Quito and the Centre of the World

From Quito, Ecuador to Quito, Ecuador

Ecuador
Cultural Experiences

Tour Description

The capital of Ecuador has a setting that few cities can match. Once the northern capital of the Inca Empire, Quito was later colonised by the Spanish who built formidable temples, monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

On our handpicked tour of Quito, stay 3 nights in comfortable central accommodation, explore the highlights of the city, the Equatorial Monument, 25km (16 miles) north of Quito, which marks the exact middle of the World, Latitude 0º and take a day trip to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi (5,943 m)is the highest active volcano in the world. Enjoy wonderful mountain vistas, and local markets.

Quito is the perfect start to your Ecuador trip, from here, it is an easy flight to the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon jungle, or by road to the magical Cloud Forest!

Viva's Best Bits...

Take a day tour to the famous Cotopaxi National Park, home of Ecuador's 'Volcano Alley'. Enjoy stunning scenery, lunch at a local restaurant and a visit to a local market.

"I recommend opting for our deluxe accommodation, so you can stay at the devine Ilha Experience boutique hotel, a beautifully restored house from the 17th century, delightful rooms, staff and food!" Tara, Team Viva

Quito, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, Explore the old city, is beautiful squares and churches. Plus there is time to explore the surrounds including a trip to the equator line -Stand in the Middle of the World at a latitude of 0!

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Day 1

Arrival Quito

Arrival in Quito and transfer to your hotel.

Sitting at 2,850 metres above sea level high in the Andean foothills lies Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The city, a short distance from the Equator and with an amazing backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is known for its stunning colonial architecture and art-work. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved historic centres in the Americas. It was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.

Overnight in Quito

Day 2

Quito City tour and the equator

This morning you will be collected from your hotel to commence a colonial city tour of Quito exploring the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical old town in the Americas. Visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco which have stunning multi-ethnic designs and cultural heritage. We then travel by road to the Equatorial Monument, 25km (16 miles) north of Quito, which marks the exact middle of the World, Latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. A certificate for having crossed the Equator is issued to each guest. The surrounding, volcanic scenery is stunning and you can choose to either visit the Ethnographic Museum or the Inti Ñan Museum, both located near the site of the monument. On completion of the tour, you will be returned to your hotel. Please note this is a private tour that includes a local English speaking guide.
Overnight in Quito

Day 3

Quito: Cotopaxi National Park

Depart south from Quito to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi (5,943 m)is the highest active volcano in the world. Despite the altitude, the Park is home to numerous birds and varied plant life. Northeast lies Rumiñahui(4,557 m) and between the two mountains the plain and lagoon of Limpiopungo (3800m approx.). If weather permits, from the north face we may have spectacular views of the mountain. The surrounding scenery also includes volcanoes like Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Sincholagua, Lunch is included at a restaurant at the base of the mountain. The tour also includes a visit to an indigenous market nearby.
You will be returned to your hotel in Quito at the end of the tour.

Overnight in Quito

Day 4

Quito Depart

Depart any time. Transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight.

*Why not extend your stay & travel to the Galapagos, Amazon or more.. Ask for more details

Accommodation

Accommodation in standard hotels
Upgrade to superior or deluxe accommodation

Food

Breakfast daily, and other meals as outlined in the included sightseeing tours

Fees & Services

All transfers, on a private basis
Private sightseeing tours as outlined in the tour itinerary with English speaking guides
International Flights, Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable), tips, travel insurance

Transportation

Land, Air, Ship, Train ...

Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to the highest active volcano in the world
Explore the squares and streets of Old Quito
Stunning churches, such as the majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco
Visit the ecuator, stand at the middle of the World, Latitude 0º
Shop at an indigenous market
Wonderful musuems, Ethnographic Museum or the Inti Ñan Museum,

South America

Central America

Antarctica

Arctic

New Zealand