Parque Alameda

City Plaza

V!VA User‘s Description

Between the old and new towns, the small triangular Parque Alameda is the closest open space to the Centro Historico, and therefore one of the busiest in the city. The grassy banks of the boating lake are particularly popular with picnicking families during the weekends, while other spaces are taken up with various ball games and smooching teenage couples escaping their parents for the day. Scores of food vendors make their way around the park with carts of ice cream, hot dogs, candy floss and the likes, ensuring you don’t go hungry.

In the middle of the park is the Quito Observatory, which is open to the public on weekdays and still houses a German telescope, reputedly once among the most advanced in the world.

Although the park is fine during the day, it’s unwise to hang around after dusk, when muggings are common.