Click to enlarge,
The Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park is situated in the Northern part of the Metropolitan District in Quito (the capital of Ecuador). It spans an area of 580 hectares, sitting at an altitude of 2890 meters and outlining the streets of Guanguiltagua, Analuisa and Arroyo Delagado.
From this popular park, you are lucky enough to be able to see out across the Cumbayaá Valley. The area has been designed with four distinct areas in mind, namely:
- The parking and playground site.
- The forest of eucalyptus trees.
- The grassed, arty place.
- The picnic place.
Since the city of Quito is not very green at all, the Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park offers a great retreat from the foggy air of the innercity life to reconnect to nature, become one with the llamas or exercise in front of breathtaking views.
Map of the park.
How to Get There
You can easily get to the Forest by bus or taxi.
Travelling by Bus
You can step onto the bus at the station in Ecovia for $0.25 and step off the bus at the station in Rio Coca which is in the North of Quito.
After you have finished the bus route, you will need to pay $2.00 for a taxi to the actual park itself. However, if you fancy a good walk, you could stroll on down there from here.
There are also buses that go for the Avenida Eloy Alfaro. Get out of the bus in Avenida Eloy Alfaro and Arosemena (Parque Costa Rica). You can also take a bus until Eloy Alfaro and Gaspar de Villaroel.
Travelling by Taxi
There are many taxi services available in and around Quito including CABIFY and UBER platforms. If you are already in the centre of the city, it will cost about $4.00 to arrive at the park by taxi.
The main entrance is in the street of Guanguiltagua. Here you can enter with a car (there are 2 main oarking areas). There are other entrance points: in the Manrique Lara Street (pedestrian and bike entrance), in the Mariano Calvache and Colegio 5 de Junio Stree close to the “Capilla del Hombre” (Museum with art from Oswaldo Guayasamin) and the Fderico Paez Street (close to the main entrance).
It is open from 5:30am to 5:30pm (for cars).
Main entrance.
What Is There to Do and See?
Not all of the trees in the forest are eucalyptus trees.
The Metropolitan Park contains so many things to see, do and enjoy which is what attracts the tourists and locals that love to visit it.
This destination offers numerous paths for mountain biking, walking, trekking and jogging so, if you are into exercise, you must check this place out. You can’t beat a good run with a beautiful view! If the weather is good you can see the Cotopaxi, the Cayambe and the Antisana volcanos.
Trail Signs.
Yellow trumpetbush.
Plus, in the playground area, you will find children’s climbing equipment, football fields, exercise machines, basketball courts, food stands (at Chuquipata parking, you can buy juice, fruits, water, cola and food) and a few parking spaces.
It really doesn’t stop there, this gorgeous area has ornamental structures and artwork dotted throughout the green, wildlife lookout points, dog training rings, toilets, campsite and a barbecue area. Your summer is off to a great start if you choose to visit Quito and this wonderful park.
Not to mention the astonishing wildlife that lives within the vicinity. 70 bird species, including 10 different types of hummingbirds, can be seen flittering about in the Ashintaco Gorge.
Birds yo might see (click to enlarge).
Natural elements such as trees and shrubs decorate the park to facilitate the life of the lovely wildlife and provide you with something extra to observe.
Stone sculpture.
There is also a herd of llamas. You might see them in the forest. You can also find a labyrinth. Smaller children will like it.
If you have just arrived to Quito you should walk or bike slowly:
Altitude in the parque metropolitano: 2988m.
Is it safe to visit?
Brilliantly, yes the Metropolitan Park is safe thanks to the constant police surveillance, CCTV cameras and panic buttons. Additionally, there are always staff who work at the park somewhere near you if you or someone else requires assistance.
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