Independence Square — Attraction in Centro Histórico

Well, if you are in town you should check out the main square. This one is ok, not going to wow you like CDMX Mexico, or Villa de Leyva Colombia.

If you don't have a local sim yet, this is the place to get a good plan from the official companies (Tuenti, Movistar, may be Claro too). I passed many phone shops on the way to the main square, but they either don't have the plan I wanted or price was high, beside I like to deal directly with the company if possible. You'll spot usually a team of 2, wearing uniform with the company's logo and in their company's color, and a placard behind their back over their head with the name of their company. I went with Tuenti, $7 for 30 days, 7 GB, free data for WhatsApp and Spotify, all in, including the sim. After activating your chosen plan, they will install their official app to show the data allowance and for you to monitor your usage.

If you're interested in observing the Cambio de la Guardia Presidencial (Changing of the Guard) ceremony, it's on the first Monday of the month at 12pm. Beware, I was not able to attend and thus verify if this information is correct. After talking to no less than 7 policia stationed at the square and getting all different answers, and none of them proved to be correct, this is the latest information I got without being able to prove correct or...

Plaza de la Independencia, or Plaza Grande is Quito Central itself. Nay, it is Ecuador central🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨.

It’s the largest historical square and the symbol/seat of power since Real Audiencia de Quito or El Reino de Quito, the face (viceroyalty) of the Spanish Crown back in the 16th century. The Real Audiencia at the time encompassed Ecuador, Peru and part of Colombia. As such, the plaza has a very important place in the colonial history of South America.

The square is surrounded by several historical buildings of very distinctive Spanish Baroque architecture.

All the buildings were started in 16th and completed in 17th century. They have of course undergone several renovations/reconstructions over the centuries.

Palacio de Carondelet: the most important building that housed the former royal houses. It is now the Presidential Palace.

Cathedral Metropolitana de Quito and Archbishop Palace: a strange combination of baroque, neoclassical and mujedar designs.

Hotel Plaza Grande or Palacio de Pizarro: the tallest of the buildings on the square. It has a classic baroque facade.

Quito Municipal Building

At the center of the square is the Monument of the Heroes of Independence declared on August 10, 1809🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨.

Today, the square is a center of all kinds of activity: festive, political, touristic, entertainment and...

Review on 3 different languagues (Spanish - English - French)

Review on Spanish:

Es un lugar único en el mundo. La puerta hacia el Centro Histórico mejor conservado del mundo. Perfecto para un paseo solo o en familia para conocer la ciudad.

✅ Disponen de Policías en la zona donde están vigilando continuamente. ✅ Disponen de vistas únicas y hermosas de Quito.

Recomendaciones: Es muy importante estar atento de las personas porque si bien es cierto existen policías, pero si existen carteristas y demás. Siempre tener cuidado con artículos personales y maletas. Existe facilidad de pago por muchos lugares, pero si fuera importante tener efectivo. No estar por el sector o la zona más allá de las 8pm lo recomendable. Llevar bien cargado dispositivos electrónicos porque no hay tomas a la corriente. A menos que ingreses a algún restaurante o cafetería. Es muy importante verificar el parqueadero para carros y motos. Importante si son días de sol traer gafas, gorra y protector solar. Si el clima pretende ser frio. Llevar contigo un paraguas y una buena chaqueta para el frio.

LUGAR 100% RECOMENDADO DE VISITAR.

Review on English:

It is a unique place in the world. The door to the best preserved Historical Center in the world. Perfect for a walk alone or with the family to get to know the city.

✅ They have police in the area where they are continuously monitoring. ✅ They have unique and beautiful views of Quito.

Recommendations: It is very important to be aware of people because while it is true that there are police officers, there are pickpockets and so on. Always be careful with personal items and suitcases. There is ease of payment in many places, but it is important to have cash. It is recommended not to be in the sector or area beyond 8pm. Bring fully charged electronic devices because there are no power outlets. Unless you enter a restaurant or cafe. It is very important to verify parking for cars and motorcycles. It is important if it is sunny days to bring glasses, a hat and sunscreen. If the weather pretends to be cold. Bring with you an umbrella and a good jacket for the cold.

100% RECOMMENDED PLACE TO VISIT.

Review on French:

C'est un endroit unique au monde. La porte du centre historique le mieux conservé au monde. Parfait pour une promenade seul ou en famille pour découvrir la ville.

✅Ils ont des policiers dans la zone qu'ils surveillent en permanence. ✅ Ils ont une vue unique et magnifique sur Quito.

Recommandations : Il est très important d'être attentif aux gens, car s'il est vrai qu'il y a des policiers, il y a des pickpockets, etc. Soyez toujours prudent avec vos objets personnels et vos valises. Il est facile de payer dans de nombreux endroits, mais il est important d'avoir de l'argent liquide. Il est recommandé de ne pas se trouver dans le secteur ou la zone au-delà de 20h. Apportez des appareils électroniques entièrement chargés car il n’y a pas de prise de courant. Sauf si vous entrez dans un restaurant ou un café. Il est très important de vérifier le stationnement des voitures et des motos. Il est important, s'il fait beau, d'apporter des lunettes, un chapeau et de la crème solaire. Si le temps fait semblant d'être froid. Apportez avec vous un parapluie et une bonne veste pour le froid.

ENDROIT 100%...