Palacio de Carondelet (Carondelet Palace), Quito
Located in Independence Square, the Carondelet Palace, also known as the Presidential Palace, serves as the seat of the Government of the Republic of Ecuador. The palace was formed by combining several buildings purchased by the Spanish crown. Its name, “Carondelet Palace,” was given by Simón Bolívar in 1822, who admired the elegance and austerity of the building during his visit.
Spanish architect Antonio García oversaw renovations under the direction of Barón Francisco de Carondelet, who also contributed to restoring other landmarks in the city, including the Cathedral. The work on the palace was officially completed in 1803.
Inside, a mural by the Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, titled La Patria (The Homeland), depicts the struggles and resilience of the Ecuadorian and Latin American people.
During Rafael Correa’s presidency, the government declared the Carondelet Palace an Ecuadorian cultural heritage site and opened parts of the palace to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the interior, view its decorative rooms, and see gifts presented to Ecuadorian presidents over the years. The experience offers a rich glimpse into Ecuador’s political history, architecture, and cultural heritage.
Tours of the palace typically last around 45 minutes. Tickets can often be obtained on the day of the visit, though reserving online in advance can help avoid lines, especially during busy periods.
Spanish architect Antonio García oversaw renovations under the direction of Barón Francisco de Carondelet, who also contributed to restoring other landmarks in the city, including the Cathedral. The work on the palace was officially completed in 1803.
Inside, a mural by the Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, titled La Patria (The Homeland), depicts the struggles and resilience of the Ecuadorian and Latin American people.
During Rafael Correa’s presidency, the government declared the Carondelet Palace an Ecuadorian cultural heritage site and opened parts of the palace to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the interior, view its decorative rooms, and see gifts presented to Ecuadorian presidents over the years. The experience offers a rich glimpse into Ecuador’s political history, architecture, and cultural heritage.
Tours of the palace typically last around 45 minutes. Tickets can often be obtained on the day of the visit, though reserving online in advance can help avoid lines, especially during busy periods.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Quito. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Palacio de Carondelet (Carondelet Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palacio de Carondelet (Carondelet Palace)
Sight Location: Quito, Ecuador (See walking tours in Quito)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Quito, Ecuador (See walking tours in Quito)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Quito, Ecuador
Create Your Own Walk in Quito
Creating your own self-guided walk in Quito is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Religious Buildings Tour
As a former Spanish colony, Ecuador and its capital city Quito are home to literally dozens of Catholic churches. The Spaniards brought their faith into the new country and built many great temples here, some of which even pre-date the city of Quito itself.
Among the key local landmarks of ecclesiastical architecture is the Santo Domingo Church, dating back to the 16th century and showcasing a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Among the key local landmarks of ecclesiastical architecture is the Santo Domingo Church, dating back to the 16th century and showcasing a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Quito Introduction Walking Tour
Born from Inca dreams and Spanish conquest, Quito stands high in the Andes—not just between valleys and volcanoes, but between worlds: indigenous, colonial, and modern.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South America. Its name is believed to derive from the Quitus, an Indigenous group that lived in the area long before the Inca conquest. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South America. Its name is believed to derive from the Quitus, an Indigenous group that lived in the area long before the Inca conquest. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles


