5-Hour Quito Layover Tour with Old Town and El Panecillo

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Quito's historic old town during a 5-hour layover
• 02 Climb the towers of Basílica del Voto Nacional for city views
• 03 Stroll through Plaza Grande and see the Government Palace
• 04 Take in panoramic views of Quito from El Panecillo

Embark on a 5-hour layover adventure in Quito and explore the charm of the city's historic old town. After a 45-minute drive from Mariscal Sucre Airport, visit the iconic Basílica del Voto Nacional and climb its towers for stunning city views, then stroll through Plaza Grande and admire historic churches such as the Golden Church and San Francisco. Finish at El Panecillo, a breathtaking viewpoint over the city, before returning to the airport.

Your first stop is the Basílica del Voto Nacional, where you can climb the towers and see the city.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Quito

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Layover Tour of Quito's Historic Centre

• Meet your tour guide, who will pick you up from Quito airport or from your hotel/accommodation close to the airport to begin the itinerary.
• Drive for around 45 minutes to reach Quito's old town.
• Your first stop is the Basílica del Voto Nacional, where you can climb the towers and see the city.
• Later, walk to Plaza Grande, the main square. In this part of the city, you can see some churches and admire their art inside, including the Golden Church and San Francisco.
• El Panecillo Hill will be your last stop. It is a viewpoint over the city.
• Finally, return to the airport.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Pick-up from Quito airport
• Private transportation
• English-speaking professional driver/guide
• Drop-off at Quito airport

What's Not Included

• Food
• Drinks
• Entrance fees

What to bring

• Rain jacket
• Comfortable shoes
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Know before you go

Weather and traffic could affect the experience. If it is raining, it may be difficult to move between highlights.

Depending on the time, some places could be closed. In that case, you will see the places from outside.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito, Ecuador

Tour start

Tababela Parish S/N via Yaruquí, Quito 170183, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.