Full-Day Private Quito City Tour With Teleferico & Rucu Pichincha Volcano Hike

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, beckons travelers with its rich history and stunning natural landscapes. This full-day private tour offers an opportunity to experience the city’s highlights, from the well-preserved colonial architecture of the historic center to the thrill of a cable car ride and a hike up the Rucu Pichincha Volcano. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll uncover the stories behind the landmarks and learn about the local culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in one of South America’s most captivating destinations. But the true highlight just might surprise you…

This experience made our list of the 20 Best City Tours In Quito.

Good To Know

• This full-day private tour showcases Quito’s history, culture, architecture, and natural beauty, including a cable car ride and volcano hike.
• The tour provides an immersive experience with insights from an expert guide, visiting historic landmarks and exploring local customs.
• Highlights include the 16th-century Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, Plaza de la Independencia, and the highest cable car in South America.
• The Rucu Pichincha Volcano hike offers breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding Andes mountains.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, admission fees, and is suitable for first-time visitors and families with a moderate fitness level.

Tour Overview

This full-day private tour allows visitors to experience the history, culture, architecture, and natural beauty of Quito.

It includes a gondola ride on South America’s highest cable car and a three-hour hike up one of Ecuador’s stunning volcanoes. The tour is ideal for first-time visitors and families, providing an immersive look at the city and its surroundings.

Highlights include exploring historic landmarks, learning about local customs from an expert guide, and taking in epic views from the Teleferico and during the volcano hike.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as admission fees included, this tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to discover Quito.

Tour Highlights

The sightseeing tour of Quito with a cable car ride and volcano hike allows visitors to experience the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty. An expert guide accompanies guests, sharing insights into local customs and traditions. The highlight is the epic views from the Teleferico, South America’s highest cable car, and the challenging three-hour hike up one of Ecuador’s stunning volcanoes, Rucu Pichincha.

Tour Highlights
Sightseeing Tour of Quito	Cable Car Ride	Volcano Hike	Expert Guide
Explore the city’s history, culture, and architecture	Ride the highest cable car in South America	Hike one of Ecuador’s volcanoes	Learn about local customs and traditions

Inclusions

The tour includes a certified English/Spanish speaking guide who accompanies travelers throughout the day.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, though there’s an extra charge for pickups outside the city.

Admission fees for the Teleferico and La Compaña Church are covered.

While alcoholic drinks, meals, and tips aren’t included, they can be purchased on-site.

The moderate hike up Rucu Pichincha Volcano requires a reasonable level of physical fitness, so the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Itinerary and Stops

The tour begins at 8:30 am, providing ample time to explore Quito’s key landmarks.

The first stop is the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, a 16th-century Roman Catholic complex featuring stunning architecture.

Next, guests will visit the Plaza de la Independencia, the central public square and a symbol of executive power.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.

The guide will share insights into local customs and traditions throughout the experience.

The tour concludes with a cable car ride and a three-hour hike up one of Ecuador’s stunning volcanoes, offering epic views of the surrounding landscape.

Pricing and Reviews

The tour starts at $149.00 per person, though the exact price may vary depending on the group size.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, which provides flexibility for travelers.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 based on 6 reviews, with 5 out of 5 stars for 5 of those reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and personalized experiences, indicating that the tour delivers a high-quality experience.

The moderate physical fitness requirement and non-wheelchair accessibility should also be considered by potential participants.

Quito’s Historic Center

Quito’s historic center stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Wandering through its winding cobblestone streets, visitors are transported back in time, marveling at the well-preserved colonial architecture that lines the plazas and squares. A highlight is the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, a 16th-century Roman Catholic complex that showcases the region’s distinct blend of indigenous and European influences. To fully take in the city’s past, the tour includes a visit to the Plaza de la Independencia, the central public square that symbolizes the power of Ecuador’s executive branch.

Sight	Description
Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco	16th-century Roman Catholic complex
Plaza de la Independencia	Central public square and symbol of executive power
Cobblestone Streets	Winding streets with well-preserved colonial architecture
Plazas and Squares	Showcasing the city’s cultural heritage
Indigenous and European Influences	Blend of architectural styles

Teleferico Cable Car

Soaring high above the historic city center, the Teleferico cable car provides visitors with a unique vantage point to admire Quito’s stunning surroundings.

This modern gondola system whisks passengers up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano, reaching an impressive elevation of over 13,000 feet.

The panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of Quito’s sprawling urban landscape and the majestic Andes mountains in the distance.

The Teleferico ride is a thrilling and convenient way to access the hiking trails of Rucu Pichincha, one of Ecuador’s iconic volcanoes.

This cable car experience is a must-do activity for anyone seeking to enjoy Quito’s natural beauty.

Rucu Pichincha Volcano Hike

From the top of the Teleferico, the iconic Rucu Pichincha Volcano beckons visitors to embark on an exhilarating hike.

This three-hour trek takes adventurers up the slopes of one of Ecuador’s stunning volcanoes, offering breathtaking vistas along the way. Guided by an expert, hikers will navigate the volcanic terrain, passing through lush vegetation and rocky landscapes.

The challenging ascent rewards explorers with panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding peaks. This hike is a must-do for active travelers seeking to enjoy Ecuador’s natural wonders.

With moderate fitness required, the Rucu Pichincha Volcano hike provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to connect with the country’s striking volcanic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

This tour has a private group size, allowing for a personalized experience. The group size is flexible, catering to individual needs and preferences.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?

The tour doesn’t include meals, but vegetarian and vegan options can likely be arranged with the guide upon request. Guests should inquire about dietary requirements when booking to ensure their needs are accommodated.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The tour provider is flexible and willing to modify the itinerary based on your interests and needs. Just let them know your preferences during booking.

Do We Need Any Special Equipment for the Volcano Hike?

Yes, you’ll need proper hiking gear for the volcano hike, including sturdy boots, layered clothing, sun protection, and plenty of water. The guide can advise on any additional specialized equipment needed for the moderate to challenging trail.

Is There an Age or Fitness Level Requirement for Participants?

There’s no age requirement, but a moderate level of physical fitness is needed for the 3-hour volcano hike. Children under 12 may struggle with the exertion, and those with mobility issues won’t be able to fully participate.

The Sum Up

Quito’s full-day private tour offers a perfect introduction to Ecuador’s capital. Visitors can explore the city’s historic center, ride the Teleferico cable car, and embark on a thrilling hike up Rucu Pichincha Volcano. This tour provides an immersive experience, showcasing Quito’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and local customs. With an expert guide leading the way, adventurous travelers can make the most of their time in this remarkable South American destination.