San Francisco Square: Quito's Historic Heart
Discover Quito's vibrant culture and colonial history in San Francisco Square, a historic landmark in the heart of the Old Town.
San Francisco Square, or Plaza de San Francisco, is a major public plaza in Quito's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its stunning colonial architecture and rich history. The square is surrounded by historical buildings, including the iconic San Francisco Church.
A brief summary to San Francisco Square
- QFHM+JX3, Quito, Centro Histórico, 170401, EC
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos of the square and the San Francisco Church.
- Explore the shops beneath the church to discover unique Ecuadorian goods and even former catacombs.
- Try local delicacies like Ecuadorian blackberry juice or Pilsener beer at one of the cafes surrounding the square.
- Be aware of your belongings, as pickpockets and scammers can operate in tourist areas.
- Visit on the weekend to experience local street performers, indigenous music, and dance.
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Getting There
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Walking
San Francisco Square is easily accessible on foot from many attractions in Quito's Old Town. From Plaza Grande, walk west along Calle Chile, then turn left onto Calle Cuenca. Continue for two blocks, and you'll find the square on your right. No costs are associated with this approach.
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Public Transport
From the Quitumbe Terminal, take the Ecovía bus line towards El Recreo. Alight at the 'San Francisco' station. From there, it's a short walk to San Francisco Square. Follow the signs towards the Centro Histórico. The bus fare is approximately $0.25.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Quito. Simply input 'San Francisco Square, Quito' as your destination. A taxi from Quito Airport (UIO) to Plaza de San Francisco takes about 38 minutes and costs $26 - $32. A taxi from the Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Basilica and Convent of San Francisco costs $7–10.
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