The lookout
Roofs and domes.
Paulo JC Nogueira — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Paulo JC Nogueira — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Paulo JC Nogueira — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Paulo JC Nogueira — CC BY-SA 3.0
A broad park on Itchimbía hill east of old Quito, about 2,910 metres up, which under the Quitu and Inca peoples was a place of sun worship and in colonial times a natural barrier guarding the city. Today it is one of the best lookouts over the historic centre. From its lawns, red-tiled rooftops, domes and white towers spread before you, with the green slopes of Pichincha volcano behind and the city climbing the long valley between mountains. The view is lovely just before sunset as the lights come on. At the park's heart stands the Itchimbía Cultural Centre, an elegant steel-and-glass building that Quiteños call the «Crystal Palace», hosting exhibitions and cultural events. Around it, paths for walking and jogging wind through eucalyptus trees, with space for picnics and kites on windy days. Walking up from the historic centre means steep, quiet streets, so a registered taxi is better, and visit by day. Many governments advise caution in Ecuador, where a state of emergency covers several provinces, so check your own government's travel advice before the trip.
Roofs and domes.
Steel and glass.
Walks and picnics.
Itchimbía hill, east of the historic centre, Quito
By registered taxi from the historic centre in minutes, as the walk up is steep through quiet streets.
