Parques de Quito - Quito Parks

Large Quito parks invite the family-oriented - providing an adventure all their own...but even in the daytime - don't let down your guard. Going in a group is a must at night, if you go at all.

Each has its unique features.

Itchimbia Park

Itchimbia provides medicinal herbs for the colonial center just like a drugstore.

It began as a hacienda until the mid-twentieth century.

The first commercial TV station operated from here as Channel 6.

This park aims to make it easily accessible to everyone, especially the handicapped, senior citizens and pregnant women for recreational and educational activities.

For now, it serves the children best with many areas for different activities, especially educational.

Weekends offer entertainment and workshops for children.

It overlooks the historic center in a panoramic view as spectacular as El Cielo Quiteno Restaurant nearby, but doubly so. After closing time is a great time for a sunset dinner either at Pim's or El Cielo Quiteno.

Pim's Restaurant by the Crystal Palace on the park exudes elegance in a homey atmosphere. Plus, the food won't disappoint you.

Parque El Ejido

The same goes for the mercado. Always it's, "Que desiaba?", which translates, "What do you desire?" Or they may greet you with, "A la orden," which translates "At your service."

El Ejido can be reached easily from the colonial center by trolley, taxi or a 25-minute brisk walk.

Across the street, the landmark hotel and casino Colon Hilton offers an excellent place to eat and great restrooms with toilet paper!

To use the restrooms, the security guards need to see you come out of the restaurant, or use the ones in the casino and throw some small change into the penny, dime or quarter slots.

Parque Carolina

Fiesta parades begin and/or end here.

This creation of the many splendid Quito parks hides behind El Jardin (the Garden) Shopping Mall. It's my favorite shopping mall.

I prefer to go it alone, but a guided tour - not mandatory - can enhance your visit.

Next door, the Museum of Natural Science, which is only open on weekends, 9 to 2, can be interesting.

Then, again, leisure is always the name of the game in places made for leisure.

Alameda Park and Observatory

Lots of locals and students hang out here. I was personally warned by a strolling local to watch my belongings carefully even though the only belonging I had on me was my cheap digital camera.

The observatory - currently under construction for remodeling - is closed.

This spot was chosen by President Gabriel Garcia Moreno in 1870, sought out because of its excellent geographic position and altitude - making Quito an exceptional place to study the heavens.

Together with the National School of Politechnics, he entrusted one of its first professors with overseeing the construction and direction of the project.

After seven years, the work was completed, having brought all the equipment necessary on the backs of mules.

Its completion in 1877 took place 2 years after Garcia Moreno was assassinated in the midst of political turbulence. Its function began in 1878.

In 1875 a new telescope - still in use -became installed.

Another point of interest that Garcia Moreno took the initiative to have constructed was the 1870 Botanical Garden of Alameda.

A Jesuit priest took over, and at that time more than 12,000 species of plants, shrubs, trees, etc. were collected. The plants and trees remaining are poetically referred to as footprints of the past.

El Churro - the name of the mirador - or manmade lookout point - presents an overview of the park and more.

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