Quito, Ecuador’s captivating capital, beckons visitors to explore its rich heritage aboard the Original Quito City Tour in Trolley. This charming excursion aboard historic tram replicas promises an immersive experience led by bilingual experts. Travelers can expect to uncover iconic landmarks, explore the city’s vibrant culture, and gain a deeper appreciation for Quito’s enduring legacy. From the grand Basilica of the National Vow to the towering Virgin of the Panecillo, this well-organized tour offers a seamless way to discover the heart of Ecuador’s remarkable capital. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this enchanting journey?
Key Points
- Experience Quito’s historic landmarks, including the Basilica of the National Vow and Plaza San Francisco, aboard vintage tram replicas with bilingual expert guides.
- Explore the charming La Ronda neighborhood and admire the panoramic views from the Virgin of the Panecillo statue.
- Enjoy comfortable air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off for a hassle-free sightseeing experience.
- Enjoy Quito’s rich cultural heritage by visiting artisan workshops and learning about traditional crafts.
- Based on reviews, the tour offers a well-organized itinerary and positive experiences for the majority of travelers.
Tour Overview
This tour allows visitors to experience Quito aboard a replica of the city’s historic trams. It eliminates the need for a rental vehicle, enabling travelers to explore the city’s key sights with the guidance of a bilingual expert.
Highlights include the impressive Basilica of the National Vow, the iconic Plaza San Francisco, the charming La Ronda neighborhood, and the breathtaking Virgin of the Panecillo statue.
The tour provides an immersive and convenient way to discover Quito’s rich cultural heritage and architectural gems without the hassle of driving.
Want to dig deeper into Quito? We've also reviewed these city tours
Inclusions and Logistics
For this tour, an air-conditioned vehicle transports visitors, accompanied by a bilingual guide.
The tour includes:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off for downtown hotels.
- Confirmation upon booking.
- Accessibility limited, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
- A maximum of 30 travelers per tour.
The tour’s logistics ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for participants.
With the air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable guide, visitors can focus on exploring the city’s highlights without the hassle of navigation or transportation.
Basilica Del Voto Nacional
Towering over the city, the Basilica del Voto Nacional is the largest and best-preserved historic church in South America. Visitors can explore this architectural marvel, which features intricate Gothic-style details and impressive towers. The tour provides a 30-minute visit to the basilica, granting travelers a chance to admire its grandeur.
| Basilica del Voto Nacional | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Admission | Free |
| Architectural Style | Gothic |
| Towers | Impressive |
| Preservation Status | Best-preserved |
The basilica’s towering presence and free admission make it a must-see highlight of the Quito city tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s rich history and architectural legacy.
La Virgen Del Panecillo
Capping the city’s skyline is the iconic Virgin of the Panecillo statue, a 45-meter tall monument that serves as Quito’s guardian.
Visitors can marvel at this winged Virgin Mary sculpture, which offers panoramic views of the city. The stop includes:
- A 30-minute visit to admire the statue and take in the scenery.
- Free admission to access the hilltop viewpoint.
- Opportunities for photos with the Virgin of the Panecillo in the background.
- Insights from the bilingual guide about the statue’s history and significance.
This picturesque stop provides a highlight of the Quito city tour, allowing travelers to appreciate the iconic landmark and its breathtaking vantage point over the Ecuadorian capital.
Additional Stops
Along With the Basilica of the National Vow and the Virgin of the Panecillo, the tour incorporates visits to other notable landmarks and cultural sites around Quito.
The tour also stops at Plaza San Francisco, a historic colonial square surrounded by impressive architecture.
Visitors can explore artisan workshops, where skilled craftspeople demonstrate traditional techniques and sell their handmade wares.
These additional stops provide a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to enjoy Quito’s rich history, culture, and artistic heritage.
The guided commentary throughout the tour enhances understanding and appreciation of the city’s diverse attractions.
Meeting and Pickup Information
Where can travelers meet for the Original Quito City Tour? The tour offers convenient pickup from selected centrally located hotels.
If your hotel’s not included, don’t worry – the closest meeting point will be confirmed. The tour starts at 8:00 am, with pickups beginning shortly before.
