Plaza Benalcazar

Plaza Benalcázar – Quito, Ecuador Travel Guide

Plaza Benalcázar is a historically significant and serene public square nestled in Quito’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Named after Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar, one of the city’s founders in 1534, the plaza is a quiet space for reflection and exploration. While it’s more understated than the bustling Plaza Grande, Plaza Benalcázar offers a meaningful experience for travelers seeking to understand Quito’s colonial past and urban evolution.

Highlights of Plaza Benalcázar Quito

• Bronze Statue of Sebastián de Benalcázar: The plaza’s focal point is a statue of Benalcázar standing atop a stone pedestal, sword in hand, gazing toward the city he helped establish. It’s a symbolic tribute to the founding of San Francisco de Quito.
• Map of Old Town in Stone and Bronze: Set into the ground at the center of the plaza is a large stone map outlining Quito’s Historic Center. Surrounding it are bronze plaques commemorating key buildings, neighborhoods, and historical milestones. This open-air cartographic display offers a unique, visual way to understand the city’s colonial layout and architectural significance.
• Quiet Ambience and Civic Architecture: Framed by government buildings and heritage institutions, the square offers a tranquil escape where locals gather for lunch, reading, or a moment of rest under the trees.

Best Time to Visit Plaza Benalcázar

The plaza is accessible all day, year-round. Mornings and mid-afternoons provide ideal lighting for photographs of the bronze map and surrounding buildings. Weekdays tend to be quieter, while weekends may feature cultural events or small gatherings.

Getting to Plaza Benalcázar Quito

• Location: In the heart of Quito’s Historic Center, near Calle García Moreno and close to major landmarks.
• By Foot: Easily reachable on foot from Plaza Grande, the Cathedral, or the Basílica del Voto Nacional.
• By Taxi or Ride Share: A short ride from anywhere in central Quito. Ask to be dropped at “Plaza Benalcázar.”
• By Public Transit: Numerous city buses serve the Old Town area. Disembark near the Presidential Palace and walk a few blocks south.

Ticket Information for Plaza Benalcázar

• Entry: Free and open to the public
• Self-Guided Visits: Interpretive signage and the ground-level map make it easy to explore without a guide.

Tips for Visiting Plaza Benalcázar

• Explore the Bronze Map: Spend a few minutes walking the layout of the city on the plaza’s stone map. It’s a great way to orient yourself before exploring the Historic Center on foot.
• Visit Nearby Landmarks: Use the map and bronze plates to identify churches, convents, and palaces worth visiting nearby.
• Respect the Space: This is both a civic and cultural site. Quiet, respectful behavior is appreciated.
• Bring a Camera: The sculpture and overhead view of the map provide excellent photo opportunities, especially in soft afternoon light.

Nearby Attractions

• Plaza Grande: Quito’s main square with the Presidential Palace and Quito Cathedral, just a 5-minute walk away.
• Basílica del Voto Nacional: The city’s most iconic neo-Gothic church, visible from many parts of the plaza.
• La Ronda: A nearby cobbled street filled with artisan shops, street performers, and local cuisine.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Plaza Benalcázar Quito

Plaza Benalcázar may be one of Quito’s quieter squares, but it holds a unique place in the city’s history. With its commanding statue, symbolic bronze map of the Old Town, and peaceful setting amid colonial buildings, it offers a reflective and educational pause in any Quito itinerary. Whether you’re tracing the city’s layout with your feet or capturing its history with your lens, this understated plaza will leave a lasting impression.