Quito: Old Town and Middle of the World Tour

Visiting Quito, Ecuador is a great way to explore a fascinating part of South America. The capital provides a rich mix of culture, history and Ecuadorean style. To make the most of your trip, consider taking a tour of Old Town and the Middle of the World Monument while in Quito. This tour can help you gain an understanding of the unique culture and history of a city that will leave a lasting impact on your travels.

About Old Town Quito

Old Town Quito is aptly named, as it is one of the oldest cities in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site became Ecuador’s capital in 1534 and still boasts beautiful colonial architecture from that era today. Wander through the cobblestone streets and explore the quaint plazas, colonial churches and other colonial landmarks that make the city so unique. Take a look at the incredible architecture of La Compañia de Jesús, one of the most impressive churches in the city, and wonder at the views from Mitad del Mundo, located deep in the city center.

Experience The Middle Of The World

One of the most popular tourist attractions when visiting Quito is Mitad del Mundo, or Middle of the World. The monument marks the exact spot where the equator passes over Ecuador, and stands at just over one hundred feet high. While the exact location of the equator has since been determined to be a few hundred metres away, it still remains an important place to visit to appreciate the history of Quito and its place on the world stage.

Take some time out to visit this amazing monument, both inside and out. You can also take advantage of all of the souvenir shopping, food vendors, carnival rides and other activities that are on offer at Mitad del Mundo. Just don’t forget to purchase your entry ticket before visiting!

Learn Traditional Customs of the Region

One of the biggest highlights of taking an Old Town and Middle of the World Tour is learning about traditional customs and regional heritage. Explore some of the local markets such as La Mariscal, where you can get a feel for everyday life in Quito and potentially pick up some amazing souvenirs! As you make your way to Mitad del Mundo, join your guide for an educational spot about regional customs such as traditional rituals, foods and languages.

Make The Most Of Your Time In Qué

Taking a tour of Old Town and Middle of the World is a great way to maximize your time in Quito. By taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide, you will get to understand all that the city has to offer while making sure you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions.

Tours often incorporate all sorts of exciting activities such as lunch, public transport, museum admittance and even zip-lining and horseback riding. Depending on which tour you take, you can customize it to fit your own needs as a traveler and get everything you want out of your visit to Quito!

Book Your Tour Today!

Ready to take the plunge and go on an incredible tour of Old Town Quito and Mitad del Mundo? Book your tour today at GetYourGuide! GetYourGuide is an excellent platform for booking fantastic tours, tickets and experiences all around the world. You can be sure you’ll be in good hands when booking and planning with GetYourGuide — and in no time at all will you be exploring all that Quito has to offer! So get ready to set off on an unforgettable journey through Ecuador’s breathtaking capital city with GetYourGuide!

Insider’s Guide to Quito: Old Town and Middle of the World Tour

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity. The city boasts of UNESCO-listed Old Town, where cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and churches from the 16th century transport you to a different era. The equatorial line that splits the earth in half, popularly known as The Middle of the World, is another iconic attraction that brings in tourists from across the globe. However, Quito offers so much more than just these tourist spots. In this insider’s guide to Quito, let’s explore some hidden gems, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will make your trip unforgettable.

Local Attractions

Instead of heading to the heavily crowded tourist spots, venture out to explore the less-known yet fascinating attractions that only locals can show you. One such place is Itchimbia Cultural Center. It’s a beautiful park with a picturesque view of the city. You can hike up to Cerro Itchimbia and see a panoramic view of the city from above. Another hidden gem is the Guayasamín Museum, located in Bellavista, the highest point in Quito. It showcases the works of Oswaldo Guayasamín, one of Ecuador’s most celebrated artists. You can also take a tour of the Capilla del Hombre, a chapel built to honor human life and dedicated to the suffering of Latin American people.

Dining Spots

Ecuadorian cuisine is known for its unique flavors and ingredients. Quito’s street food scene is a must-try. Head to Plaza de Santo Domingo and try out some fresh churros or helados con paila, which is a type of ice cream made in a copper pot. For a more upscale dining experience, you must visit Casa Gangotena. It’s a boutique hotel that offers an exquisite dining experience, with a various selection of international and Ecuadorian dishes. The building itself is a restored 18th-century mansion with elegant décor, and the food is gourmet goodness.

Cultural Experiences

Quito has a rich culture with a lot of traditional festivals, art, music, and customs. During the carnival season in February, you can witness dances, music, and costumes reflecting Ecuador’s vibrant culture. Quito’s Independence Day, celebrated on August 10th, is a colorful festival with fireworks, parades, and food fairs in the city squares. You can also explore the Mariscal neighborhood, where you can find art galleries, street murals, and various cultural events happening throughout the year.

Local History

Quito has an interesting history dating back to the Inca Empire, the Spanish colonization, and the Ecuadorian Republic. Visit the La Compania de Jesus church, where you can admire the intricate gold leaf and woodwork and learn about the history of the Jesuit priests who built it. Another interesting place is the Palacio de Gobierno, the Presidential Palace, which is the seat of government in Ecuador. It used to be an Inca palace before being destroyed and rebuilt with a Spanish colonial style.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Apart from the usual tourist destinations, Quito offers many activities that take you off the beaten path. You can take a cooking class and learn how to make authentic Ecuadorian dishes, or you can take a bike tour through the city’s beautiful parks and neighborhoods. If you’re looking for adventure, you can take a hiking trip to the Cotopaxi volcano or go river rafting in the surrounding region. And lastly, you can take a hot air balloon ride and see the city’s famous landmarks from above.

In conclusion, Quito is a city that should definitely be on your travel list. With its hidden gems, rich culture, exquisite cuisine and unique experiences, Quito is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience Ecuador’s vibrant and colorful history and culture.