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Panecillo Viewpoint

Panecillo Viewpoint: Our most recommended tours and activities

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: Urban Legends of Quito by Night

2. Quito: Urban Legends of Quito by Night

Start your Quito night tour in the northern part of the city and travel through the most important commercial areas where most of the hotels are located. Explore aboard a replica of the trams used in the city in the last century. Head to the historic center to gaze at the illuminated churches and main tourist attractions. Discover some of the city's unique landscapes (tickets not included). Then, continue to Mirador del Panecillo (entrance included) for a beautiful view of colonial and modern day Quito. During the tour, you will get to know the people who live in this city better, and begin to recognize their way of speaking and thinking. During your visit to the city, your guide will tell you all about the historic urban legends that are a part of the traditional and cultural heritage of the people of Quito.

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: Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer

4. 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 Tour and Equator Line

5. Quito City Tour and Equator Line

Explore a neo-Gothic Catholic church in Quito, built in 1884 .Its towers offer stunning city views, and it houses the National Pantheon of Heads of State, catacombs, chapels, and the Oblate convent. Enjoy the Historic square in the heart of Quito. Enjoy A Jesuit Catholic temple in Latin America with a volcanic stone facade and a gold leaf interior. Ascend to the Panecillo Hill to encounter "The Panecillo’s Virgin," a towering 41-meter sculpture that grants breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Explore the Ruco Pichincha volcano on a 15-minute cable car ride to enjoy a panoramic view of Quito, go hiking, mountain climbing. Discover the Museo Inti Ñan Museum: Explore Ecuador's indigenous history and celestial knowledge in an interactive museum.

From Quito: 10-Day Ecuador Highlights Private Tour

6. From Quito: 10-Day Ecuador Highlights Private Tour

Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture with a 10-day trip through the country's must-sees. Learn about local history as you stroll through the streets of Quito, Riobamba, and Cuenca. Marvel at the majesty of Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lake, the Pailón del Diablo waterfalls, and more magical sites. Day 1 - Overnight in QuitoGet picked up at your chosen location in Quito and begin your adventure by exploring the Old Town. Discover the Basílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía, El Panecillo, Plaza Grande, and Intiñam Museum. Enjoy the unique chance to stand at the Middle of the World monument. Day 2 - Overnight in QuitoSurround yourself with nature on a tour of the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve, the land of hummingbirds, and the paradise of butterflies. Walk through the forest with your guide and come across a variety of plants, then taste some local chocolate. Day 3 - Overnight in QuitoTake a day trip to two neighboring towns. Watch Ecuadorian culture come alive in Otavalo, and see the artisans that come to the main square every day to sell their products. Head over to Cotacachi, a town known for its leather production. Day 4 - Overnight in Cotapaxi ProvinceDepart from Quito and stop by the striking Cotopaxi Volcano. Experience the beauty of this rural area, marvel at panoramic views from the volcano, and spend the night in the Cotapaxi province. Day 5 - Overnight in Baños de Agua SantaDive even deeper into the beautiful natural landscapes of the area with a visit to Quilotoa, a crater with a gorgeous tranquil lake inside of it. Enjoy a walking tour around the crater, then continue to Baños de Agua Santa. Day 6 - Overnight in RiobambaGet your adrenaline pumping with the incredible outdoor attractions in Baños de Agua Santa. Seize the chance to. go zip lining, ride a cable car, and admire famous waterfalls, such as the Pailón del Diablo falls. Discover the incredible tree house with a giant swing. Afterward, drive to Riobamba. Day 7 - Overnight in AlausíStroll around the small town of Riobamba and buy some traditional slow-roasted pork from the local market. Admire Chimborazo, the tallest volcano in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun on Earth. Arrive in Alausí and visit the colorful old train station. Day 8 - Overnight in CuencaLeave Alausí and wander around the ancient Ingapirka ruins, where Ecuadorian history started. Continue your journey in Cuenca, one of the country's most beautiful cities, and take part in a Panama hat workshop if you'd like to get to know the town's traditional production process. Day 9 - Overnight in CuencaEmbark on an insightful walking tour of Cuenca Old Town and gaze at its main buildings. Explore the picturesque town of Gualaceo, famous for its handwoven 'makanas'. Day 10 - Overnight in GuayaquilTake the route to Guayaquil, stopping at the breathtaking Cajas National Park along the way. Arrive in the city and visit the 'malecon' area on the Guayas River or choose to take the cable car for a nice aerial view of the city.

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What people are saying about Panecillo Viewpoint

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

Excellent tour. Andrea was an excellent guide who was interactive and very knowledgeable. We were a large family of different ages and she made sure that all of us were engaged throughout the day. Highly recommend it.

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.

our guide was excellent (andrea)! there was a mix up/misinformation about the meeting place which led to a stressful start. but once the tour started it was great.

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

Tour was excellent an tour guide Andres very professional.