Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus

Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus: A Practical Guide to Exploring Ecuador’s Capital

If you’re visiting Quito for the first time, a city tour on a double-decker bus can be one of the smartest ways to get oriented. For $15, you’ll hop aboard a bright red bus that cruises through the city’s narrow streets, offering you a comfortable, low-stress way to see some of Quito’s most iconic sites. The tour lasts about 2 hours, and with the hop-on, hop-off style, you can tailor the experience to your interests—whether that means lingering at a particular landmark or rushing to see everything in a rush.

What we love most about this experience is the ability to see multiple attractions without the hassle of figuring out local transportation. Plus, the bilingual guides—who can switch seamlessly between English and Spanish—add a layer of insight that makes the sightseeing richer. The second highlight is the stunning views you get from the top deck of the bus, offering a different perspective on Quito’s mix of colonial charm and modern energy.

A couple of considerations are worth keeping in mind. First, while the tour is designed to be flexible, some travelers have found the long stops at certain sites—lasting around 20 minutes—to be a bit frustrating if you’re trying to see everything quickly. Second, the ticket validity can be a point of confusion; some reviews mention that tickets purchased in the afternoon are only valid for that day, not 24 hours, which could impact your plans if you’re not paying attention.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors, those with limited time, or travelers wanting an easy, affordable overview of Quito’s major attractions. If you’re happy with a relaxed pace and like the idea of learning about the city’s highlights from friendly guides, you’ll find this experience quite rewarding.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: You can hop on and off at any of the stops, making it easy to customize your visit.
• Affordable price: At just $15, it offers great value for a city tour with multiple stops.
• Bilingual guides: Guides provide commentary in both English and Spanish, enriching your understanding.
• Iconic stops: Highlights include Plaza Foch, La Mariscal Artisan Market, Basílica del Voto Nacional, San Francisco, and Panecillo.
• Stunning views: The open-top deck gives you sweeping vistas of Quito and its skyline.
• Timing considerations: Tickets are typically valid for the day of purchase; plan accordingly to maximize your experience.

A Detailed Look at the Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus

When we think about city tours, especially in a place as vibrant and layered as Quito, comfort and insight are key. This tour hits both marks with its double-decker bus, which offers a panoramic view of the city’s sights. The entire experience runs about two hours, but the real value lies in the flexibility to hop off at any of the six stops and explore at your own pace.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off at Naciones Unidas Boulevard—a busy, modern hub that serves as a starting point for many travelers. From there, the bus heads to a series of well-chosen stops:

Stop 1: Quito Tour Bus / Bulevar Naciones Unidas
This is the departure point, a convenient spot to gather before heading into the city’s heart. While not a sightseeing attraction by itself, it’s perfect for orientation.

Stop 2: Plaza Foch
Known as Quito’s nightlife and entertainment hub, Plaza Foch is lively and full of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Many reviewers recommend hopping off here to soak in the energetic vibe and enjoy some local cuisine or a coffee break.

Stop 3: La Mariscal Artisan Market
This is a must-visit for those interested in shopping for local crafts. The market offers a colorful array of handmade products, and many guides will point out the best stalls and bargaining tips. Travelers have appreciated the opportunity to explore local art and souvenirs.

Stop 4: Basílica del Voto Nacional
Getting off here allows you to explore this impressive Gothic church, which offers incredible views from its towers. It’s considered one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a favorite among visitors for its architecture and panoramic vistas.

Stop 5: San Francisco
This stop brings you into the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic streets, colonial buildings, and lively plazas make it a perfect stroll. Many reviews mention that the tour provides a great overview of Quito’s architectural diversity.

Stop 6: Panecillo
The bus makes a 20-minute stop here at the famous Virgin of Quito statue, perched atop a hill. The views from Panecillo are breathtaking, especially on a clear day, offering a bird’s-eye view of the city. It’s a highlight for many travelers.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes double-decker transportation with a bilingual guide—a huge plus for understanding Quito’s story. The tour does not include entrance fees to sights, so if you want to visit the Basilica or climb the Virgin statue, expect to pay separately. Food and drinks are also not included, so plan to grab a snack along the way.

