Parque Itchimbia, Quito

Parque Itchimbia is a beautiful hilltop park in Quito, that offers sweeping city and mountain views. It's an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a peaceful and scenic environment. This recreational area covers 133 acres (54 hectares) atop Itchimbía Hill and is a popular destination for joggers, walkers, and yoga enthusiasts.

Visitors to Parque Itchimbía can follow the 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) walking trail that weaves around the park, taking in the lush greenery and spotting around 400 plant types, including trees such as arrayan, capuli, and pumamaqui. The park is also home to some 40 bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatchers.

One of the highlights of Parque Itchimbía is its magnificent city and mountain views, which can be enjoyed from various lookout points throughout the park. Visitors can admire the neo-Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional and Plaza Grande, among other notable landmarks in Quito's Centro Histórico.

The park also features the Itchimbía Cultural Center, which is set inside the striking Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). The cultural center hosts a range of art, audiovisual, and photographic exhibitions, as well as dance, music, and theater performances. Visitors can also try to tell the time using the giant sundial situated in the garden.