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Pichincha Architecture

Our most recommended Pichincha Architecture

Historic City of Quito and The Middle of the World

1. Historic City of Quito and The Middle of the World

Begin by a visit to one of South America's best preserved historic city centers. Go to the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, where you can climb up its high domes. Move towards the Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic place in the city, renowned for its beauty and giant statue of the Winged Virgin - here you can admire a beautiful landscape of both colonial and modern Quito (entrance to churches not included). Continue on to the traditional La Ronda neighborhood. In this romantic setting you can find workshops where you can learn from a group of authentic artisans how their work is done. See historic trades that keep alive the cultural traditions of this charming city. Stop at Zona Rosa for approximately an hour and a half to have some free time for lunch (not included). You will then go to the Middle of the World City, where you can see the monument that divides the northern and southern hemispheres of the planet. Entrance to the Middle of the World complex is included ,where you can enjoy experiences that defy the laws of physics and occur only in this part of the world. NOTE: On Sunday, this tour operates in an inverted way, first you visit the Middle of the World and then you have the city tour.

Quito: Middle of the World Tour with Tickets

2. Quito: Middle of the World Tour with Tickets

Begin your 3-hour tour in the northern part of Quito and head up to the middle of the city. This is where you will find the monument that stands on the line that divides the northern and the southern hemispheres. The Equatorial Monument was built during the 17th century when the precise dividing line between the hemispheres was defined by a French expeditionary team.

Quito: 1914 Original Trolley City Tour

3. Quito: 1914 Original Trolley City Tour

Visit the historic center of Quito, the largest and best preserved in South America, in one of the local supplier's original trolleys, which are a replica of the trams that circulated in Quito in the last century. Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, where you make a brief stop for an explanation of its facade, before later heading towards the Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic place in the city, renowned for its beauty. Here you will find a giant statue of the "Winged Virgin", and you can admire a beautiful landscape of colonial and modern Quito. Later, continue to the Plaza de San Francisco, one of the representative places of the city and full of history. From here, you walk to the Plaza Grande, the historical and political center of the city, surrounded by innumerable attractions including: the Cathedral, the Palace of Government, the Archbishop's Palace, and the La Compañía church (entrance to churches are not included). Take a tour on a Monday and you will have the possibility to observe the Presidential Change of Guard Finish your tour by visiting the traditional La Ronda neighborhood — a romantic setting with workshops where you can learn all about the work and cultural traditions of authentic artisans.

Quito: City Highlights and Food Walking Tour

4. Quito: City Highlights and Food Walking Tour

Explore Quito, the oldest capital in South America, from all of its angles. Get to know the main historical plazas, buildings, churches and parks. Admire downtown's colonial architecture with its mix of 19th century and modern style buildings. Get away from the main sites and explore lesser-known gems, like the main flea market in town, where you'll understand another side of every day local life. Eat at a top street food stop, and explore one of the main markets. Finish the journey sampling some of the best chocolate and coffee from the hands of a top chocolatier.

Quito: Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer

5. Quito: Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer

Your tour guide will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel, due to the viewpoint of the volcano Pululahua, one of the two inhabited craters in the world. This volcanic complex consists of a main boiler, a central volcano with two craters and the remains of a third party, and several volcanic domes within the caldera located on the edge and outside of it. Then we head to the Intiñan Museum, geographically located at 0 degrees, 0 minutes and 0 seconds, that marks the division between northern and southern hemispheres as established by the French Geodesic Mission in the eighteenth century, you will see beautiful displays of different ethnic groups in Ecuador, plus the story of their lifestyles, explained by a specialist tour guide! This is an opportunity to be photographed with both of your feet on the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time! On the way back to Quito, you will see from the road the Equatorial Monument. In the afternoon you go to the colonial town of Quito, officially considered the first world cultural heritage site (UNESCO 1978). During your walk, you will pass through the Independence Square, scenery of many dramatic battles of revolution in the history of the Republic of Ecuador. And you will have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Church of the Society of Jesus of Quito, summit of the Latin America Baroque style, the charming neighbourhood of La Ronda, and the Church and Convent of San Francisco, built in 1540. Finally you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city from "El Panecillo" hill. Then you will be back in your hotel approximately at 3:30 p.m. End of your first fantastic experience in Quito!

