This morning we visit Quito’s “Teleferiqo”, a cable car which takes you on a spectacular ride up to 4100m on to the Pichincha Volcano. This mountain marks the western edge of the city of Quito.

The Teleferiqo ride itself takes around 15 minutes each way. As the cable car climbs up the flanks of the Pichincha Volcano you can enjoy fantastic views across the city of Quito as it sprawls along this high Andean valley from north to south. On clear days the views from the top of the Teleferiqo across the Eastern Cordillera are spectacular and can include the snowcapped volcanoes of Cayambe, Antisana and Cotopaxi.

Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains so bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket.

Lunch can be enjoyed in a local restaurant (not included)

Later we make our way down into the old town and continue on to visit the neo-Gothic Basilica with its unique gargoyles and vertigo-challenging towers (if you dare to climb).

In Independence Square (Plaza Grande) we discover the cathedral and government palace with its colorful guards. Walking a short distance, we come to the impressive La Compañia de Jesus Church, with its intricate stone carved façade and incredible gold-leafed interiors.

Our tour finishes in the nearby San Francisco Plaza and church, an area of the old town with an authentic indigenous ambience.