Private tour in Quito Vivian V

Down or Up Andes Spine - Multi Day Tour

5.0

(5) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Vivian V.

5.0

Guide rating

553

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

For 34 years I have guided, toured and helped people plan everything there is to do in Ecuador from a one day tour to a week or more. I guide not just the Quito area but the entire Andes chain including Otavalo, Mindo, Papallacta, Banos, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Ingapirca, Cuenca, Guayaquil and everything in between as well as the Galapagos and Amazon jungle. I guide only my native Ecuador but have been named the current #1 guide in all of South America and the Caribbean. The City of Quito hired me to tour Miami based, world syndicated radio and newspaper travel writer, former Colombia diplomat, expert on South America, Enrique Cordoba Rocha, who wrote I am the best Quito guide and sends referrals from his listeners and readers. I have never missed a tour, never even been late for one. I am 56 years old and was the 4th nationally licensed guide in the history of Ecuador and have toured over 9,000 travelers even for the Ecuador government (the Minister of Nepal, 17 person entourage and police escort - PHEW!) and top travel agencies in Ecuador and abroad. I am the "go to" guide the City of Quito asks to tour VIPs such as a PGA (U. S. golf) pro during the Quito tournament, the second highest ranking Russian official and entourage with body guards (Phew! again), a U. S. State Department official, an Arabian sheik and entourage, "Travel and Leisure" magazine personnel, foreign diplomats, the past U. S. ambassador. I was U. S. sales director for Klein Tours and traveled the world promoting Ecuador for it and Metropolitan Touring, the two largest Ecuador travel agencies and largest Galapagos yacht owners. I also designed tours for each. I have a U. S. (Miami) phone on my Quito desk to assist clients with trip planning. I can help you plan the perfect partial or total Ecuador vacation short or long. I am an Ecuador and a U. S. citizen. The tour guide you choose will be the difference in your day or trip. I have the guide maturity and vast contacts to make my clients secure. I speak, read and write perfect English (and French) because I lived and worked for Marriott in the U. S. , lived a year in France and traveled the world promoting Ecuador. With me there will be no canned or stilted speeches, talks. I am known for my flexibility while touring and can change itineraries even "on the fly" the day of a tour due to weather and other factors, even your whims. I have degrees in tourism and hotel management, and my avocation is Ecuador history. My English, knowledge, happy disposition, energy, experience and reliability make me the perfect guide for Quito or the entire country including the Galapagos and Amazon jungle. I love my work and have more than 4,500 recommendation letters on file without a single bad review, all five stars. I am one of four, elected, unpaid officers who run our National Tour Guide Association. Ecuador National Tour Guide 004 Tour prices quoted here are for up to 3 in my nice, newer SUV. I am a commercially licensed driver without ever an accident. I tour groups up to 50. For 4 or more simply ask me for a quote. I, personally, do not charge more for the guiding, but must, under strict Ecuador transportation law to protect your group, hire a special driver with specially inspected, commercially licensed vehicle, and this adds to the cost. Not all museums in Quito are closed on Mondays, most are now open. If this is your only available day please send me your inquiry, and I will create a customized itinerary.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Vivian V.

Overview of your Quito tour

Quito north to Otavalo then south all the way to beautiful Cuenca on famous Pan-American Highway. Want to know the Andes? This is the trip. One week journey overnighting in local, historic, 300 yr. old haciendas. The trip every visitor should take, local people, places and things. AMAZING scenery, food, animal, craft markets; volcanos; historic (think Simon Bolivar, Baron von Humboldt), gorgeous old haciendas; Inca ruins; lovely Cuenca where Americans retire. Can go on to Guayaquil to depart for the Galapagos with or without me or fly back to Quito while I drive back. Recently took a family of six on this trip, and they LOVED it. Many more than 2 times this trip has been taken but as a Custom Tour that does not appear in the numbers taken (2). This is a a popular trip This trip is the real deal Andes. Mindo, Banos, Quilotoa can be substituted. Great dollar value, divide cost by your party size for cost per person. This trip can be reversed going south to north. Up to 33 can go.

Recent Reviews

Ken W.United States
February 2025

I worked with Vivian about six months ago to craft a week long tour of northern Ecuador and she crafted an outstanding itinerary that was personalized to what my wife and I were seeking including hiking, immersion into the culture (ex..meeting a 90year old weaver who weaves in the traditional ways), and touring us through “off the beaten path “ Ecuadorean sites. She is very knowledgeable about the history of Ecuador and provided fascinating insights into the history and culture of the indigenous peoples. Her English is excellent and it was evident that she has cultivated close relationships with a number of indigenous peoples. We have used Tours by Locals a number of times and have always been satisfied. However, Vivian was by far the best and if I could give six stars, I would.

Liz B.United States
August 2022

Ecuador Spine Priceless! Hard to shorten comments!: safety (driving no joke in Ecuador!); lodging; country knowledge; friend-for-life experience, yet professional; connections and communication expertise; amazing experiences of food, culture, landscape, activities, shopping, local life, indigenous communities, birds/animals, sites, etc. Quito, Mindo, Quilotoa, Saquisili, Banos, Puyo, Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ingapirca, Alausi, Cuenca, San Bartolome, Chordeleg, Gaulaceo = a life changing trip, and a favorite!

