Audio Guide of Independence Square Plaza Grande

Independence Square is a public space open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, although the atmosphere is safer and livelier during the day. You can easily get there by trolleybus to the 'Plaza Grande' stop or by taxi, as it is the most central point of Quito's Historic Center.

Access to the square and its gardens is completely free and open to all visitors. However, if you wish to enter surrounding buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral or certain tours of Carondelet Palace, fees may apply or advance booking may be required.

To walk through the square, observe the Heroes' Monument, and take photographs, you will need between 30 and 45 minutes. If you plan to visit the interiors of the government and religious buildings surrounding it, I suggest allowing at least 2 hours.

It is the political and historical heart of Ecuador, commemorating the first cry for independence of 1809 with its central monument. Symbolically, it brings together the four powers of society on its sides: the national government, the local government, the Catholic Church, and the archbishopric.

The best time is in the morning to enjoy Quito's clear skies before the afternoon rains. A must-see moment is Monday at 11:00 a.m. to witness the solemn Changing of the Guard at Carondelet Palace.

The surface of the square is flat and paved, allowing wheelchair access, although it is often quite crowded. Keep in mind that some nearby streets in the historic center have narrow sidewalks or uneven surfaces typical of colonial architecture.

You are just steps away from architectural gems; only two blocks away you will find the impressive Church of the Society of Jesus, famous for its interiors covered in gold leaf. You can also walk to San Francisco Square and visit its convent complex.

Use sunscreen and a hat, as the equatorial sun is very strong even on cloudy days. Keep an eye on your belongings as in any tourist city, and take the opportunity to try a traditional coffee or a 'paila ice cream' at the shops located beneath the Archbishop's Palace.