The Guide and Commentary

From reviews, it’s clear the guides are generally friendly and knowledgeable. Some travelers mention Veronica as a standout guide, speaking both English and Spanish fluently. The narration is mostly well-received, though a few note that at times the volume or clarity could be better, especially when the bus is moving quickly.

Timing and Ticket Validity

A key tip from travelers: buy your tickets early in the day. Some have mistakenly purchased tickets in the afternoon, expecting 24-hour access, but found that their passes were only valid for that day—limiting their flexibility. The bus runs approximately every hour, so planning your day around the schedule ensures you won’t miss out.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Insights

Many reviewers praise the value for money. For just $15, you get a rundown of Quito’s key neighborhoods and sights. It’s especially helpful for first-time visitors who want a big-picture introduction before exploring on foot or via other means.

One reviewer noted: “We had a good overview of the major Quito sites and enjoyed a long visit at the Virgin of Quito. What a drive!” This captures the essence of the tour—an easy way to see the city’s highlights without walking miles or navigating complicated transport systems.

Others mention that getting off at the stops allowed them to explore at their own pace. For example, many appreciated the stunning views from Panecillo and the chance to browse the artisan market. The friendly guides help fill in the historical context, making the experience more than just a bus ride.

However, some reviews point out that long stops can be a double-edged sword. While they allow for exploration, they can also extend the total trip time—sometimes up to four hours. If you’re in a hurry or have limited time, you’ll want to plan your stops carefully.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, but keep in mind that the bus is designed for comfort rather than wheelchair accessibility. The group size is moderate, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere where guides can engage with everyone.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This Quito City Tour is perfect if you’re seeking a cost-effective, stress-free way to get your bearings in the city. It’s well-suited for first-time visitors, especially those with limited time or wanting to avoid the hassle of public transportation. If you enjoy guided narration and want a visual overview of Quito’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks, this tour will serve you well.

It’s also a good choice for travelers interested in local culture and crafts, given the stops at markets and historic sites. However, if your priority is visiting every attraction or you’re on a strict schedule, the long stops might be less appealing.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For just $15, this hop-on, hop-off tour provides a solid overview of Quito’s most notable sights. The bilingual guides add value through informative commentary, and the open-top bus offers superb views that are hard to beat on foot. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to orient yourself, especially if it’s your first visit.

Travelers will appreciate the flexibility to explore at their own pace, whether that means hopping off to explore the artisans’ market or climbing the Virgin of Quito. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting a relaxed, budget-friendly introduction to Ecuador’s vibrant capital.

That said, keep an eye on ticket timing and be prepared for the longer stops if you want to maximize your time at key sights. This tour offers great value and a memorable way to see Quito from a comfortable seat on a double-decker bus.

FAQ

Q: How long does the tour last?
A: Approximately 2 hours, but with stops and exploration, it can extend longer if you hop off frequently.

Q: Is the ticket valid for 24 hours?
A: Not necessarily. Most travelers find tickets are good only for the day of purchase, so plan your schedule accordingly.

Q: Are guides available in English?
A: Yes, the guides are bilingual, offering commentary in both English and Spanish.

Q: Can I hop off and explore the stops?
A: Absolutely. The tour is designed to be hop-on, hop-off, so you can explore attractions like the Basilica, Panecillo, or the artisan market at your own pace.

Q: Is food included?
A: No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Q: Are entrances to attractions included?
A: No, you need to pay separately if you want to visit places like the Basilica or Virgin of Quito.

Q: What is the starting point?
A: The tour begins at Naciones Unidas Boulevard, a central location in Quito.

Q: Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
A: The bus is not specifically described as wheelchair accessible, so check ahead if needed.

Q: How frequent are the buses?
A: Buses run approximately every hour, so you can plan your stops accordingly.

Q: What do travelers say about the guides?
A: Most reviews mention friendly, knowledgeable guides who add to the experience with clear, engaging commentary.

This Quito City Tour on a double-decker bus offers an accessible, flexible, and affordable way to start your journey in Ecuador’s lively capital. Whether you’re after a quick overview or planning to explore specific sites more deeply, this tour strikes a good balance of value and insight.