Matt S.United States
February 2020

This tour was better than I imagined possible. Vivian listened to what we were interested in and then she DELIVERED! She is an excellent communicator, extremely knowledgeable, punctual, and consistently goes above and beyond expectations. While touring we got to visit local artisans, restaurants, and out of the ordinary attractions. We toured with an experienced mountain driver in a modern personal bus, that was always clean and comfortable. Vivian will not disappoint and we now consider her as a friend.

Liz A.New Zealand
August 2019

Wow Vivian was great. She is very knowledgeable and a joy to be with. We saw local 'stuff' that we would not have seen or experienced on other tours. we met local people that are special to her, and now us. I highly recommend her for your touring wants in Ecuador. Thank you so much for a great week Cheers Liz

Ana Q.United States
April 2019

I just want to recommend Vivian for anyone who wants a thorough understanding of the government, the people, and the history of important people and events in Ecquador. We had an individualized tour which included meeting with Ecuadorian artists, visiting ruins, and even climbing Cotopaxi. Vivian was always on time and so full of information that we sometimes felt overwhelmed and lucky to have such a good guide. She's the best.

Your Quito tour itinerary

Depart your Quito hotel Drive to and for day and night in Otavalo Drive to several other locations, either Mindo, Papallacta, Banos, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi for overnight (s) and one or two days Drive to Riobamba/Alausi , GORGEOUS Chimborazo volcano with gorgeous, sweet Vicunas running wild, world's most luxurious and expensive wool Drive to Ingapirca Inca ruins and overnight Drive to Cuenca for one or two days with overnight(s). Drive to Guayaquil to meet your Galapagos flight or return to Quito by plane or return with me by motor vehicle and drop off at your hotel. Many, many places and stops along the way for local food, markets, Indian craft making, walking, sightseeing, breathtaking views etc. etc. See reviews abut me down below my bio: Liz Bisson's for this trip

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Price is for one , two or three people, one suitcase each, in my new SUV with me driving. More than three and up to as many as in your party, appropriate commercial vehicle with commercial, professional driver; ASK ME FOR A QUOTE. I use only the SAFEST and very best drivers and vehicles with large viewing windows. Driver will have had long experience working with me. Our highways/roads/drivers are not nearly up to U.S./European standards. For 32 years safety has been my #1 concern; never had an accident, never a client hurt.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Variable depending on your lodging, meals, entrance fees, incidentals, return plane ticket if applicable.
Food Drinks Snacks
Accommodation
Meeting location

Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Airport, hotel, or any other location specified by tour guide or client.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
City Highlights
Day Trip
Off The Beaten Path
History
Tour reference number
466712
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Quito best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to deeply explore the Andes and experience the local culture, history, and breathtaking scenery along the Pan-American Highway. It's ideal for those interested in historic sites, local markets, and stunning landscapes. Families, small groups, and anyone looking to connect with a local guide for deeper insights will find this tour particularly rewarding.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Quito be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Quito by Vivian V.
Similar tours in Quito
Explore more of Quito
Best of Quito Private tour + Middle of WorldMindo Cloud Forest - Beautiful One Day TourMindo cloud forest + hummingbirds + butterfliesThe Best spots of Quito in one day tourMindo Cloud Forest Private Tour from QuitoQuito Old Town+ Middle of the World + Cable CarQuito city tour + Middle of the World Private tourMindo Cloud forest Private Tour from QuitoMindo Cloud Forest Full Day TourFull day in Quito city and Middle of the World Private TourPrivate Colonial Quito and Equator Line TourOtavalo Market and Cotacachi leather town.Otavalo + indigenous market from QuitoCity tour Quito + Cable Car. Full day from QuitoHummingbird expedition + Mindo Cloud ForestMindo Cloud Forest full day tour from QuitoOtavalo Market, Cotacachi and Peguche Waterfall Private TourCotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa LagoonCotopaxi Volcano prívate tour from QuitoHighlights of Quito City Tour Including the Equator Line City tour Quito Half day private tour 4 hours Private Quito City Tour and Middle of the world.- Ask for a quotation if you are more than 2 people.The walking tour of Old QuitoCotopaxi volcano Full day Tour from Quito - Ask for a quotation if you are more than 2 people.Walking around the old town of QuitoThe Magic of the Cloud Forest in "MINDO" Ecuador Private TourOtavalo Market, The Indigenous Culture! - Private tourFull Day in Mindo Cloud Forest. Nature and adventure– Private ExperienceDay Trip to Cotopaxi National Park from QuitoBurial and Archeological Sites, Museums plus Ecuadorian FoodOtavalo Indian Market and more!Quilotoa Volcano and Indigenous Towns.Cotopaxi Volcano Private TourQuito Old Town with Cable CarChakana Reserve Andean Condors & BearsBirds and mammals of the AndesPapallacta Hot Springs & Guango Cloud Forest ReserveQuilotoa Lagoon Day Trip From QuitoMiddle of the World + Cable CarThe heritage tour of the Humanity Old Quito