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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: City Highlights and Food Walking Tour

3. 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: 1914 Original Trolley City Tour

4. 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 Sightseeing Guided Night Walking Tour

5. 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.

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

6. 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!

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What people are saying about Pichincha

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 44 reviews

Was greeted by our tour guide Andres who escorted me to our tour bus. En route to our destination, Andres filled the time with interesting information about Quito and the surrounding area. Very engaged with everyone on the tour. On our arrival at Midal del Mundo, Andres collected out entrance tickets, then led us through the park to a meeting point. He pointed out all the areas available to visit, then turned us loose for an hour to explore on our own. When we returned to our meeting point, Andres then led us to an exhibit featuring the housing and day-to-day living conditions of the indigenous people who occupied the area pre-Inca. Andres clearly had a depth of knowledge of the subject and was enthusiastic in his presentation. Our return trip was quick and uneventful as we were dropped off at our respective hotels. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip and especially Andres as your host.

This was an awesome way to see, learn and experience Quito. Andre our tour guide was very informative, spoke wonderful English and was extremely friendly and approachable. The only thing I recommend and I wish we had of known before the tour was to bring your passport so it could get stamped at Middle Earth! But apart from that, we had an awesome day and would highly recommend this tour to anyone.

The tour was very interesting. Our guide Andreas has packed a lot of info in an interesting and funny way and provided a good atmosphere. The group dynamic was great! Because the tour covers several stations, it was difficult to go into detail about everything. Nevertheless, you get more than just a rough overview. I recommend it!

This trip was good value for money. Hit the main spots of Quito. Jackie was a good guide- went to a traditional Ecuadorian lunch

Great trip with an engaging and knowledgeable guide!