Private tour in Quito Vivian V

Newly Opened National Gold Museum Tour and Guayasamin Museum

5.0

(5) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Vivian V.

5.0

Guide rating

555

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 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

Ecuador reopened its national treasure museum after years in renovation. Ecuador's national bank is repository/curator of South America's greatest, Pre-Columbian artifacts dating back more than 3, 000 years. See the pictures I took recently opening week; HOWEVER, compared to the former museum, unfortunately, the government has elected to reduce the pieces formerly on display. It is still worth visiting but nothing like it used to be. Guayasamin, Ecuador's greatest artist, was collected by Matisse, Picasso and museums around the world. Prince Rainier and Caroline of Monaco came all the way to Quito to have Guayasamin paint a portrait before he died. The home is amazing and the museum is one of the world's finest, most beautiful, dedicated to one artist. My U. S. expatriate husband was University of Virginia educated in studio and art history and knows a thing or two on this subject. He says both Gold and Guayasamin Museums are worth a day for anyone interested in art and history. I combine the two.

Recent Reviews

Ronald S.United States
March 2023

I've booked many guides with ToursByLocals and Vivien is among the best. You couldn't ask for a more personable, caring, or knowledgeable guide. Since this was our first day ever in Ecuador, we chose an overview of the city instead of the Gold Museum tour, including a walking tour of the Old Town (a UNESCO world heritage site). My favorite activity here was the "chocolate tasting." My wife and son especially enjoyed the "mitad del mundo," while the "helados de paila" topped off a spectacular day.

Renee L.United States
December 2021

Vivian was very helpful from the moment we booked our two day tours. She provided great information relating to tips for packing and traveling to Quito. She provided detailed information as to the history of the city and country. She planned a very custom tour for our interests taking us to places we were so impressed with and felt very lucky to have spent the days with her. She even extended her influence in our extra curricular activities. Very appreciated!

Hillary T.United States
June 2021

I had a absolutely wonderful extraordinary day with Vivian! Vivian was one of the best tour guides I ever had! She is a delightful person who is very caring We did everything that was planned plus some! Consider yourself lucky is you can book her 100000 stars!

Kelly H.United States
May 2019

I toured with Vivian Vera while my niece and I were visiting Quito. We were scheduled to tour two museums and go to lunch, but we had extra time so Vivian offered a number of other suggestions in addition to what I had expected. Vivian was right on time, very friendly, professional, and just a joy to be around. My niece was having some sinus problems so Vivian took us to the pharmacy and talked to the pharmacist for us to make sure we got the right medicine. She's a wonderful guide! I'd book her again!

Layni C.United States
January 2019

We enjoyed the National History Museum, but the real star for us was the Guayasamin part of the tour, especially his Chapel of Man. We knew nothing of him before this tour, but his art & the peak into his life via his home was great! I'm going to write this next part 5 times, because we did 5 separate tours with Vivi. I would happily do it 50 times, because she is an outstanding guide. She's endlessly kind, friendly, & flexible - adapting the itinerary to help you get what you want most from the tour.

Your Quito tour itinerary

9am hotel pick up Arrive and tour Gold Museum Arrive and tour Guayasamin Museum and large, eclectic home and studio just as he left it at death Return to your hotel approximately 4:30 This day will also give you a city tour with me narrating; the chance to see a lot of Quito as we drive from location to location as well as the spectacular views from Panecillo Hill (Statue of the Virgin location). Ask me for a quote depending on number of people in your party above three. More than three we must by Ecuador law hire a professional, commercially licensed driver and larger vehicle for your safety and comfort. I use only the best drivers with a long history of safety and reliability with me. I use only the best, first class vehicles larger than necessary for your comfort with large windows for viewing

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

My nice, new SUV with me driving for three or fewer people. I am a commercially licensed driver for your safety, never an accident in 32 years of touring well over 8,000 travelers. For more than three, a professional, commercially licensed driver and larger vehicle for your group's comfort and safety as required by Ecuador law. Ask me for a quote.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Services: Guiding
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Guayasamin entrance fee - $10/person
Food Drinks Snacks
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
City Highlights
History
Museums
Tour reference number
471128
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Quito best suited for?

This private tour in Quito is perfect for art and history enthusiasts who want to explore Ecuador's rich cultural heritage. It's also ideal for travellers who prefer a personalized experience with a knowledgeable local guide like Vivian V. The tour is suitable for families, including kids, and is wheelchair accessible, making it a great choice for seniors or those with mobility concerns.

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?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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