CityBuddy
Palacio de Carondelet
Best time to visit
Early morning, before 10 AM, when the cobblestone streets are closed to traffic and the midday sun hasn't yet made the square too hot. Avoid major national holidays, when the balconies and the square fill up for official ceremonies.
Budget tips
Free access to the square itself, and the public areas offer plenty of atmosphere without an entrance fee. Choose a tour with the Spanish tourist guide, which is cheaper than private tours, and then head up to the rooftop terrace by buying a combination ticket for the nearby museums.
Recommended for
History enthusiasts, Photography enthusiasts, Culture travelers, First-time visitors to Ecuador
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: The presidential palace has no fewer than 260 rooms, but visitors are only allowed to see a fraction of them. The countless crystal chandeliers and hand-painted ceilings date themselves through several renovations, and the building lies on Quito's oldest pedestrian street.
Highlights: The guard parade in front of the building is not just a formal ceremony: when the hour strikes, the guards march in time with the heavy Andean morning traffic and the horns of the cars. On the rooftop terrace, you can stand face to face with the three volcanoes Pichincha, Cotopaxi, and Antisana, and watch the city stretch out in 360 degrees.
Insider tips
- Bring a scarf or jacket, even if the morning is sunny, because the sun quickly disappears behind the volcano in the afternoon.
- The best photo angle is from Parque Seminario looking east, where the green trees make the white facades light up.
- Look for the hidden wooden balconies on the side streets, which most tourists hurry past without noticing.
- Keep an eye on the changing of the guard at the ceremonial entrances, it happens every hour and offers a glimpse of military precision.
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