The Original Quito City Tour in Trolley offers visitors a captivating journey through Ecuador’s historic capital. This intimate tour, limited to 30 travelers, showcases the city’s iconic landmarks like the Basilica of the National Vow and the Virgin of the Panecillo. Led by knowledgeable bilingual guides, the tour provides 30 minutes of exploration and learning at each stop, delving into the architectural and cultural heritage that defines Quito. Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s past or simply want to witness its stunning sights, this trolley tour promises an unforgettable experience.

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

Good To Know

Original Quito City Tour in Trolley - Good To Know

  • Quito City Tour offers a sightseeing experience aboard a replica of old trams, showcasing the city’s historic highlights.
  • Key attractions include the Basilica of the National Vow, Plaza San Francisco, La Ronda, and the Virgin of the Panecillo statue.
  • The tour provides 30 minutes of exploration and guided commentary at each site, with a maximum group size of 30 travelers.
  • The bilingual guide offers insights into Quito’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, including its transformation into a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, but excludes food, drinks, gratuities, and church entrance fees.

Tour Overview

The Quito City Tour in Trolley offers visitors an original way to explore the city’s historic highlights.

Travelers can hop aboard a replica of old trams and journey through the heart of Quito, taking in sights like the Basilica of the National Vow, Plaza San Francisco, and the Virgin of the Panecillo statue.

The tour lasts 30 minutes per site, allowing ample time to soak in the city’s architecture and learn about its rich history from the knowledgeable bilingual guide.

With a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, this experience provides an intimate and immersive look at Quito’s cultural heritage.

Highlights of the Tour

Original Quito City Tour in Trolley - Highlights of the Tour

Quito’s historic highlights come alive on the Quito City Tour in Trolley. Travelers will explore the city on a replica of old trams, passing by iconic sights like the Basilica of the National Vow, Plaza San Francisco, and the Virgin of the Panecillo statue. At each stop, the tour provides 30 minutes for exploration and guided commentary from the bilingual guide. The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Site Duration
Basilica of the National Vow 30 minutes
Plaza San Francisco 30 minutes
La Ronda 30 minutes
Virgin of the Panecillo statue 30 minutes

Inclusions and Logistics

Original Quito City Tour in Trolley - Inclusions and Logistics

Included in the tour are an air-conditioned vehicle, a bilingual guide, and hotel pick-up and drop-off services for downtown hotels.

However, the tour doesn’t cover food, drinks, gratuities, or church entrance fees. Travelers can choose to meet at the designated starting point or request a pickup from selected hotels.

The tour starts promptly at 8:00 AM, so it’s recommended to be punctual. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation options.

Any concerns about the itinerary should be addressed directly with the host for verification.

Meeting Point and Pickup

Original Quito City Tour in Trolley - Meeting Point and Pickup

Travelers can choose to meet the tour at the designated starting point or request a pickup from selected downtown hotels.

The tour operator provides hotel pickup and drop-off services for those staying in central Quito hotels. Guests need to provide their hotel information at the time of booking to arrange a convenient pickup.

The meeting point is also available for travelers who prefer to make their own way to the start of the tour.

Once assembled, the group will depart on the trolley-style tour to explore the highlights of historic Quito.

The transportation and pickup logistics are designed to offer flexibility and convenience for all participants.

Guided Commentary and Learning

As the trolley departs the pickup locations, travelers embark on a guided journey through Quito’s rich history and architecture. The tour’s knowledgeable bilingual guide provides captivating commentary, bringing the city’s landmarks to life.

Travelers can look forward to:

  1. Fascinating insights into Quito’s unique architecture, from the iconic Basilica of the National Vow to the charming colonial buildings of La Ronda.

  2. Engaging stories about the city’s tumultuous past and its transformation into a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  3. Opportunities to appreciate the skilled artisanry on display at local workshops, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of Ecuador.

This guided experience allows visitors to enjoy Quito’s remarkable history and diverse cultural fabric.

Tour Schedule

The Quito City Tour in Trolley operates daily, with scheduled departures starting at 8:00 AM.

The tour duration is approximately 30 minutes per site, allowing travelers to explore Quito’s top attractions like the Basilica of the National Vow, Plaza San Francisco, and the Virgin of the Panecillo statue.

With a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, the experience provides an intimate and personalized sightseeing adventure.

The tour’s start time ensures that visitors can make the most of their day, with the opportunity to discover Quito’s rich history and architecture through the knowledgeable commentary of the bilingual guide.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Original Quito City Tour in Trolley - Traveler Reviews and Ratings

With a total of 4 reviews, the Quito City Tour in Trolley has earned an impressive 4.5-star overall rating.

Travelers have particularly appreciated the tour’s knowledgeable guides and timely pickups, with 3 reviews awarding the full 5 stars. The lone 3-star review didn’t provide specifics, but the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests the tour delivers a quality experience.

Key highlights from traveler reviews include:

  1. Knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary
  2. Reliable and punctual hotel pickup and drop-off service
  3. An enjoyable way to explore Quito’s historic sights on a trolley

Additional Tour Details

Travelers receive confirmation of their booking upon completing their reservation.

This Quito city tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Guests should direct any comments or concerns about the itinerary to the tour provider for verification.

The tour operates regardless of the weather, so participants should dress appropriately for the conditions. While food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included, the tour does provide hotel pickup and drop-off services for downtown hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

The tour allows children. There’s a maximum group size of 30 travelers, so children can participate. However, the tour duration of 30 minutes per site may not be suitable for young kids. It’s best to check with the operator for any age restrictions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, they are not included in the tour price, so any outside refreshments would need to be purchased separately by the traveler.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for people with disabilities. It is not wheelchair accessible, according to the additional information provided. Travelers with mobility limitations may find the tour challenging to fully participate in.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The traveler can’t customize the tour itinerary, as it’s a pre-set tour. However, they can provide feedback to the host about any itinerary changes they’d like to see for future tours. The tour’s logistics and inclusions are fixed.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though young children may require parental supervision. The tour operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum capacity of 30 travelers.

The Sum Up

The Original Quito City Tour in Trolley offers a captivating exploration of the city’s historic highlights. Travelers can expect personalized experiences, led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and opportunities to explore Quito’s architectural and cultural heritage. With a maximum capacity of 30, the tour provides an intimate and memorable journey through Ecuador’s capital.