Quito: Classic Tour, Explore the Old Town & The Equator Line

Quito: Classic Tour, Explore the Old Town & The Equator Line

Name: Quito: Classic Tour, Explore the Old Town & The Equator Line
Address: Ecuador

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Discover Quito's historic gems: marvel at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, enjoy panoramic views from El Panecillo and explore Mitad del Mundo where, you stand on the equator and delve into the culture

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Highlights

Explore Quito's historic sites, stunning churches and beutiful plazas
Enjoy panoramic views from El Panecillo
Stand on the Equator and explore cultural exhibits at Mitad del Mundo

Description

Our tour begins at 8:00 AM at the designated meeting point. We will then proceed to the Basilica del Voto Nacional, a stunning neo-Gothic religious building in the historic center of Quito. Renowned for its size and style, it was considered the largest neo-Gothic temple in the Americas and the tallest religious temple in Spanish America until 2017. For those interested, there is an option to climb the towers (OPTIONAL NOT INCLUDED) for a breathtaking view of Quito's historic center. Afterward, we will advance to the historic center of Quito and visit Plaza Grande, the main square of the capital and the political and historical heart of Ecuador. Located at an altitude of 2818 meters above sea level (9,245 feet), it serves as the city's altitude reference point. The square's centerpiece is the Independence Monument, which honors the heroes of the independence movement of August 10th, 1809, remembered as the First Cry of Hispanic American Independence. Next, we will visit the Compania de Jesus Church, a major tourist attraction in the city. You may choose to enter the church to admire its rich architecture and interior, which is entirely covered with gold leaf (OPTIONAL NOT INCLUDED). Following this, we will head to San Francisco Plaza, the largest square in Quito's historic center. The square is dominated by the grand facade of the Church and Convent of San Francisco and has been a central urban feature since colonial times, with its central fountain providing water to residents for centuries. To conclude our tour in the Historic Center, we will visit El Panecillo, a natural elevation at 3,000 meters above sea level (9,842 feet). This location is the most significant natural lookout point in the city, offering panoramic views of Quito from its historic center to the northern and southern extents. El Panecillo is crowned by a massive aluminum sculpture of the 'Virgin of Quito,' created by Spanish artist Agustín de la Herrán Matorras, based on a work by Bernardo de Legarda, a prominent figure in the Quito School. An optional visit to the Panecillo Museum is available (OPTIONAL NOT INCLUDED). Next, we will arrive at the Mitad del Mundo, an iconic site in Ecuador named after the Equatorial Line, which divides the planet into the northern and southern hemispheres. Here, you can enter the Mitad del Mundo City, a tourist complex housing the famous Equatorial Monument (OPTIONAL NOT INCLUDED), or visit the Intiñan Museum. The museum offers an interactive tour showcasing the history of our ancestral peoples and the fascinating effects produced by the sun on our solar cylinder. Experience a journey back in time through the centennial huts, explore and understand the earth's physical phenomena with educational demonstrations, observe the sun's path (Intiñan) at the Acoratene, and enjoy a privileged natural environment (OPTIONAL NOT INCLUDED).

Includes

Bilingual certified tour guide /Driver Comfortable transportation Hotel pick up and drop off Visit Panecillo lookout Private waking tour in Quito old town, through the facades of San Francisco de Quito, Compania de Jesus, Cathedral & Basílica churches.

Important Information

This tour involves 2-3 hours hike through the old town. This tour might be private if there are no more reservations. Groups of 3 or more people will be private upon request.