Quito: City Sightseeing Guided Night Walking Tour

6. Quito: City Sightseeing Guided Night Walking Tour

This excursion takes from two and a half to three hours. Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at 7:00 p.m. to start a short evening drive along Quito's most interesting sites, like The Church and Square of San Blas, founded in 1568; the Sucre Theatre, an exceptional building of the 19th century; the Convent of El Carmen Bajo and many other architectonic jewels! You will do a wonderful full walk along the main streets, plus quick stops in the most beautiful spots of Quito's colonial town, in order to see the incredible structures, buildings, monasteries, churches and squares lighted up by the moonlight and splendid colours! This is the best and safest opportunity to enjoy the lovely atmosphere of Quito at night. It is also possible to visit the charming neighbourhood of La Ronda where we can try one the most famous home-made-cocktails of the sierra region called “Canelazo”, which is a mixture of a hot cinnamon tea, passion fruit juice and a few drops of a safe local “moon shine”. After your unforgettable walk, you will drive up to the top of "El Panecillo" hill, which is located at 3.200 meters above sea level (10,000 ft), to appreciate the beautiful contrast of colourful lights on the squares and avenues, distributed in the irregular topography of the city. On the way back to the hotel you will stop in front of the Basilica de Quito, an extraordinary church built with neo-gothic style! You will be back in your hotel approximately at 9:30 p.m.

Old District Quito City: Private Walking Tour

7. Old District Quito City: Private Walking Tour

Meet your guide at Plaza de San Blas located in the Old Town to begin your cultural tour into the city’s historical heart. Experience the sights, smells, and flavors of this sky-high capital as the day comes to life. Start this 4-hour adventure on the cobblestone streets of the city to visit: the Mercado Central, a vibrant and colorful market to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere; follow your guide past stalls bursting with exotic fruits and fresh vegetables and discover sizzling local dishes. You will also visit the Independence Plaza, home to the Independence Monument, Government Palace, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Stop to absorb the colonial charm of the La Compañía de Jesús, a Jesuit church boasting an elaborate façade made entirely out of volcanic stone, and an interior rich in gold leaf. Next, adventure to the legendary San Francisco Catholic Church to explore convents and a monastery, then walk down through Rocafuerte Street, which in the Seventeen Century was known as “the long Street to the hill”. Explore La Ronda, one of the most picturesque cobblestone streets in Old District of Quito. Following your guide’s recommendations and try flavors that you’re not likely to find back home — like colaciones, empanadas etc... Enjoy a shot of "Canelazo" using your newly learned phrases to greet locals or stop in a chocolatería to taste and have a full explanation of the whole process of making chocolate. Your guide is happy to provide assistance in getting back to your hotel.

Quito: Cable Car Ride and Private City Tour

8. Quito: Cable Car Ride and Private City Tour

See Quito from above on this cable car and guided tour. Travel to Cruz Loma viewpoint, explore Quito with a guide, and learn about Quito's history. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Pichincha volcano. Take the cable car to the top and admire the view from Cruz Loma. See an unforgettable view of Quito and the snow-capped volcanoes Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe. After returning to the base of the mountain, begin your guided tour of Quito, the first World Cultural Heritage Site created. Before your tour, enjoy some time to have a coffee or a small lunch with recommendations from your local guide. Head to Independence Square, the scene of many dramatic revolutionary battles throughout Ecuador's history. Walk past the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and Church of the Secret Society of Jesus of Quito. Stroll through the charming La Ronda neighborhood and marvel at the ancient Church and Convent of San Francisco. Hop into a car and drive to the top of El Panecillo and see the tallest aluminum statue in the world, the winged Virgin Mary of Quito.

Quito: Family Walking Tour

9. Quito: Family Walking Tour

Experience a rewarding adventure with your family on this exclusive walking tour. Listen to a local professional guide explain the many famous cultural and architectural sites of Quito. Stroll through the city center with your family on this two-hour tour at an easy pace. Have fun learning about Quito’s fascinating history and hearing stories that both the adults and kids are sure to enjoy.

Quito City: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

10. Quito City: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a 4-hour tour of Quito City. Visit Panecillo Hill and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Continue to the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional and the "San Juan Mirador,” where you can take in the Colonial center of Quito. After walking through the colonial streets, stop at the Plaza de la Independencia ("Independence Plaza") to admire the cathedral and the Carondelet Palace, the seat of the government. Visit Ronda Street, the Compañía de Jesús church, Santo Domingo Church, La Iglesia de El Sagrario and the Church and Convent of St. Francis, which was built during the 17th century.  Finally, return to your hotel.

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What people are saying about Pichincha

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 44 reviews

The guide brought me closer to Quito, Ecuador and the center of the world. His broad knowledge, many stories and his friendly and considerate nature filled the time wonderfully. THANKS to the guide and the bus driver!

Loved this sweet tour of Quito. Our guide Andres was very knowledgeable and passionate about his city and knew all the answers regarding the history and culture of Quito.

Daniel was fun & informative. He was also patient with every person wanting to have that perfect photo.

I had a great time! Our guide Andrea was very knowledgeable and her English was very good.

Great trip to mitad del mundo. Thanks to our guide Irene who made our trip so enjoyable