The Best of Quito: Private Old Town & Teleférico Tour
One full day. Colonial gold, cobblestone legends, sweeping city views — and a cable car ride above the clouds to the foothills of Pichincha Volcano.
Quito’s Colonial Soul & the Heights of Pichincha — In One Day
The most complete Quito experience: historic gold, cobblestone legends, panoramic views and a cable car above the clouds
Neo-Gothic Heights & the Gold Church
Admire the stunning façade of the Basílica del Voto Nacional — Ecuador’s most significant work of Neo-Gothic architecture — then step inside La Compañía de Jesús, widely considered the finest example of colonial Baroque art in South America, where every surface shimmers with gold leaf. A visual experience that leaves no one speechless.
Colonial Legends on Every Corner
Walk across Plaza Grande surrounded by the Archbishop’s Palace and Presidential Palace. Hear the legend of Cantuña at the San Francisco Church — the indigenous sculptor who allegedly made a pact with the devil. Every cobblestone has a story, and your guide knows them all.
Above the Clouds on the Teleférico
Ascend via cable car to the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano — one of the most exhilarating experiences in Quito. Hike the high-altitude trails and stop at the famous swing where you sway above the clouds with a breathtaking view of the entire city spread across the Andean valley beneath your feet.
The Winged Virgin & City Panorama
End the day at El Panecillo, standing at the feet of the world’s only aluminum-winged Madonna — the 45-meter Virgin of Quito. From here, every landmark you’ve visited appears below in one sweeping panorama: the red-tiled rooftops of the Historic Center against the backdrop of the Andean volcanoes.
Detailed Itinerary
Your complete full-day journey through colonial Quito and the heights of Pichincha
Basílica del Voto Nacional
We begin at Ecuador’s most significant work of Neo-Gothic architecture. Admire the stunning façade — its gargoyles uniquely replaced by condors, iguanas and tortoises native to Ecuador — and appreciate the building’s monumental scale, which provides one of the most iconic views of the Historic Center. A landmark that sets the tone for the entire day.
Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande)
Explore the historical and civic heart of the capital. As you admire the monuments commemorating independence and the imposing colonial architecture — including the Archbishop’s Palace — your guide will help you appreciate the daily life of local residents and will share the colonial legends that add enduring intrigue to this iconic square.
La Compañía de Jesús — The Gold Church
Discover a true jewel of colonial Baroque art. Widely considered the finest example of this style in South America, La Compañía boasts a dazzling interior where gold leaf covers every column, altar and surface. Your guide will share the history and legends behind this extraordinary landmark that took 160 years to complete.
Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco
Visit one of Quito’s earliest and most significant colonial landmarks, built on a sacred Inca site shortly after the Spanish conquest. Inside, your guide will tell the captivating legend of Cantuña — the indigenous sculptor who allegedly made a deal with the devil to complete the atrium on time — and walk you through the enduring colonial art that defines this emblematic historic space.
Quito Teleférico — Above the Clouds
We ascend via the Teleférico cable car to the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano for a hike along high-altitude trails with spectacular views of the city below. The experience includes a stop at the famous swing, where you can sway above the clouds with a breathtaking panorama of Quito stretching across the Andean valley beneath your feet. One of the most exhilarating moments of the entire tour.
El Panecillo — Virgin of Quito & City Panorama
We conclude at El Panecillo, where the 45-meter-high Virgin of Quito — the world’s only aluminum-winged Madonna — presides over the entire city. From this iconic viewpoint, you’ll see the full contrast between the cobblestoned Historic Center you explored in the morning and the modern city spreading across the Andean valley. A perfect closing panorama for a full day in Quito.
Tour Gallery
Colonial gold, cobblestone streets and the heights of Pichincha
What’s Included in This Tour?
Full transparency on what is and isn’t included
Included
- 100% private tour — operated exclusively for your group, no strangers
- Private transport (SUV/Van depending on group size)
- Certified bilingual guide/driver (English & Spanish)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Quito
- Basílica del Voto Nacional admission ticket
- La Compañía de Jesús church admission ticket
- Quito Teleférico admission ticket
- El Panecillo admission ticket
- Bottled water throughout the tour
- SPPAT insurance and civil liability coverage
- 24/7 support via WhatsApp +593 96 721 2104
Not Included
- Lunch (your guide will recommend the best local options near the route)
- Tips for guide/driver (appreciated but not mandatory)
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Pickup outside central Quito (additional cost applies)
- Personal travel insurance (recommended)
Important Information
Everything you need to know before your tour
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and high-altitude trails, warm layers for the Teleférico (it’s cold above 3,900m), sunscreen, camera, and cash (USD) for lunch and personal expenses.
Weather
Temperature: 14–20°C (57–68°F) in Quito’s Historic Center. At the Teleférico summit it can drop to 5–10°C (41–50°F). A warm jacket or fleece is strongly recommended for the cable car stop.
Total Duration
Full day — approximately 7–8 hours from hotel pickup to return. Departure at 8:00 AM. The most comprehensive Quito experience available in a single day.
Activity Level
Moderate. Walking on cobblestone streets and optional hiking at the Teleférico summit (~3,900m altitude). The high altitude may affect some guests — take it at your own pace. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Cancellation Policy
+48h before: 100% refund (minus 5–8% admin fee). 24–48h before: 50% refund. Less than 24h or No Show: No refund.
Direct Contact
WhatsApp 24/7: +593 96 721 2104. Response within 10 minutes for guests on tour. Pickup confirmation sent the evening before.
What Our Guests Say
Real reviews from travelers who experienced the best of Quito with us
Thomas W.
«This tour covered everything we wanted to see in Quito — and more. The Gold Church is beyond words, the Teleférico views are stunning, and the swing above the clouds was the highlight of our trip. Our guide made every stop come alive with stories. Absolutely worth it.»
Emily R.
«We only had one day in Quito and this tour was the perfect choice. Private guide, no rushing, no groups. The Teleférico was such a thrill — I didn’t expect to be hiking above the clouds in the middle of a city tour! The Panecillo view at the end was a perfect finish.»
Pierre D.
«The legend of Cantuña at San Francisco Church was my favorite moment — our guide told it so well. Climbing above the clouds on the Teleférico and standing at the swing with all of Quito below you? Unforgettable. Then the Virgin of Quito at sunset. An exceptional full day.»
Ready to Experience the Best of Quito in One Day?
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One Day. The Best of Quito & the Heights of Pichincha.
Colonial gold churches, living legends, the swing above the clouds and a sweeping panorama from the Virgin of Quito — the most complete Quito experience, done privately at your own pace.