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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- South America
- Ecuador
- Quito
- Plaza de la Independencia
Plaza de la Independencia
The square, also known as Plaza Grande, has always been the
heart of the city, and as the hub of the old centre, it is the best
place to sit and people-watch. Around the square are the Cathedral,
the City Hall, the Government Palace and the Archbishop's Palace,
the most notable municipal and religious buildings in the city. The
cathedral, the oldest church in South America, is one of the city's
most impressive historical and architectural sites. Both the
Government Palace and the cathedral were scenes of shocking
murders: in 1875 President García Moreno was murdered by machete,
and in 1877, the Bishop of Quito was poisoned during a Good Friday
Mass.
Information & Facts
Language
Spanish is the official language, but Quechua is the main
language spoken among the indigenous people.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. In 2000
the sucre was replaced by the dollar as the legal currency, but
despite dollarization, the sucre will likely persist in rural areas
for a while longer. It is recommended that travellers bring both US
dollar notes and travellers cheques as other foreign currencies are
difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Small
denominations in good condition are the easiest to exchange outside
of the main cities. In the main centres most currencies can be
exchanged at banks and exchange houses (
casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are
available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in
tourist areas and large hotels although a commission of 6-8% is
often charged.