by colonial-era buildings

2. Take in the View from El Panecillo

El Panecillo is a hill that is located in the center of Quito and offers incredible views of the city. At the top of the hill, you will find a statue of the Virgin Mary that is over 40 meters tall. The statue is visible from many parts of the city and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Quito.

Tips for visiting El Panecillo

• Take a taxi to the top of the hill rather than walking, as the hill is quite steep
• Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best views of the city
• Be aware of your surroundings when visiting as El Panecillo is known for pickpocketing and other petty crimes

3. Explore La Ronda Street

La Ronda is a charming street in the Historic Center that is lined with brightly-colored colonial-era buildings, traditional restaurants, and artisanal shops. It dates back to the 16th century and is one of the oldest streets in Quito.

Things to do on La Ronda Street

• Taste traditional Ecuadorian dishes and drinks like empanadas, churrasco, and canelazo
• Visit artisanal shops and purchase unique souvenirs like handmade jewelry or alpaca wool clothing
• Listen to live traditional music in one of the many small bars or restaurants on the street

4. Visit the Middle of the World Monument

The Middle of the World Monument is located approximately 15 miles north of Quito and marks the location of the equator. It is a popular tourist destination and features exhibits, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Tips for visiting the Middle of the World Monument

• Pay to go into the actual monument, not just the yellow line that marks the equator, as there is much more to see in the monument
• Visit during the week to avoid the crowds that come on weekends
• Try the canelazo, a traditional Ecuadorian drink made with cinnamon and sugarcane, at one of the restaurants in the monument

5. Take a Cable Car to Cruz Loma

The TelefériQo is a gondola lift that takes you up to the top of the Pichincha volcano. From there, you can take a short hike to the Cruz Loma lookout point, which offers incredible views of Quito and the surrounding mountains.

Tips for visiting the TelefériQo and Cruz Loma

• Visit on a clear day for the best views
• Take warm clothing as it can be cold and windy at the top of the mountain
• Be prepared for the altitude as Quito sits at over 9,000 feet above sea level

Book Your Tour Now

Quito is a unique and captivating city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, there are countless things to see and do in Quito. By visiting the Historic Center, El Panecillo, La Ronda, the Middle of the World Monument, and the TelefériQo, you can see some of the best that this city has to offer. So if you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, make sure that Quito is at the top of your list!