Exploring Quito, with its historic center and the intriguing Intiñan Museum at the equator, offers a captivating journey through culture, history, and the fascinating wonders of our planet.
Quito – Swissôtel
Please, passengers should be at the Swissotel corner located at 12 de Octubre Avenue 15 minutes before departure.
Step into the past and discover the enchanting charm of Quito’s colonial town, where history comes alive on every cobblestone street. Our guided tour invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ecuador’s capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture.
Pick up from your hotel and our first visit: Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square): We’ll stroll through the heart of the colonial town, Independence Square, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Learn about the significant events that unfolded here and witness the vibrant energy of daily life in Quito.
As we stroll through the colonial streets, we will arrive at one of Quito’s iconic gems: La Compañía Church (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús): Our journey begins with a visit to one of Quito’s most iconic landmarks, the awe-inspiring La Compañía Church. Marvel at the intricate Baroque architecture and ornate decoration that adorns every corner of this masterpiece. The church’s golden interior, adorned with intricate woodwork and stunning frescoes, is nothing short of breathtaking. Your guide will share the fascinating history and stories behind this magnificent structure.
We are heading to the Middle of the World, where we will take a tour of Casa Agave to learn about this plant, the distillation process, and tasting. This visit takes 1H30. Departure to Intiñan Museum (This visit applies Tuesday to Sunday only).
The Intiñan Museum, also known as the Museo de Sitio Intiñan, is a popular tourist attraction located near the equator in Ecuador, just outside of Quito. The museum is named after the «Intiñan» or «Path of the Sun,» referring to the equator line that runs through this region.
Visiting the Intiñan Museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural and scientific significance of the equator. Here are some key highlights of a visit to the museum:
Equatorial Line: The museum is built around the equatorial line, and you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a popular photo opportunity for visitors.
Exhibits: The museum features various exhibits that explore the cultural, historical, and scientific aspects of the equator. You can learn about indigenous cultures, astronomy, and the natural phenomena associated with the equator.
Interactive Demonstrations: One of the main attractions of the museum is the series of interactive demonstrations that illustrate the unique properties of the equator. These demonstrations often include experiments related to gravity, balance, and the Coriolis effect.
Ethnographic Displays: The museum also showcases ethnographic displays that highlight the customs and traditions of Ecuador’s indigenous peoples, providing insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Traditional Arts: Visitors can observe traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, such as weaving and pottery, which are important aspects of Ecuadorian culture.
Botanical Garden: The museum often includes a botanical garden where you can see various native plants and learn about their uses in traditional medicine and daily life. Free time and return to your hotel. End of services.
