Government Palace
This building was erected between the 18th and early 19th Centuries by the "Presidente de la Real Audiencia de Quito" (President of the Royal Council), Baron Hector de Carondelet. On the staircase landing which leads to the first floor, there is a mural painted by the Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, which portrays the discovery of the Amazon River on 12th February 1542. The third floor of the palace is used as the President's private quarters where he lives along with his family. The building has many corridors and reception rooms which are used for official occasions. Access to the top floors is restricted and it is only possible to visit the ground floor of the building.
The Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, have captured the
hearts and imaginations of people for the past two centuries.