Here’s what you need to know about meeting and pickup:
- Pickup available from selected downtown hotels.
- If outside the pickup area, the closest meeting point will be provided.
- Tour ends back at the original meeting spot.
- Be ready for pickup a few minutes before the 8 am start time.
The tour’s flexibility ensures a smooth start to your Quito sightseeing adventure.
Traveler Reviews
The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past travelers, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 4 reviews. The majority of customers (3 out of 4) gave the tour a 5-star rating, praising the knowledgeable guides and timely pickups. While one traveler gave a 3-star review, citing a desire for additional stops, the feedback indicates a great overall experience.
| Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | 3 |
| 4 stars | 0 |
| 3 stars | 1 |
| 2 stars | 0 |
| 1 star | 0 |
The reviews suggest the tour offers a well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides, making it a great choice for exploring Quito.
Participation and Transportation
Most travelers can participate in this tour, which provides an air-conditioned vehicle and bilingual guide.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it can accommodate a maximum of 30 travelers.
Here’s what you need to know about getting to and from the tour:
- Pickup is available from selected centrally located hotels.
- If your hotel is outside the geographic area, the closest meeting point will be confirmed.
- The tour starts at 8:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.
- The tour is near public transportation, making it easily accessible for those not staying at the pickup hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Stops Are Included in the Tour?
The tour includes several stops, with the main highlights being the Basilica of the National Vow and the Virgin of the Panecillo statue. Additional stops include Plaza San Francisco and visits to artisan workshops.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
The tour details don’t mention any discounts for children or seniors. It seems the pricing is the same for all travelers, regardless of age. The tour has a maximum group size of 30 travelers.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Stop?
The tour allows 30 minutes at the Basilica del Voto Nacional and the Virgin of the Panecillo statue. Additional stops at Plaza San Francisco and artisan workshops are also included, but the specific time allotted for those is not stated.
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Basilica?
Photography is allowed inside the Basilica del Voto Nacional, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting services. The tour guide provides information about this historic church, one of the highlights of the Quito city tour.
Are There Options to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour offers a standard itinerary, but travelers can’t customize the stops. However, some reviewers wished for additional visits, like La Ronda neighborhood. The guide provides commentary, and the experience is generally well-received for its organized logistics and knowledgeable staff.
Recap
The Original Quito City Tour in Trolley offers a delightful and immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore Ecuador’s vibrant capital. With knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and a well-organized itinerary, the tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover Quito’s rich cultural heritage, from the iconic Basilica to the majestic Virgin of the Panecillo. Whether seeking to learn about the city’s history or simply soak in its vibrant atmosphere, this trolley tour is a must-do activity for visitors to Quito.
More City Tours in Quito
- Quito City and Equator Line Experience
- Transfer in Private Vehicle From Quito City – Quito Airport (Uio)
- Let Me Show YOU: the Amazon & Baños City in 2 Days From Quito
- 2-Day Quilotoa Lagoon and the Adventure City of Baños
- Historic City of Quito and The Original Craft Beer Tour – Small Group
- Quito City Tour – Middle of the World and Teleférico (Cable Car)
More Tours in Quito
- Private Tour at Cotopaxi and Quilotoa One Day Include Paint Class
- Ilinizas Hiking Day Tour
- Whitewater Rafting & Jungle Adventures (3 Days Tour From Quito)
- From Quito: Las Lajas Sanctuary Full-Day Tour & Hotel Pickup
- 10 Days Birding Photo Tour From Andes to Amazon of Ecuador
- Private Quito Old District Tour & Teleferico Including Entrances
More Tour Reviews in Quito
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Quito we have recnetly reviewed
- 5 Best Guided Tours In Quito
- 3 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Quito
- 4 Best Craft Beer Tours And Tastings In Quito
- 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Quito
- 14 Best 3 Day Tours In Quito
- 10 Best 4 Day Tours In Quito
- 10 Best Food Tours In Quito
- 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Quito
- 3 Best Coffee Tours And Tastings In Quito
- 7 Best Lunch Experiences In Quito
- Venture Into Rio Quijos Scenic Valley
- 4-Days Andes and Amazon Journey