Private Colonial Quito and Equator Line Tour

San Francisco de Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534; which makes it the oldest capital city in South America and one of the highest capitals of the world (2, 850 masl). Due to the city's well preserved and least altered historic centre, in 1979 it was declared the first World Heritage city in the world. Quito, or better to say Quitu (which literally means "the land of the middle"), by the end of XV century was one of the cities of the Quitu - Cara people throughout the northern highlands of current Ecuador that were invaded or added by Huayna Capac; penultimate Inca emperor who later turned it into the second capital of Tahuantinsuyo. Quito has a special place in the world, just a few kilometers south of the Equator Line (which gave the name to the country) and surrounded by active volcanoes, its a perfect place to enjoy and learn about the Ecuadorian history and culture Come with me to explore and get a taste of real Ecuador.

Depending on the pick up point and weather conditions, we could either start with a visit to the "Panecillo" hill for an awesome view of the old town or start walking around the narrow cobbled stone streets, visit some of the catholic temples and centennial buildings like La Compañia church, Basílica del Voto Nacional, San Francisco church, the Archbishop's Palace or the Independence Plaza to unveil their stories while having a plunge into Quito's culture and mannerisms. Then we'll drive for about 35 minutes (depending on traffic) towards the Middle of the World Valley to visit the exact place where the Equator Line crosses and learn more about the 18th century French Geodesic Mission and its importance to the country and history. For lunch I will suggest a restaurant according to your taste.