Quito Middle of the World & Panecillo Tour: An Honest Review
Alright, you’re thinking of visiting Quito, Ecuador, and the Middle of the World and Panecillo Hill are on your list, is that right? Well, so too they should be! Getting around a new city can feel a little tricky, so it seems lots of travelers consider a guided tour, too. The ‘Quito Middle of the World and Panecillo Tour’ seems pretty popular, and I wanted to give you my take on whether this experience is very worth it.
First Impressions and Booking
The booking process is, in some respects, pretty easy. Several online platforms offer the tour, making it relatively convenient to compare prices and itineraries. Tour operators frequently propose slightly various packages, it seems, but typically a half-day tour should include transport from Quito, a visit to the Equator monument and museum (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo), and a trip up to the Panecillo statue.
Alright, communication with the tour company before the tour actually could be somewhat hit-or-miss, really. I would certainly suggest confirming all the details, for example pickup time and location, in short. Some companies are, in a way, much more responsive than others. Apparently, you get what you pay, so maybe consider paying a bit more for better service.
The Middle of the World Experience
The main draw for nearly anyone is, very certainly, the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, so too ‘Middle of the World City.’ It’s a touristy place, alright, but, too it’s almost a must-see when you’re in Quito, I would say. You can, for instance, stand with one foot in each hemisphere, which is a fun photo opportunity, so. The monument itself is quite impressive, a little grand too it seems. Inside, so too, there’s a small museum showcasing Ecuador’s cultural regions, alright.
Arguably, the actual Equator line location is subject to debate. Many folks might be aware that it’s slightly off due to GPS technology placing the true Equator a little bit away. A lot of tours actually also include a visit to the Intiñan Museum, which they claim sits right on the true Equator line, so it’s almost fun if you are into something. The Intiñan Museum provides rather silly experiments, it seems, demonstrating the Coriolis effect and other phenomena. Some think these experiments are a little silly, but alright they add to the entertaining aspect of the trip, alright.
Ascending El Panecillo
Next up, it seems is El Panecillo, arguably a hill topped by a giant statue of the Virgin of Quito. The views from up there are truly incredible. You get this sprawling look at the entire city and the volcanoes surrounding Quito. Do take that into account when planning.
Basically, the Panecillo itself has somewhat gained a reputation for petty theft, you know. Taking an arranged tour helps a lot with feeling pretty safe. Tour operators typically take you directly to the top and back, minimizing the risk, for instance. I’d still, even so, keep an eye on your belongings, you, for instance. Also, because of the altitude, arguably you might find yourself breathing rather hard up there. So that is, take your time and drink some water.
The Guides and Transportation
Arguably, the guides really can make or break the tour, as I see it. Some guides have a tremendous amount of knowledge about the history and culture of Quito, you know. They will really offer very captivating stories that will keep you hooked. Anyway, other times, you may find that the guide gives you pretty basic information, alright. Basically, it truly depends on the company and the individual, but if you’re extremely lucky, some guides are more passionate and engaging than others, even so.
Transportation can vary from rather comfortable air-conditioned buses to something more basic. By the way, the quality of the transportation arguably should be confirmed ahead of time, particularly if you’re prone to carsickness. Basically, drivers really need to know their way around, which they normally do. As a matter of fact, traffic in Quito could be very hectic, you know.
Value for Money
The cost of the tour varies. This generally, to be honest, tends to depend on the duration, group size, and inclusions. If you are like your average traveler, you like things on the low side. This is great too. It appears, that in some respects, the ‘Quito Middle of the World and Panecillo Tour’ arguably gives you good value if you appreciate having transportation, a guide, and entry fees handled for you.
The other alternative can very likely be to visit these places independently. However, very very the costs of public transport, taxis, and entrance fees can definitely add up, and also, alright, you miss out on that guided commentary. So that is, weigh your options based on how comfortable you feel getting around on your own versus that desire for that added explanation.
Things to Consider Before You Go
- Weather: Quito tends to be very unpredictable, alright. The weather could be a bit changeable, actually. You know, layering is also that ideal strategy. Bring a light coat or sweater even on a warm-appearing day. You might be really appreciative you did so.
- Altitude: Quito sits at around 9,350 feet (2,850 meters). That actually does mean altitude sickness tends to be a very plausible thing for some folks, you know. Take it genuinely somewhat easy that the first day or two, you realize. Hydrate really properly and perhaps consider trying some coca tea, apparently, this could definitely help that.
- Comfortable Shoes: In fact, some amount of walking definitely could be involved. So, put on comfortable footwear to seemingly dodge blisters.
- Sunscreen: Really. As I see it, Ecuador could definitely be right on the Equator, like your name. That is so to speak, sun may tend to be pretty powerful even on apparently cloudy days. Just like yours, really protect that skin.