Ecuador's capital, Quito, lies at an altitude of 2,800m (9,200ft), within and surrounded by Andean peaks. Moreover, it is an unrivalled jewel of Colonial architecture, as well as a modern, pulsating Latin city.

On this four-day tour, you will enjoy scenic, Colonial and artistic Quito, then stand with a foot on each hemisphere at the Centre of the World. And still have a chance to enjoy some of the best nightlife in South America!

Day 1: Quito: Arrival

Upon arrival at Quito airport, we welcome you and transfer you to your centrally-located hotel.

The rest of the day is free for relaxation or exploration.

Day 2: Quito: City Tour

Quito’s Colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so today, we take you to downtown Quito to marvel at this urban jewel, and its treasures of art and architecture. The stroll starts at Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. We then visit the Jesuit temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior.  

You then continue to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar.

The tour ends at a lookout point with a great view of Quito, before returning you to your hotel.

Day 3: Quito: Centre of the World Tour

Today, we take you to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Km (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact middle of the World, Latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. A certificate for having crossed the Equator is issued to each guest!

The surrounding, volcanic scenery is good and you can also visit the Ethnographic Museum, which shows the great diversity of Ecuador’s native groups, inside the monument, and a Colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and gift shops, beside the monument.

Day 4: Quito: Airport Transfer

Checkout of hotel and transfer to the airport.

Want to see more of Ecuador's spectacular, Andean scenery and Colonial history? Have a look at our 4-day Chiva Express tour. Or for a complete contrast, drop down into Ecuador's Amazon jungle region with our Sacha Amazon Lodge tour or Manatee Amazon Explorer.